TAMPA, Fla. — Boom by the Bay will return to Tampa to celebrate Independence Day this year.
The Fourth of July event will be held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park at 4 p.m. It will feature a lineup of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, fireworks and a brand-new all-American competition, the Apple Pie Throwdown.
What's new this year?
The annual event has added new vendors, activities and challenges this year.
- The Apple Pie Throwdown challenges Boom by the Bay vendors to deliver their most unique version of an apple pie for a prize. Attendees can purchase a tasting pass to sample the apple pie entries. Sampling happens from 4-7 p.m.
- The Tampa Pickleball Crew will host its second annual Boom by the Bay pickleball tournament. Duos can register here.
- Visitors can watch M.A. Art create a live work depicting the Boom by the Bay day and evening scene.
How do I get there?
The city recommends using Tampa's metered parking and parking garages, predominantly across the river from the event, according to a news release. If walking across bridges isn't your thing, Tampa hosts other modes of transportation, including:
- DASH (Downtown Area Shared Hubs) is a fully electric hub-to-hub transit service. Rides are $2 per person and can be requested through their app.
- HART Buses run throughout Tampa; their full schedule can be found here. Farecards range between $1-4.
- Lime, Spin and Helbiz scooters can be found in hubs throughout the city.
- The Pirate Water Taxi offers rides from one side of the river to the other, with sight-seeing benefits. Ticket prices range from $16-26 for Florida residents and $24-34 for non-Florida residents.
- Uber and Lyft have pick-up and drop-off locations along North Boulevard.
Accessible parking is available at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park South Parking Lot on W. Cypress Street.
What can I bring?
YES
- Lawn chairs, blankets and small coolers with food and drinks are allowed.
NO
- Outside alcohol, grilling and cooking equipment are prohibited.
- Attendees are not allowed to bring large umbrellas or tents.
- Bringing personal fireworks, including sparklers, is prohibited.
What else should I know?
A sensory relief zone will be accessible near the park's south entrance on Cypress Street.
The Lazarillo App has verbal directions for attendees to find their way to and through the park.
For more information and special offers on the Boom by the Bay event, text the word BOOM to 888-777.