July in Tampa Bay is packed with excitement, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or looking for family-friendly festivals and unique local experiences. Here’s your ultimate guide to everything happening in Tampa Bay this July, including all the fun Fourth of July activities.
Major Events in Tampa Bay – July 2025
Tampa Bay Rays Baseball
The Tampa Bay Rays are playing a unique 2025 season outdoors at George M. Steinbrenner Field due to Tropicana Field’s closure. Don’t miss these home games in July:
· July 1: Athletics vs. Rays, 7:05 PM
· July 2: Athletics vs. Rays, 12:10 PM
· July 18: Orioles vs. Rays, 7:35 PM
· July 19: Orioles vs. Rays, 7:05 PM
· July 20: Orioles vs. Rays, 12:10 PM
· July 21: White Sox vs. Rays, 7:35 PM
· July 22: White Sox vs. Rays, 7:35 PM
· July 23: White Sox vs. Rays, 7:35 PM
Tickets are available online, and the outdoor setting offers a fresh way to enjoy America’s pastime in Tampa.
Concerts & Live Music
Tampa’s music scene is thriving this July, with major concerts at Amalie Arena and other venues:
· July 12: GHOST – World Tour 2025 at Amalie Arena
· July 19: Keyshia Cole with Tink, Amerie, and Elijah Blake at Amalie Arena
· July 25: Keith Sweat’s Birthday Bash at Amalie Arena
· July 26–27: Jin – #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR at Amalie Arena
Check local listings for smaller gigs and live music at venues like Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and the Tampa Riverwalk.
Theater & Performing Arts
· Puffs: July 9 – August 3 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. This Harry Potter-inspired comedy is perfect for families and theater lovers.
· Other Shows: The Straz Center, Tampa Theatre, and local playhouses regularly host musicals, ballets, operas, and comedy shows throughout the month.
Festivals & Family Events
· Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival: July 18 & 19 at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Enjoy bull riding, bronco busting, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Tickets start at $20 for kids and $35 for adults.
· Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Events: Check their calendar for special brunches, mixers, and community gatherings along the scenic Riverwalk.
· Minor League Baseball: Clearwater Threshers, Dunedin Blue Jays, and Bradenton Marauders all have home games throughout July. Check their schedules for family-friendly outings.
Morning Markets & Local Experiences
· Water Street Tampa Morning Market: Every Saturday morning, featuring local vendors, fresh produce, and artisan goods.
· Tampa Downtown Market: Sundays at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, offering live music, food trucks, and local crafts.
· Ybor City Saturday Market: Explore Tampa’s historic district with local vendors, live music, and delicious food.
Fourth of July 2025: All the Fun Activities
Next week, Tampa Bay will be bursting with patriotic events, fireworks, parades, and family-friendly festivities. Here’s your guide to the best ways to celebrate Independence Day in the region:
Tampa Citywide Celebrations
· Boom by the Bay
o Date: July 4, 4–10 p.m.
o Location: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and throughout Tampa
o Details: Tampa’s citywide celebration includes multiple events throughout the city. The Riverwalk remains open and free to the public, offering prime spots to watch fireworks and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. The event umbrella includes The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf, and the Friends of the Riverwalk July 4 Boat Parade.
· The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works
o Date: July 4, 4–10 p.m.
o Location: 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa
o Details: Enjoy a riverfront concert, hot dog eating competition, American-inspired art auction, and a kids’ zone with bounce houses, slides, crafts, face painting, and glitter tattoos. General admission is free; VIP tickets are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit K9 for Warriors.
· Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf
o Date: July 4, 5–9:30 p.m.
o Location: 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
o Details: Features a DJ, entertainment, Blessing of the Fleet, water ski show, and boat parade. There’s a game zone, 360 photo station, face painting, balloon twisters, and a kid zone. Fireworks light up the sky at nightfall. Tickets are $10 online.
· Friends of the Riverwalk July 4 Boat Parade: Salute to the Red, White, and Blue
o Date: July 4, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
o Location: Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
o Details: Watch or join the boat parade (registration required), enjoy the Blessing of the Fleet and water ski show, and catch fireworks. Free to watch; VIP tickets available for premium viewing.
· Pirate Water Taxi Fireworks Cruise
o Date: July 4, 8:30 p.m.
o Location: Departs from Tampa Convention Center Dock
o Details: One-hour cruise with front-row views of the boat parade, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks. Red, white, and blue costume contest. Adult tickets start at $30, children at $25. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
Other Tampa Bay Area Festivities
· Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 4th of July Celebration
o Date: July 4–7 (park opens at 10 a.m. July 4)
o Location: 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa
o Details: Extended fireworks show at 9 p.m. on July 4 (and nightly through July 7), live entertainment, DJ party zones, and special activities throughout the park.
· Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th Festival
o Date: July 4, 1–11 p.m.
o Location: Hillsborough County Fair, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover
o Details: Free admission, antique car show, food-eating contests, sunset drone show, live entertainment, kids’ zone, pet parade. $10 parking.
· Plant City July 4th Celebration
o Date: July 4, 5–9:30 p.m.
o Location: Plant City Stadium, 1810 S Park Rd, Plant City
o Details: Field activities, fireworks, food. Free admission, $5 parking.
· Safety Harbor Independence Day Celebration and Parade
o Date: July 4, Parade 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Festival 5–9 p.m.
o Location: Main Street and Waterfront Park, Safety Harbor
o Details: Parade, patriotic ceremony, live entertainment, food, kids’ activities, fireworks at 9 p.m.
· Clearwater Celebrates America
o Date: July 4, 5–11 p.m.
o Location: Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater
o Details: Live music, food, kids’ activities, and fireworks.
· Avalon Park West Fourth of July Celebration
o Date: July 4, 5–9 p.m.
o Location: 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel
o Details: Food trucks, patriotic bakeoff, community performances, bike parade, contests, bounce park, fireworks at 9 p.m. Free admission.
· St. Pete Pier Fourth of July Celebration
o Date: July 4, 4–10 p.m.
o Location: St. Pete Pier, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg
o Details: Pier Run, music, craft beer garden, food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, fireworks visible from downtown waterfront.
· Innisbrook Resort Fourth of July Weekend Festivities
o Date: July 3–6
o Location: 36750 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor
o Details: Outdoor events (tennis, golf, swimming), golf cart parade, live music, fireworks on July 5.
· Crystal River 4th of July Celebration
o Date: July 4, 4–9 p.m.
o Location: Kings Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd St., Crystal River
o Details: Live music, food, fireworks over Kings Bay.
Unique and Waterfront Experiences
· Yacht Starship Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises
o Date: July 4, 7 p.m.
o Location: Departs from Tampa and Clearwater
o Details: Dinner, open bar, dancing, and fireworks finale. All ages welcome.
· Red, White & Views at St. Pete Pier
o Date: July 4 and 5
o Location: St. Pete Pier
o Details: Two-day festival with music, Pier Run, fireworks on July 4, water sports, and entertainment on July 5.
Quick Reference Table
|
Event Name |
Date/Time |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Boom by the Bay |
July 4, 4–10 p.m. |
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park |
Citywide celebration, fireworks, Riverwalk |
|
Heights District at Armature Works |
July 4, 4–10 p.m. |
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa |
Concert, hot dog contest, kid zone |
|
Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf |
July 4, 5–9:30 p.m. |
615 Channelside Dr., Tampa |
DJ, boat parade, water ski, fireworks |
|
Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade |
July 4, 5:30–9:30 p.m. |
Sparkman Wharf, Tampa |
Boat parade, Blessing of the Fleet, fireworks |
|
Pirate Water Taxi Fireworks Cruise |
July 4, 8:30 p.m. |
Tampa Convention Center Dock |
Cruise, fireworks, costume contest |
|
Busch Gardens 4th of July Celebration |
July 4–7 |
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa |
Fireworks, live entertainment |
|
Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America Festival |
July 4, 1–11 p.m. |
Hillsborough County Fair, Dover |
Drone show, car show, kids’ zone |
|
Plant City July 4th Celebration |
July 4, 5–9:30 p.m. |
Plant City Stadium |
Field activities, fireworks |
|
Safety Harbor Independence Day Celebration |
July 4, 5–9 p.m. |
Main Street/Waterfront Park |
Parade, live music, fireworks |
|
Clearwater Celebrates America |
July 4, 5–11 p.m. |
Coachman Park, Clearwater |
Live music, food, fireworks |
|
Avalon Park West Celebration |
July 4, 5–9 p.m. |
Wesley Chapel |
Food trucks, bike parade, fireworks |
|
St. Pete Pier Fourth of July Celebration |
July 4, 4–10 p.m. |
St. Pete Pier |
Pier Run, music, fireworks |
|
Innisbrook Resort Weekend |
July 3–6 |
Palm Harbor |
Golf cart parade, live music, fireworks |
|
Crystal River 4th of July Celebration |
July 4, 4–9 p.m. |
Kings Bay Park |
Live music, food, fireworks |
|
Yacht Starship Fireworks Cruise |
July 4, 7 p.m. |
Tampa/Clearwater |
Dinner, open bar, fireworks |
Inspiration from Creative Loafing (Atlanta Style)
While Creative Loafing is Atlanta-focused, their approach to highlighting free and affordable events, art exhibitions, and local culture can inspire your Tampa Bay outings. Look for similar free museum days, art walks, and community festivals in Tampa, such as:
· Free Museum Days: Check local museums like the Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum for special free or discounted admission days.
· Art Walks: Tampa’s Channel District and Ybor City often host monthly art walks with live music and local vendors.
· Pop-Up Markets: Keep an eye on event calendars for pop-up markets featuring local artists, food, and crafts.
Additional Tips
· Transportation: Take advantage of free public transportation like the TECO Line Streetcar and DASH Tampa, or use rideshare, bikes, and scooters to get around easily.
· Family-Friendly: Most events feature kids’ zones, crafts, games, and entertainment for all ages.
· Fireworks: Major fireworks displays start around 9 p.m. at most locations.
Plan your July in Tampa Bay and make unforgettable memories—from Rays games and world-class concerts to vibrant festivals and spectacular Fourth of July celebrations!
