The City of Tampa is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with one of the largest Fourth of July events in Tampa Bay — Liberty by the Bay at Julian B. Lane Park. View map.
This free, family-friendly waterfront celebration will feature a 250-drone light show honoring America’s 250th birthday, followed by a fireworks finale, along with an afternoon and evening full of activities, live entertainment, food, and fun for all ages.
Event Details
- Date: July 4, 2026
- Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Julian B. Lane Park
- Cost: Free and open to the public
What to Expect
- Kids Zone with family-friendly activities
- Food trucks
- Beer garden
- Kids' Market Young Entrepreneurs and Community Partner Displays
- Live music and DJ entertainment
- Patriotic Pet Show
- Water ski show on the Hillsborough River
- Kids Liberty Procession
- 250-drone light show
- Fireworks finale
Full Event Schedule
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. DJ
4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Kids Zone
4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Food Trucks
4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Beer Garden
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Live performance from the Beat Down Band
5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. DJ entertainment
5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Patriotic Pet Show (hosted by Humane Society of Tampa Bay)
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Live performance from the Beat Down Band
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Water ski show (hosted by Friends of the Riverwalk) / DJ
6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Kids Liberty Procession (hosted by Glazer Children’s Museum)
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Live performance by Phoenix5
7:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. DJ entertainment
8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Live performance from Phoenix5
8:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closing remarks from Mayor Jane Castor, National Anthem on guitar performed by Fox 13's Mark Wilson
9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Drone show (250 drones) followed by fireworks display
Additional Riverwalk Activities
The celebration extends along the Tampa Riverwalk with additional festivities, including:
- Friends of the Riverwalk Patriotic Boat Parade
- The Heights District Fourth of July at Armature Works
- Friends of the Riverwalk VIP experience and fireworks at Jackson's Bistro
- Freedom Fest aboard the American Victory Ship in Port Tampa Bay
Stay Connected
Get real-time updates, reminders, and event info straight to your phone.
Text TAMPA250 to 888-777 to sign up for event updates.
Transportation
We encourage attendees to plan ahead and consider all transportation options:
- On-site parking available at Julian B. Lane Park (limited)
- ADA parking available at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center, 1301 N Blvd. and the Julian B. Lane South Parking Lot, 903 W Cypress St.
- City garages will be available, along with street parking and private lot options. View a full list of downtown parking options at tampa.gov/parking
The City of Tampa will have three free Jolly Trolley shuttles (wheelchair accessible) continuously running throughout downtown from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with stops at the following locations:
Pick Up Location 1: Marion Transit - 1211 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602
Pick Up Location 2: Fort Brooke Garage - 107 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Pick Up Location 3: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – 600 N Tampa St. Tampa, FL 33602
Destination 1: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
Destination 2: Marion Transit - 1211 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602
Destination 3: Fort Brooke Garage - 107 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Final Destination: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – 600 N Tampa St. Tampa, FL 33602
Get on the water and travel by boat with Pirate Water Taxi. Learn more at piratewatertaxi.com
Park in Ybor City and take the TECO Line Streetcar into Downtown!
The FREE streetcar will operate every 15 minutes. Learn more about the TECO Line Streetcar System.
ADA parking options will be available at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center, 1301 N Blvd. and the Julian B. Lane South Parking Lot, 903 W Cypress St.
DASH will be running for the entirety of the event. Visit tampasdowntown.com for more DASH information or to download the app.
FAQ
Yes, Liberty by the Bay is free and open to the public. Food trucks, alcoholic beverages, and vendor purchases will come with additional costs.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m., but we recommend arriving early to find parking and enjoy the full lineup of activities.
Julian B. Lane Park offers prime viewing, with additional viewing opportunities along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Yes, there will be a variety of food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden on-site.
Absolutely—there will be activities for all ages, including a Kids Zone, pet show, and interactive experiences.
Yes! Pets are welcome, and you can even participate in the Patriotic Pet Show. Please ensure pets are leashed and comfortable in large crowds.
Yes, the City of Tampa and community partners will be hosting a sensory relief zone at Julian B. Lane Park for those needing a break from the crowds and activities.