4th Of July Fireworks, Patriotic Picnic 2021 In Tarpon Springs

TARPON SPRINGS, FL— Coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, which means there is even more reason to celebrate this Independence Day.

July 4 is almost here, so it's time to find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you.

We have all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Tarpon Springs, so you can start planning now.

Tarpon Springs will see the return of its popular Fourth of July picnic and fireworks display at on Sunday, July 4. And after being forced to cancel last year's festivities due to the coronavirus pandemic, city officials plan to make this celebration their biggest yet.

“We’re hoping to expand and make it the biggest and best one that we’ve had," said City Manager Mark LeCouris. "We’re going to try to make up for lost time.”

Patriotic Picnic In The Park

The daylong celebration on July 4 will begin with the traditional picnic at Craig Park on Tarpon Avenue at Spring Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event returns in 2021 for the 13th time after being canceled last year. This family-friendly celebration will include a live band from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food, drinks, a hot dog-eating contest for ages 16 and up and water slides. Bring lawn chairs, swimsuits and towels.

Fireworks Display

Then head to Fred Howard Park at 1700 Sunset Drive for a fireworks extravaganza launched from Sunset Beach starting about 8:30 p.m.

The best viewing will be at Howard Park Beach. The park, beach and causeway will be open for parking to view the fireworks show. Parking is free after 6 p.m. but is limited so come early. After the park is at capacity, the gates will be closed.

No alcoholic beverages and no personal fireworks are permitted in the park. For set up and safety, Sunset Beach and the boat launch will be closed all day Sunday.

Here's what's happening near Tarpon Springs

Hometown USA Fireworks Show And Live Band

Where: TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin

When: Saturday, July 3 at 7 p.m.

What: Dunedin will host a Hometown USA fireworks show and live band Saturday, July 3 at TD Ballpark featuring a fireworks show and live music by the Bay Kings Band, a seven-piece high-energy band with male and female vocalists.

Gates will open at 7 p.m. with the fireworks show beginning at about 9 p.m. (weather permitting.)There will be free general admission seating with no tickets are needed. There will be no access to the field. Stadium concessions will be open. No outside food, alcohol, pets, bagged chairs, personal fireworks or sparklers are permitted.

Free limited parking will be available at TD Ballpark, the Dunedin Library and Hale Senior Activity Center.

Independence Day Cart Parade

Where: SPC Zachary L. Shannon Memorial VFW Post 2550, 360 Douglas Ave., Dunedin.

When: Saturday, July 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

What: Dunedin Goes Carting will host the 2021 Independence Day Cart Parade Saturday, July 3. Staging will be in the VFW parking lot.

Register for this free event. Participants must have their registration printed, affixed and clearly visible for the judges on their golf carts where there will be live music, food, drinks and a patriotic performance by Progressive Arts from 3 to 5:30. Then the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. led by Uncle Sam to Mease Manor.

There will be prizes for best-decorated carts. Winners will receive a prize pack from Dunedin Goes Carting as well as an invitation to join the group for the next Mardi Gras event.
Parade sponsorships are available. Click here.

Clearwater Celebrates America

Where: Baycare Ballpark, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater

When: 7 p.m. with a fireworks show starting at 9:15 p.m. set to choreographed music.

What: The annual celebration is temporarily relocating from its traditional venue at Coachman Park to BayCare Ballpark due to the construction of the Imagine Clearwater gateway project at Coachman Park.

Prior to the fireworks, there will be a concert featuring The Black Honkeys Band, activities and giveaways. All-American concessions will include hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn as well as adult beverages.

Clearwater Celebrates America is a ticketed event. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at BayCare Ballpark by calling 727-467-4457 or online. There are two ticket options: berm access or reserved seating. There will be no viewing locations outside the stadium.

Independence Day Celebration At St. Pete Pier

Where: St. Pete Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg

When: July 2-4 (check link above for all times)

What: This three-day event is filled with fun activities for all, including the inaugural St. Pete Pier Run, Silent Disco, Gulp Coast Craft Beer Garden, food trucks and vendors, pie eating contest, live music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater Main Stage, karaoke, "Independence Day" movie, roaming entertainers and more.

The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the city of St. Pete is scheduled for Sunday, July 4, at 9 p.m., and will be visible from the entire downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Drive, Straub Parks, Vinoy Park and others.

Boom By The Bay

Where: Various Tampa Riverwalk locations

When: Sunday, July 4, (check above link for all times)

What: This Fourth of July celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and six firework displays along Tampa's downtown waterfront, city officials said. A first for this year is the Friends of the Riverwalk July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet from 5-7 p.m. along the Tampa Riverwalk.

Treasure Island Fireworks Show

Where: Fireworks will be shot from the beach near Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd.

When: Sunday, July 4 (rain date July 5) starting at 9 p.m.

What: The city of Treasure Island will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show on the beach. Bring a beach chair or towel and enjoy the show as fireworks light up the night sky. Those coming out to the fireworks show will be able to park in Treasure Island Park for a $20 flat-rate parking fee. Find a list of all metered parking lots by visiting mytreasureisland.com and by clicking on "Parking" in the main drop-down menu.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade

Where: 200 Main St., Safety Harbor

When: July 4, 10 a.m.

What: Bring the family to downtown Safety Harbor and see decorative floats and cars drive along Main Street as you celebrate Independence Day. This event is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. Remember to wear your red, white and blue. If you want to enter a float in the parade, call 727-726-9601.

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration By Black Real Estate

Where: Veterans Park at the Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor

When: July 4, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

What: There will be children’s activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of fun for the whole family. The fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Related: How To Keep People And Pets Safe During 4th Of July Fireworks

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute, so double-check with organizers. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.