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.
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 and local vendors
- Beer garden
- 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 band performance
5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. DJ
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 band performance
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 band performance
7:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. DJ
8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Live band performance
8:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closing remarks, National anthem, Mayor’s proclamation
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
- Additional fireworks displays at Armature Works and Jackson’s Bistro, Bar, & Sushi of Tampa
Getting There & Parking
We encourage attendees to plan ahead and consider all transportation options:
- On-site parking available at Julian B. Lane Park (limited)
- Parking available at the Bob Buckhorn River Center
- Multiple City of Tampa parking garages available throughout downtown
View a full list of downtown parking options here:
tampa.gov/parking
Alternative transportation options:
- Ride the free TECO Line Streetcar System from Ybor City to downtown
- Use rideshare services for easy drop-off and pickup
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.
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.