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Fourth of July in Tampa Bay: parades, hot dog parties, concerts and more things to do

 
The annual Independence Day parade in Brandon kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 4 at 101 E Lumsden Road. [EVE EDELHEIT   |   Times (2015)]
The annual Independence Day parade in Brandon kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 4 at 101 E Lumsden Road. [EVE EDELHEIT | Times (2015)]
Published June 27, 2017

Looking for things to do on the Fourth of July in Tampa Bay? There is no shortage of patriotic events, from the Hot Dog Party concerts and eating contest in Tampa, to the parades in Land O' Lakes and Safety Harbor, to the swinging dance party at St. Petersburg's Museum of Fine arts, there's an abundance of things to do around the Independence Day holiday.

FIREWORKS: Find fireworks displays in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties

TASTE: For Fourth of July, an American feast inspired by Alexander Hamilton

MORE: Local gas prices plummet as Fourth of July holiday travel approaches

PINELLAS

FAMILY

Independence Day Celebration: Children can celebrate the Fourth of July with patriotic games, crafts, a dance party and activities including a "red, white and blue" relay, underwater fireworks and flag creations. All active and retired military and first responders get free admission. Included with admission: $10, $9 seniors, one and younger free. Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 821-8992. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 4 .

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60: Bring blankets or low lawn chairs for a Fourth of July edition of Sunset Cinema with a presentation of Power Rangers (PG-13) on a jumbo sized screen. No alcohol. Free. Pier 60, 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach. (727) 449-1036. 8:30 p.m. July 4 .

Celebrate America: A Fourth of July parade begins at 62nd Street and moves east on 54th Avenue, turns right on 58th Street and ends at the park for a festival with food vendors, games, arts and crafts show and children's activities. Free. Ernst Park, 4600 58th St. N, Kenneth City. (727) 322-5217. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 1 .

Fourth of July Picnic: The park will be filled with a waterslide, paddle boarding, bounce house, lawn games, a hot dog eating contest and hits from the '60s to now by Rusty Trumpet. Free. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4 .

It's A Grand Old Flag: An inspirational speech on what motivated Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner. Free. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. (727) 784-3332. 1 p.m. July 3 .

Poolside Holiday Picnic: Pack a picnic basket and bring the family for a poolside Fourth of July party. $9, $6 with card; $23, $12 with card (group). Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016. Noon-4 p.m. July 4 .

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade: Wear your red, white and blue and join the American Legion Auxilliary for a 50 unit parade down Main Street that includes classic cars, clowns and marching bands. Free. Safety Harbor Main Street Parade Route, Main Street and Second Avenue N, Safety Harbor. (727) 744-3872. 10 a.m.-noon July 4 .

FITNESS

Fourth of July Hot Dog Run: A 5K run or 1-mile walk on an entirely paved course includes hot dog finishers medals, T-shirt, free beer, wings sampler and a post race party. $30. Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill, 21688 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. (727) 723-9100. 10 a.m. July 4 .

Kiwanis Midnight Run: This 10K race course is out Causeway Boulevard and back with a turn around in Honeymoon Island State Park and really takes place at 12:15 a.m. The course is flat and well-lit by more than 700 luminaries and the air is as cool as it gets for this time of year. Shorter races begin at 11 p.m. July 3 (1-mile) and 11:25 p.m. (5K) and 12:15 a.m. July 4 (10K). Benefits numerous area children's charities. $8-$45. Causeway Plaza, 2600 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. (727) 535-2257. 11 p.m. July 3 .

MUSIC

Celebrating America in Song: The Florida Suncoast Chorus presents an afternoon of patriotic songs and American classics. Free. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. (727) 784-3332. 2 p.m. July 1 .

Let Freedom Ring: Sip on coffee and munch on cake as Florida Orchestra chief keyboardist Dale Williams presents a musical salute to America. Free. Pass-a-Grille Beach Community UCC, 107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach. (727) 360-5508. 10 a.m. July 2 .

DANCE

Big, Bang, Boogie: It's the Swing Gang's Fourth of July dance with music by the seven piece Juke Joint Kings and a cash bar with beer and wine. Red attire suggested for women. $15. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-1032. 7:30-11 p.m. July 3 .

TBO.com files

Glazer Children's Museum will have $4 admission to celebrate Independence Day.

TBO.com files

Glazer Children's Museum will have $4 admission to celebrate Independence Day.

HILLSBOROUGH

FAMILY

Fourth of July Brandon Elks: Put the kids in their bathing suits for a day of slip and slide fun, along with a checkers tournament, barbecue lunch with fixings and a screening of Independence Day. Free; $2 checkers tournament; $6, $3 children (food). Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon. (813) 966-9002. Noon-4 p.m. July 4 .

Fourth of July at Glazer: The museum celebrates Independence Day with $4 general admission, and free admission for active military and family members, all day. $4. Glazer Children's Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 443-3861. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 4 .

Rockets' Red Glare Festival: Design, build and launch your own paper rocket and learn how fireworks light up the sky. Included with admission: $26.95, $25.95 seniors, $20.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. (813) 987-6000. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 1-2 .

FITNESS

Lutz Independence Day Run: Run 1-mile, 5K or both starting at Lutz-Lake Fern Road. $10-$22. Lutz Community Center, 101 First Ave NW, Lutz. (813) 997-2841. 8 a.m. July 4 .

FOOD

Fourth of July Food Truck Rally and Concert: Enjoy music by the Frequency Band as you check out selections from food trucks including Sawadee Thai Food, Poutine Truck, Big D's Grub Wagon and In the Middle. Free (food/drink additional). Waterset, 7250 Parkshore Drive, Apollo Beach. (813) 464-5600. 5-9 p.m. July 4 .

Hot Dog Party XI: A hot dog eating contest with a rock 'n roll throw down featuring Synergy in a Cup, Loose Talk, Bangarang, the 17th Street Band, Fresh P and Sunset Sunday DJs. $7 advance, $10 at the door. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Tampa. (813) 241-8600. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. July 3 .

PARTY

Plus Size Party: Sexy red, white and blue attire is recommended for this holiday party for big men and women that includes mixed music by DJ Dez, $3-$4 wells all night and $3 Cranberry Kazis. $10-$15. Sake2Me, 11401 N 56 St., Tampa. (813) 388-8229. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. July 1 .

SENIORS

Fourth of July Celebration: Seniors can celebrate the holiday with patriotic songs and food. Free. Brandon Senior Center and Davis Park, 612 N Parsons Ave., Brandon. (813) 635-8066. 1 p.m. July 3 .

Fourth of July for Seniors: Senior can celebrate Independence Day with a brief history lesson, music and refreshments. Free. Oaks at Riverview Senior Center, 101 E Kirby St., Tampa. (813) 272-6829. 1 p.m. July 3 .

PASCO

FAMILY

Independence Day With the Morgans: Meet descendants of sire Figure, later named after his owner, the Justin Morgan horse, at this holiday themed open house with demonstrations, games, hay ride, prizes and Kona Ice. Free. West Coast Morgans, 17126 Boy Scout Road, Odessa. (813) 920-9870. 3-5 p.m. July 1 .

Family Fun Day: The day starts with a patriotic parade of decorated golf carts and bicycles followed by hot air balloon rides ($10, $5 children), mini golf ($5, 9 and younger free), music by Ray and Ray and the Nightly Brew, bounce house, jumbotron, raffle, food and drink. Free (some activities additional). Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Blvd., Land O'Lakes. (813) 996-4653. 2-10 p.m. July 2 .

Fourth of July Open House: The American Legion Post opens its doors and invites the public to celebrate our Independence with free food, all ages games, music and a cash bar. Free. American Legion Post 147, 17383 Gunn Highway, Odessa. (813) 453-7997. 11 a.m. July 4 .

FOOD

Food Trucks for Independence: Celebrate the Fourth of July with a feast from food trucks including Just Smokin' BBQ, Bacon Boss, Anju Korean Gastrotruck, Fishin' Chicken, Engine 53 Pizza, Mr. C's Grilled Cheese, Chief's Chill Out, Vanchetta and Lizzie's Cucina Italiana. Free (food/drink additional). Club Connerton, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O' Lakes. (813) 464-5600. 5-9:30 p.m. July 1 .

Times files

A food truck rally is part of the celebration in Land 'O Lakes.

Times files

A food truck rally is part of the celebration in Land 'O Lakes.

HERNANDO

FAMILY

High Point Community's Fourth of July Parade: Lineup starts at 8:30 a.m. at the bus stop opposite the guard house. Parade ends at the community center, with a flag raising ceremony by the American Legion Post 186. Complimentary refreshments served. Free. High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, High Point. (352) 596-2397. 9 a.m. July 4 .

DANCE

Independence Day Dinner Dance: Enjoy live music by Moses Grayhound as you dance and feast on a meal of pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and potato salad. $7. Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. (352) 799-7148. 5-8 p.m. July 1 .

Compiled by Kelly A. Stefani, Times staff writer