A guide to fireworks and family fun for the Fourth

It’s the fourth anniversary for the City of St. Pete-sponsored Fourth of July festival. On July 4. Starting at 4 p.m. That must have numerological significance of some sort.

DJ Keytone, DJ Rich and the Actual Bank Robbers band will provide the party music at Spa Beach Park, where the family-friendly event will offer up food trucks and vendors, a craft beer area for those old enough to enter and partake, and a Family Fun Zone for everybody else.

Weather permitting, St. Pete’s biggest fireworks show will begin at 8 p.m.

A reserved seating area is available for a fee; otherwise, admission to the Pier Independence Day Festival – and everything on this list – is free.

Wednesday, July 3

Madeira Beach. Gates to the City of Madeira Beach’s annual Independence Day Celebration open at 6 p.m.; the Street Spirit Band plays at 7, followed by fireworks at 9. Blankets and chairs recommended. At the Mad Beach Recreation Complex, 200 Rex Place.

Dunedin. At TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave. The Dunedin Goes Carting patriotic golf cart parade arrives at 6:30, when gates open and festivities begin. Music by the Modern Measure Band, a screening of the movie The Little Rascals and fireworks around 9:15, weather permitting. Grandstand seating for all.

Thursday, July 4

Gulfport. The city by Bogie Bay goes all out with a daylong  festival on the Fourth. A kids’ fishing derby from 8-10:30 a.m., a family sand sculpting contest from 10 a.m.-noon on Gulfport Beach. The Beach Boulevard parade steps off at 6 p.m.; fireworks scheduled for 9.

Clearwater. For the second consecutive year, the Baycare Sound amphitheater at Coachman Park is home to Independence Day festivities. The 2024 edition of “Clearwater Celebrates America” happens  from 4 to 11 p.m. Vendors and food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities, with a big, booming fireworks show over Clearwater Harbor at 9:30, weather permitting. After that, silent disco party on the Coachman Park Promenade Pier until 11 p.m.

Largo. In the city’s Central Park complex, families can frolic with food vendors, fun activities and live music from the 727 Band. Starting at 6 p.m. and winding up with fireworks at 9. On-site parking is $10.

St. Pete Beach. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. is where you’ll find food vendors and more starting at 6 p.m. Veterans of South Pinellas serve beer and wine. The Smokin’ Renegades perform at 7, followed by a fireworks show at 9. Another recommended fireworks viewing site is the 300 Block of Corey Avenue.

Safety Harbor. Family fun 5-9 p.m. at the Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane. Live music, games vendors. Says the city website: “Get a good seat in the Marina or the Waterfront Park because the best fireworks display in Tampa Bay goes off at exactly 9 p.m.”

Friday, July 5

Lealman, Friday, July 5. No fireworks this year, but the event sponsored by the Lealman Fire District and the Lealman Engagement Committee Independence Day Celebration: The food is free, beverages (including beer) will be available, there’s live music, and fun kid stuff includes a bounce house, games and a water slide5 to 8 p.m. in Raymond H. Neri Community Park, 3875 54th Ave. N., St. Pete.

Tampa’s Big Boom

Boom by the Bay. The Tampa Downtown Partnership and City of Tampa’s annual fireworks blowout at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Thursday, July 4. With music by Fil Pates Bluegrass Band, GWAN MASSIVE and Harber Whynn, a large family fun area, food and beverage vendors and a pyrotechnics display starting at dusk. 4-9 p.m. at 1001 North Boulevard, on the Hillsborough River. Lawn chairs and blankets permitted.