Photo c/o Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk Boat parade, water ski show, and more public events One of Tampa’s most popular Independence Day traditions returns with the Friends of the Riverwalk 4th of July Boat Parade. This year’s theme, “Salute to Service,” honors military members and first responders with a patriotic display on the water. The parade will feature boats decorated in red The following is a list of many ways the Tampa Bay is marking the holiday. Tampa Riverwalk July Fourth Boat Parade: The Friends of the Riverwalk, the privately funded This Fourth of July, the City of Tampa encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Independence Day along the Tampa Riverwalk, where fireworks, live entertainment, and waterfront festivities will once again light up the night thanks to community partners. Celebrate July 4th by attending the Friends of the Riverwalk July 4th annual Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks show! The parade route will be similar to This July 4th, Jackson’s and American Social are joining forces to deliver a VIP experience for Tampa’s July 4th boat parade and water ski show. Enjoy Indoor/Outdoor Private VIP Access Jackson's Bistro with the best views of the boat parade and the water ski show! VIP tickets available for purchase for ages 21+. This VIP ticket includes reserved seating on the pier, a private bar and private bathroom, one free signature cocktail,, premier viewing of the fireworks display and front-row stage access. Celebrate the 4th of July in Tampa! Here is the boat parade routes for both small and large boats, public viewing areas, VIP seating and more. For more information, visit Choose from one of two locations for your VIP Access-The Waterfront Room at @jacksonsbistro and a private outdoor balcony section, or at @sparkmanwharf and @splitsville.tampa! Hot spots around the area will light up the sky and celebrate America. This Fourth of July, the City of Tampa encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Independence Day along the Tampa Riverwalk, where fireworks, live entertainment, and waterfront festivities will once again light up the night thanks to community partners. Come enjoy our VIP Tent Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, May 3rd, from 5:00pm to 10:30pm. Located in Curtis Hixon Park, Riverfest goers can purchase a ticket and gain access to a furnished tent that includes access to complimentary refreshments (beer, soda, water, cocktails), food, and front-row access to our live entertainment. Come enjoy our VIP Tent Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, May 3rd, from 5:00pm to 10:30pm. Located in Curtis Hixon Park, Riverfest goers can purchase a ticket and gain access to a furnished tent that includes access to complimentary refreshments (beer, soda, water, cocktails), food, and front-row access to our live entertainment. Choose from one of two locations for your VIP Access-The Waterfront Room at Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi and a private outdoor balcony section, or at Sparkman Wharf and Splitsville Tampa! Come enjoy our VIP Tent Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, May 3rd, from 5:00pm to 10:30pm. Located in Curtis Hixon Park, Riverfest goers can purchase a ticket and gain access to a furnished tent that includes access to complimentary refreshments (beer, soda, water, cocktails), food, and front-row access to our live entertainment. Celebrate with Friends of the Riverwalk as we host a July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks! Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP tickets are available for purchase for great views with complimentary drinks and food! July 4, 2025 ¶ Boom by the Bay 2025 will encompass The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk July 4 th Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. Come enjoy our VIP Tent Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, May 3rd, from 5:00pm to 10:30pm. Located in Curtis Hixon Park, Riverfest goers can purchase a ticket and gain access to a furnished tent that includes access to complimentary refreshments (beer, soda, water, cocktails), food, and front-row access to our live entertainment. The Fourth of July is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for several events to kick off around the greater Tampa Bay Area. Fireworks, boat parades, sporting events and dining celebrations are just a few options Tampa Bay residents and visitors can choose from to commemorate Check out all upcoming events at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. You have quite a few to choose from. Tampa Bay is going all out for the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks shows, patriotic boat parades, high-flying water ski performances, and plenty of family-friendly fun. From downtown Tampa to St. Pete and beyond, here’s where to catch the most dazzling fireworks displays and celebrations across the region on Friday, July 4.
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