Tampa Republic

Mayor Jane Castor's Boom by the Bay, an annual event featuring fireworks, concerts, and competitions, is set to return on Thursday, July 4, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. This event, which began in 2019, is a family-friendly celebration of Independence Day.

This year's Boom by the Bay will include several activities:

- **Pickleball Tournament**: From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., run by the Tampa Pickleball Crew. Entry fee is $55 per person, with each participant receiving a t-shirt.

- **Apple Pie Throwdown**: From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., vendors will showcase their best "apple pie themed" dishes. A panel of judges will award prizes. The public can purchase tasting tickets on-site for $2 per tasting or $15 for ten tastings.

- **Free Fireworks Display**: A pyrotechnic show beginning at dusk.

- **Free Concert**: From 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring musical acts such as Fil Pates Bluegrass Band, GWAN MASSIVE, and Harber Whynn.

Participants can also enjoy Family Zone Activations throughout the day, including face painting, bounce houses, sack races, corn hole, and food trucks.

There will be two additional hubs throughout Downtown Tampa with July 4 festivities:

- **Star Spangled Sparkman at Sparkman Wharf**: From 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., this sixth annual event includes live entertainment, a game zone, roaming performers, and food and drink specials. It features the Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade and Water Ski Show ending with fireworks. The event is free with limited space; premier viewing access with cushioned seating and an exclusive bar are available for purchase.

- **Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works**, presented by Budweiser and benefiting K9s for Warriors: From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., this event includes a large-scale riverfront concert, fireworks display, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade, an annual Hot Dog Eating competition, Kids Zone and family-friendly fun all day long. The event is free and open to the public.

"Boom by the Bay is an incredible event because it brings our community together to celebrate our great nation in the heart of our beautiful city," said Mayor Jane Castor. "This year we’re going big! We’re activating the Tampa Riverwalk with fun and festivities from Sparkman Wharf to Armature Works. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and we’ll cap it all off with an amazing fireworks display at Julian B. Lane Park that you won’t want to miss."

Accessibility provisions include a Sensory Relief Zone near the south entrance of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (Cypress Street) near the pavilions. The accessible Lazarillo App provides verbal wayfinding directions for Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

Parking options include all City of Tampa parking garages along with street parking and private lot options; visitors are encouraged to use rideshare and public transit options where possible. Accessible parking is available at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park South Parking Lot (located on W Cypress St.) and all public parking facilities.

Permitted items include lawn chairs, blankets, small coolers as well as outside food and non-alcoholic drinks while prohibited items include outside alcohol, fireworks (including sparklers), grilling equipment as well as large umbrellas or tents.

For security purposes all items/belongings are subject to search; unattended items should not be left behind.

To receive special notifications about Boom by the Bay text BOOM to 888-777 or visit boombythebay.com for more details and updates.

Contact:

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa Florida

33602

(813)274-8211