New Competition Added to Tampa 4th of July Celebration
Last year the big new thing at Boom by the Bay was a pickleball tournament. That’ll be back this year for the Tampa 4th of July celebration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park for 2024. And of course there will be the fireworks too. But the big new thing this year? Apple pie.
A bunch of local vendors will compete in the Apple Pie Throwdown to see who can whip up the best apple pie in Tampa for the 4th of July. It’s as American as, well, apple pie. You’ll need to get there early though. If you’re going just for the fireworks this year, you’ll miss the Apple Pie Throwdown. So get there between 4pm and 7pm. You can buy a pass to sample the apple pies entered into the contest.
Tampa 4th of July Fireworks Info
We all love apple pie. But you wanna know the deal on the fireworks. This year’s show will be able to be seen from 3 downtown Tampa spots. Julian B. Lane is the obvious one. But you can also see the fireworks from viewing areas at Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works.
One place you will NOT see fireworks this year? Official say fireworks will not be shot off for those on Bayshore Boulevard, according to Channel 8. So stick to one of those 3 spots I mentioned and you won’t miss a thing. All will be wrapped up by 10pm.
Parking
City of Tampa parking garages (including Fort Brooke garage) will cost $10 for the day. However, the City of Tampa is strongly encouraging everyone to use rideshare and public transit options like Uber or Lyft. If you insist on driving in, you do have a few good options like Poe Garage and Beulah Baptist Church. Or park in Ybor City and ride the streetcar downtown to the celebration. You have EV parking options too.
