American Girl Celebration
12:30-2 p.m. June 27. Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Fort Harrison Ave. Enjoy trivia, games, crafts, and themed snacks. Be surrounded by exhibits on local history as you learn about the dolls you grew up reading about. Recommended for ages 7-12, registration required. https://tinyurl.com/yet7mt86
Florida Suncoast Chorus
2-3 p.m. June 27. Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater. Join a special musical performance of barbershop vocal harmonies presented by the Florida Suncoast Chorus in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Relax and listen to some of America’s greatest-known songs.
Zephyrhills Summerfest Fireworks Show
2-9:30 p.m. June 27. Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills. Kick back and enjoy an amazing fireworks display with friends and family. Bring your lawn chairs and good vibes for a fun evening under the stars. Don’t miss out on all the delicious food vendors, shopping market, sponsored giveaways, contests, entertainment, cool treats, and so much more. https://tinyurl.com/mryptnbk
Hometown Extravaganza
4-9 p.m. June 27; and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 28. Sims Park, New Port Richey. New Port Richey is going bigger and better than ever for America’s 250th anniversary. This year’s celebration is now a two-day event packed with family fun, live music, and patriotic pride. https://tinyurl.com/rk7hswsh
Happy Birthday America Celebration
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 28. Chapel by the Sea, 54 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach. Congregational Life Committee is sponsoring this party. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided for the main course and an ice cream social for dessert. Please bring a traditional Fourth of July side dish or pay just $5 and enjoy a lunch and fellowship. RSVP to 727-446-0430. Please note, the lunch will follow Sunday’s service.
Boom on the Bayou
6-10 p.m. June 28. Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road, Port Richey. Come and celebrate Independence Day early with music, food trucks, and vendors. A fireworks show will light up the night sky beginning at 9 p.m. Public parking is limited. Bring your blanket and lawn chair. No coolers, backpacks or alcoholic beverages permitted.
America’s 250th: The Revolution’s Hidden Stories
2-4 p.m. June 30. East Lake Community Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor. East Lake High’s Alan N. Kay returns to the public eye with a mission to make history more interesting, fun and relevant not only for kids but this time for adults as well. Hear about the heroes of the Revolution, who were the villains, and why it still matters. Register early as seats will fill up fast. https://tinyurl.com/4xcfj752
The Great American Duck Decorating Contest
3-4:30 p.m. June 30. North Greenwood Branch, 905 N MLK Jr. Ave., Clearwater. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by decorating a rubber duck. Registration is not required, but space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
America 250: Together in Harmony
7:30 p.m. July 1. The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. The special big band concert features acclaimed vocalist Allyson Briggs, bandleader Dan Gabel, and an 18-piece orchestra performing music spanning more than two centuries of American history. $20-$60. https://mypalladium.org/events/america-250
Family Colonial Games Day
2-3 p.m. July 2. Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater. Step back in time and try the kinds of games children might have played during the colonial and early American periods. Simple games requiring creativity, movement and a little friendly competition. Children can even make their own version of some of the games to take home with them. Designed for children ages 7 and older.
Golf Cart Patriotic Ride & Roll
8 p.m. July 2. Main Street, New Port Richey. Join another year featuring patriotic themed golf carts. Line up starts at 7 p.m. All registered participants receive a wristband for after-party specials at participating downtown businesses. For details and to sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/4cj24v4h
Clearwater Celebrates America
5-11 p.m. July 3-4. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Both nights will have a dedicated children’s zone, a mix of international and local musical performances, buskers, local food vendors and more. July 3 will feature a laser light show, and July 4 will have a traditional fireworks show.
Patriotic Golf Cart Parade
6 p.m. July 3. Parade route: from Mease Manor through downtown Dunedin. Celebrate Independence Day with Dunedin Goes Carting’s Patriotic Golf Cart Parade. Decorate your golf cart in red, white, and blue and join a parade through downtown Dunedin. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative patriotic decorations. Staging opens at 5 p.m. in the parking lot at Virginia Street and Orange Avenue. Participants are encouraged not to arrive early.
Night at the Clearwater Threshers
6:30 p.m. July 3-4. BayCare Ballpark, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. The Clearwater Threshers will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. games. Stay after each game for the season’s largest Threshers postgame fireworks display, with the same show lighting up the sky both nights.
Hometown USA
7 p.m. July 3. TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. Following the Patriotic Golf Cart Parade, head over to TD Ballpark for live music by Something Major Band and a movie screening of Miracle. End the night with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. with fun games and activities, face painting, a photo booth. Free, seating is limited.
Liberty and Libations
10-11:30 a.m. July 4. Redington Beach Town Park, 16341 Gulf Blvd. Join your friends and fellow residents in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. Enjoy mimosas (available for anyone aged 21 or over), coffee, donuts and pastries, and games. Note: you must have a current Redington Beach Resident parking sticker to park in the beach parking lot. https://tinyurl.com/3cx72hp2
Anna Maria Island Privateers Parade
10 a.m. July 4. Starts at 10 a.m. and runs through Anna Maria Island with floats, music, costumes and a whole lot of soaking wet spectators. amiprivateers.org
Fourth of July Parade
10 a.m.-Noon. July 4. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 238’s parade route starts at Ninth Avenue South in Safety Harbor and will travel east down Main Street, ending at the Philippe Parkway intersection. To enter a float in the parade, call 727-726-9601.
A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America
10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. Celebrate Independence Day at the Tampa Bay History Center with “A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America,” a Smithsonian Channel documentary exploring the surprising history and secrets behind “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Screenings are included with gallery admission and will begin every hour on the hour. $18.95. https://tinyurl.com/43bd7jkb
4th of July Celebration
10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 4. Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 200 Inverness Ave. The day begins with the annual parade at 10 a.m., followed by an evening celebration at 6pm featuring live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m. The parade will begin near the Family Recreation Complex, 6610 Whiteway Drive, and travels south on Gillette Avenue toward the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.
4th of July 250th Anniversary Celebration
11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Belleair Bluffs City Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy live music from local band, The Bluffs, delicious food vendors, family-friendly activities, touch-a-truck experiences, and more. Check in at the city tent for your free meal ticket. If you would like additional food or sweet treats, please remember to bring cash or debit/credit cards. https://tinyurl.com/4c29x6nj
Red, White, and Blue Celebration
11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Join a classic community gathering featuring a first-come, first-served BBQ with free hot dogs (while supplies last). Bring the whole family out for festive eco-crafts, explore the peaceful boardwalks, and take part in a special Heritage Tree Celebration honoring the park’s oldest, grandest oaks. Free. https://tinyurl.com/32ffasvb
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 4. VFW Post 10094, 14450 Walsingam Road, Largo. Join a celebration featuring everything from live music and American cookout favorites to games and activities, a 50/50 raffle, music bingo and more. https://tinyurl.com/3f943tdh
Bradenton Alive: July 4th Celebration
Noon-9:30 p.m. July 4. Riverwalk Park and Old Main Street, Bradenton. The events at Riverwalk will include live music, kid’s area, car show, food trucks and of course, fireworks. Old Main Street will feature food trucks and live music. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the festivities.
Liberty by the Bay
4-9:30 p.m. July 4. Julian B. Lane Park, 1001 N. Blvd., Tampa. The city of Tampa is pulling out all the stops to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This free, family-friendly waterfront celebration will feature a 250-drone light show, followed by a fireworks finale, along with an afternoon and evening full of activities, live entertainment, food, and fun for all ages. For full details, visit www.tampa.gov/libertybythebay
Celebrating America 250
4-10 p.m. July 4. Spa Beach, 600 Second Ave. NE, St Petersburg. Celebrate Independence Day with the St. Pete Pier Run, craft beer garden, Uncle Sam’s Market, family fun zone, food trucks and vendors, live music, roaming entertainers, and much more. https://tinyurl.com/2pddpkj6
Stars, Stripes & Science
4-10 p.m. July 4. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Guests can discover crowd favorites like the rainbow fire demo, liquid nitrogen ice cream, baseball-themed activities, games, and even a dunk tank. In the Saunders Planetarium, families can experience special presentations on the dome screen, including a sensory-friendly fireworks experience at 4:30 p.m., guided star tours, and additional on-screen fireworks shows that are not designated sensory friendly. $15 children, $30 adults. Upgrade your ticket for $40-$55. https://mosi.org/event/stars-stripes-science
Fourth of July Celebration
5-9 p.m. July 4. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, 4424 Friendly Way. Celebrate America’s Independence Day with an apple pie bake-off, bike parade, bounce park, food trucks, vendors, community performances and kids’ entrepreneur market. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Red, White, & Blue On The Bay
5-9 p.m. July 4. Roc Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. This free, family-friendly event features live music, local vendors, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. over Boca Ciega Bay. Bring your chairs, your friends, and your red, white, and blue spirit for a great evening by the water. Enjoy live music by Homegrown – The Zac Brown Band Experience. A variety of food and retail vendors will be onsite offering food, drinks, and unique items.
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration
5-10 p.m. July 4. Armature Works West Lawn, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Festivities include a large-scale riverfront concert, spectacular fireworks display, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade, annual hot dog eating competition, kids zone, and family-friendly fun all day long. Kids wristband $42. VIP seating starts at $60. https://tinyurl.com/4hrr2asc
Palmetto Fourth Fest
5-10 p.m. July 4. Palmetto Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive. Enjoy music by Tampa-based Soul Circus Cowboys performing Southern rock, patriotic music and popular covers. Food trucks will feature a variety of holiday-worthy dining options, and artisans will offer their artworks for sale. Kids will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, circus performers, balloon artists, a touch tank and slides. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. off the Green Bridge. Trolley service will be available.
United on the Manatee River
5-11 p.m. July 4. Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton. Join a citywide celebration along the Manatee River, featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, family fun, VIP experiences and a huge fireworks display over the water.
Fourth of July Celebration
6-9 p.m. July 4. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with the city of Largo. Join an unforgettable celebration featuring live music, family-friendly activities, crafts, interactive entertainers, delicious food trucks, and market vendors. Free admission. Limited on-site parking $10 (credit card only). Park and walk off-site at Largo Middle School (free) or Largo High School ($5).
Star-Spangled Spectacular
6-9 p.m. July 4. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota. The fun is non-stop with jaw-dropping circus acts, classic carnival games, a whimsical kids zone, mouthwatering local eats, and festive vibes all around. Then, at 9 p.m., look to the sky for a dazzling drone show that’ll leave you starry-eyed. Seating is limited. Feel free to bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks permitted.
Safety Harbor’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show
9-9:30 p.m. July 4. Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Bring your chairs and blankets and claim your spot for the fireworks at 9 p.m.
A Service of Choral Evensong
7 p.m. July 5. St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church, 1601 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor. Gather to sing, pray, and hear music that brings to mind who we are, our history, and hope for the future. The service will include familiar patriotic hymns and prayers for our nation. Following the program, there will be an ice cream social in Reister Hall.
All-American 50 at 250 Bash
11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 11. Heritage Village Museum and Park, 11909 125th St. N, Largo. This family-friendly festival honors Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring live Americana music, historic exhibit openings, a Patriotic Dog Costume Contest, and other traditional summer activities. Admission to this milestone event is free. https://tinyurl.com/5dcv53rm
Surreal Summer Nights At The Dalí
5-8 p.m. July 16. Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. In celebration of the 250-year anniversary of the nation’s founding, join the museum for an indoor Independence Day party during this Surreal Summer Night. The official DJ of the Tampa Bay Rays will spin a mix of classic American hits and party anthems. Enjoy extended hours, live entertainment and free activities throughout the ground floor, including a complimentary sample from this month’s community partner, Wildflower Ice Cream. https://tinyurl.com/3a9zx2mn
Community Give Back
5-10 p.m. July 17. New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284, 7201 Congress St. Join the New Port Richey Elks for an evening of patriotism, community, great food, and live music in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and support local charitable programs. There will be fun and games from 5-6:30 p.m. followed by music with Wallace Blvd from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday Musicale
3-4 p.m. July 19. Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St., Seminole. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with The Song Circle Band, a dynamic ensemble rooted in years of shared musical history. Blending vintage rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and folk, this harmonious group features bass, mandolin, harmonica, rhythm, and guitar.
PGS 250: Hidden Heroes-Patriots of Color
1-2 p.m. July 25. Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. An eye-opening session on spies and soldiers who redefined liberty. This is a special America 250 presentation presented by Lori Coffey, president of the Pinellas Genealogy Society and regent of Caladesi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
America the Beautiful Trivia
2-3 p.m. July 25. Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. Join a fun afternoon of trivia with your family and friends to celebrate 250 years of America. Test your knowledge in 5 rounds focusing on the 50 states, North American animals, famous Americans, American symbols, and American history highlights. Top three teams will win prizes. Snacks and beverages provided. Registration required. https://tinyurl.com/2tj42688