TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of Tampa is kicking off America’s 250th Anniversary with a bang this July 4.

Downtown Tampa will be alight with fireworks displays, a boat parade and other entertainment to mark the semi-quincentennial.

Here’s what to know about this year’s ‘Liberty by the Bay‘ event:

Where to watch fireworks

There are two fireworks displays in downtown Tampa this year.

Fireworks will light up the skies over the Tampa Convention Center and Julian B. Lane Park at around 9 p.m.

Festivities at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

The City of Tampa is offering various free activities and entertainment at Julian B. Lane Park from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. DJ

4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Kids Zone

4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Food Trucks

4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Beer Garden

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Live band performance

5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. DJ

5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Patriotic Pet Show (hosted by Humane Society of Tampa Bay)

5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Live band performance

6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Water ski show (hosted by Friends of the Riverwalk) / DJ

6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Kids Liberty Procession (hosted by Glazer Children’s Museum)

7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Live band performance

7:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. DJ

8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Live band performance

8:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closing remarks, National anthem, Mayor’s proclamation

9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Drone show (250 drones) followed by fireworks display

Friends of the Riverwalk boat parade

For the sixth year, boaters will cruise down the Hillsborough River with their vessels decked out in red, white and blue, to show off their patriotic pride and compete for various prizes.

The parade starts at 6:15 p.m. and can be viewed from various downtown locations along the river. It concludes with the Blessing of the Fleet, a centuries-old maritime tradition that offers prayers for the safety and prosperity of all who sail the waters.

To register your boat for the parade, or to find a place to watch, visit the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk website.

Where to park

On-site parking available at Julian B. Lane Park (limited)

Parking available at the Bob Buckhorn River Center

Multiple City of Tampa parking garages available throughout downtown

For a full list of downtown parking locations, visit the City of Tampa website.

The city encourages visitors to utilize rideshare services, or park in Ybor City and ride the free TECO streetcar into downtown to avoid the parking hassle.

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