As the country gears up for July 4, Tampa Bay isn’t holding back in celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Festivities, both big and small, are happening throughout the area. Do you have your patriotic wear and lawn chairs ready for the Independence Day fireworks?

Here are some of the celebrations happening in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties on July 4.

Liberty by the Bay, Tampa

Time: 4-9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free and open to the public

The city of Tampa is taking Miley Cyrus’ anthem “Party in the U.S.A.” to heart with Liberty by the Bay at Julian B. Lane Park. The family-friendly waterfront celebration (pets are welcome, too) will be an evening full of activities.

Food trucks, a kid zone and live entertainment will be ready for guests as they arrive at the free event. There’s a beer garden waiting for the adults. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will host a Patriotic Pet Show, and a water ski show on the Hillsborough River will follow.

Closing remarks from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor aren’t the end of the night. A drone show featuring 250 drones and a fireworks show will dazzle the crowd as the grand finale.

Where to park

There is limited onsite parking at Julian B. Lane Park. ADA parking is available at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center (1301 N Blvd.) and the Julian B. Lane South Parking Lot (903 W Cypress St.).

Guests can also park at available city garages, along with street parking and private lot options. Check out downtown parking options at tampa.gov/parking.

Local transportation

The Jolly Trolley shuttles will continuously run throughout downtown from 3-10 p.m.

The Pirate Water Taxi will be available, along with taking the TECO Line Streetcar from Ybor City.

More events in Tampa and Hillsborough County

Spend your Independence Day morning at the Tampa Bay History Center. Screenings of “A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America,” a Smithsonian Channel documentary, explore the history and secrets behind the song.

If a boat parade is more your style, the American Victory Ship and Museum is hosting Freedom Fest. The ticketed event features a historic WWII cargo ship and a viewing of Tampa’s fireworks.

Busch Gardens joins in on the 250th Celebration with patriotic merchandise and Americana-inspired food. A Wild Skies Drone & Fireworks Show light up the amusement park in the evening.

Is there an indoor option to beat the Florida heat? Guests can experience special presentations at MOSI’s Saunders Planetarium, including a sensory-friendly fireworks experience. If you go to the Stars, Stripes, & Science event, don’t miss out on liquid nitrogen ice cream.

The Florida Aquarium is celebrating all weekend. Guests may spot costumed divers making special appearances in the habitats throughout the day.

What’s a patriotic day without some pie? Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel is having a bake-off, along with a bike parade and local vendors. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9 p.m.

‘The Fourth’ Independence Day Celebration, St. Petersburg

Time: 4-10 p.m.

Cost: Free and open to the public

It may be the sixth annual “The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration at the St. Pete Pier, but the festivities will be bigger for America’s 250th birthday.

The day will kick off with the annual St. Pete Pier Run, along with a costume contest for patriotic attire and a pie-eating contest. Dessert for breakfast, anyone?

Guests can enjoy live music and a family fun zone while indulging in snacks from food trucks. The fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Where to park

Two parking lots are available at the St. Pete Pier. Limited metered street parking is available near the Pier complex, along with several downtown parking garages within walking distance.

More celebrations in Pinellas County

Clearwater’s Coachman Park is doubling its celebrations. Friday will feature a laser light show, then come back on Saturday for fireworks. Over at BayCare Ballpark, the Clearwater Threshers will have a fireworks display after both nights’ games.

Safety Harbor will start the holiday morning with a parade route starting at Ninth Avenue South, traveling east down Main Street, ending at the Philippe Parkway intersection at 10 a.m. Join the city again at Waterfront Park at 9 p.m. for fireworks.

Largo Central Park is also throwing its own celebration with live music, family-friendly activities, crafts, and, of course, fireworks.