Tampa is rolling out a massive plan for America’s 250th birthday celebration, which includes a free waterfront event at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The ‘Liberty by the Bay’ event will take place on Saturday, July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Event Details

The event will feature community exhibits, food vendors, a beer garden, and family activities. Live music from The Beat Down Band and Phoenix5 will fill the early slot between 4:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Several specialized events are scheduled throughout the evening, including a Patriotic Pet Show, a Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade, and a water ski show.

The final hour of the celebration will transition to the main ceremonies, with Mayor Jane Castor delivering official remarks at 8:45 p.m. The evening will conclude with a 250-drone light show followed by a fireworks display over the Hillsborough River, starting at 9 p.m.

To handle the crowds and reduce traffic, the city will run three free Jolley Trolley shuttles continuously from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. across the downtown area. Designated ADA parking is available at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center and the park’s south parking lot.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.