City of Tampa, FL

06/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2026 16:40

Free Jolley Trolleys Announced for Tampa's July 4 Celebration News General Free Jolley Trolleys Announced for Tampa's July 4 CelebrationWith just three weeks until Liberty by[...]

Free Jolley Trolleys Announced for Tampa's July 4 Celebration

With just three weeks until Liberty by the Bay, a celebration of America's 250th anniversary, the City of Tampa is releasing new transportation, parking, and entertainment details for its Fourth of July event.

The free waterfront celebration will take place Saturday, July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, culminating with a 250-drone light show and fireworks display over the Hillsborough River.

To help attendees get to and from the event, the City of Tampa will operate three free Jolley Trolley shuttles continuously throughout downtown from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Shuttle stops include:

  • Marion Transit Center, 1211 N. Marion St.
  • Fort Brooke Garage, 107 N. Franklin St.
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Tampa St.
  • Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd.

Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and consider all transportation options.

Parking options include:

  • Multiple City of Tampa parking garages throughout downtown
  • Limited on-site parking at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
  • Limited ADA parking at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center, 1301 N. Blvd. and the Julian B. Lane South Parking Lot, 903 W. Cypress St.

Visitors can also take advantage of the free TECO Line Streetcar System connecting Ybor City and downtown or utilize rideshare services.

Entertainment Lineup Announced

This year's celebration will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, a beer garden, and community exhibits throughout the afternoon and evening.

Highlights include:

  • Performances from The Beat Down Band and Phoenix5 between 4:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
  • Humane Society of Tampa Bay Patriotic Pet Show at 5:15 p.m.
  • Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade between 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Friends of the Riverwalk Water Ski Show at 6:15 p.m.
  • Glazer Children's Museum Kids Liberty Procession at 6:45 p.m.
  • Remarks from Mayor Jane Castor and a guitar performance of the National Anthem by FOX 13's Mark Wilson at 8:45 p.m.

A 250-drone light show followed immediately by fireworks beginning at 9 p.m.

As part of the community's America 250 commemoration, the Tampa Bay History Center will also host an interactive exhibit highlighting Tampa's music history, timed with the museum's extended run of America at the Crossroads: The GUITAR and a Changing Nation.

The City of Tampa has also unveiled an official Liberty by the Bay logo to commemorate the event. Limited-edition Liberty by the Bay shirts and hats are now available for purchase online or in person at the Visit Tampa Bay Unlock Tampa Visitor Center in downtown Tampa, 201 N Franklin St. Apparel will be available for purchase at the event while supplies last.

Liberty by the Bay is free and open to the public.

For complete event information visit tampa.gov/libertybythebay or text Tampa250 to 888-777

City of Tampa, FL published this content on June 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 16, 2026 at 22:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]