Tampa Top 10 - July 2025

JULY 4 CELEBRATION

July 4, 4 – 10 p.m. at Armature Works. This family-friendly fun includes a boat parade, a hot dog eating contest, a Kids Zone with bounce houses, live music by Michael Ray, and fireworks over the water, of course. Benefits K9s for Warriors. armatureworks.com

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

July 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Oxford Exchange. This event is filled with holiday cheer and shopping! From handmade crafts to fashion, they will have it. Support local artisans and small businesses while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Grab a glass of champagne, mingle with fellow shoppers, and discover your new favorite place in Tampa. bookstore.oxfordexchange.com

JULY 4 BOAT PARADE

July 4th parade, plus a Water Ski Show, the Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks! Join everyone as they celebrate military heroes with a patriotic display on the water. Boats will be decorated in red, white, and blue and will compete for the most patriotic boat. Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. thetampariverwalk.com

ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

July 20, Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on the St. Pete Pier with the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival. Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats (for purchase) from over a dozen vendors serving their best creations. Be the judge and vote for the Best Ice Cream Award in Tampa Bay. Free to enter. visitstpeteclearwater.com

BUSCH GARDENS VIP TOUR

You’re the guest of honor in this private, guided tour. From front-ofthe-line access on your favorite rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, plus lunch at your favorite restaurant, this tour will provide the elite experience. Advance reservations are preferred and can be booked online at buschgardens.com or by phone at (813) 884-4FUN.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK

July 11, 6 – 9 p.m. at MOSI. This is an adults-only event! Enjoy beer and wine samples, appetizers, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and handson science experiments with new technologies, exploring scientific principles, and more. Head over to the all-new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre for a journey through the cosmos. mosi.org

PUFFS

July 9 – Aug. 3 at the Straz. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain school and conquered evil. You Know Who He Is. This is not his story, sorry, but that of those who also happened to be there, too. This is a new look at a familiar adventure at a very dangerous magic school for kids. strazcenter.org

ART ON THE SPECTRUM

July 27, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. Enjoy the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. You can borrow noise-canceling headphones or other sensory items from the front desk as well. tampamuseum.org

VOICES OF COLOR

July 11 – 19 at the Carrollwood Players Mainstage. Featuring eight original short plays in one theatrical experience. Audiences will enjoy an eclectic mix of short plays telling Black stories, featuring comedy, drama, and everything in between. This exciting event provides Black playwrights with an opportunity to see their work produced. carrollwoodplayers.org

FLAVORS OF SPAIN DINNER

July 29, 7 pm at The Dali. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed evening with Chef Chris Artrip of The Black Pearl. This exclusive event offers an opportunity to indulge in a carefully crafted menu honoring Dalí’s homeland, paired with specially selected drinks, all set against the backdrop of the museum. thedali.org