July 4th Boat Parade : Events : Friends of the Riverwalk

2024 Boat Parade Winner!

thank you for Celebrating July 4th with Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk!

Stay tuned for 2025 dates!

Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk as we host a July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. The parade route will be similar to our holiday light boat parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration and a blessing station.

Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat! We will also provide prize bags for all registered boaters.

Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP tickets are available for purchase to view the water ski show, parade and fireworks with seating, drinks and food! Umbrellas are allowed but outside chairs and coolers are prohibited.
*Tickets and registration are nonrefundable. No reschedule date, the parade is rain or shine.

2024 July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show & Blessing of the Fleet

Photos by: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography & PamElla Photography

2024 July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show and Blessing of the Fleet

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thank you to our 2024 Captain's Party sponsor!

All registered boaters (+1) enjoy the Captain's Party! Get your boat number, safety instructions and enjoy complimentary food, beverage, bowling and networking with boaters!
*must be registered to attend*

Captain's Party

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Parade Route & Viewing Locations

The parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include:

Armature Works
Channel Drive
Convention Center
Curtis Hixon
Davis Island
Harbour Island
Sparkman Wharf
Water Works Park

See map below for viewing times!

Blessing of the Fleet

The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice began predominantly Catholic but is now practiced by all denominations as a blessing from the local clergy that is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Each boat will be festively decorated in hopes of bringing home a prize. There will be one location at Sparkman Wharf for boats to receive a blessing. Boats simply need to drive by the station to receive their blessing.