Planning For The Fourth Of July? Here Are Some Options

Parades and fireworks mark the celebration of the country's birthday, the Fourth of July. Many events are free, several feature musicians and other entertainers, and virtually all are designed for all ages. Here are some of the events Friday:

Hillsborough

Fourth of July Celebration: Family fun features face painters, balloon artists, live music and more; 2 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.); free; Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 223-4250.

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration: Visit the fish during The Florida Aquarium's extended hours (to 9:30 p.m.); $10 admission for all ages after 3 p.m.; The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 273-4000.

Brandon Blast: The fifth-annual Brandon Blast lights up the night with a fireworks display; 9 p.m.; free; 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon; (813) 661-6255.

Proud to be an American: Celebration features a parade and fireworks display; parade begins at 10 a.m. and travels south on Gillette Avenue to Druid Hills; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.; 200 Inverness Ave., Temple Terrace; (813) 989-7004.

Celebrate With a Twist: Rock 'n' roll legend Chubby Checker and the Wildcats bring in the Fourth of July with a "twist." Live entertainment includes ventriloquist Kevin Johnson, starting at 6:45 p.m. A fireworks display starts after the concert, at 8:15 p.m.; $64.95 adults, $54.95 children ages 3 to 9; free for children 3 and younger; Busch Gardens, 10001 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, 1-888-800-5447.

Fourth of July Celebration: Experience fireworks from the top of the IMAX Dome Theatre; includes dinner, dancing, a musical performance by Spirit of Freedom and more; 6:30 p.m.; $225 (reservations required); Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 987-6077.

Pinellas

Fourth of July at The Pier: Celebrate with live entertainment, face and body painting, comedic appearances, a fireworks display and more; 2 to 10 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. off Spa Beach; free; The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 821-6443.

City of Gulfport's Fourth of July Celebration: Features children's games, contests, car, truck and motorcycle show, children's pageant, parade, live entertainment, food, fireworks display and more; 8 a.m.; parade begins at 6 p.m. on Beach Boulevard. Fireworks at 9 p.m., 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport; (727) 893-1067.

Fourth of July and Largo Centennial Celebration: Features activities, concessions, live music, fireworks and more; 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at about 8 or 8:30 p.m.; free; Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo; (727) 587-6775.

Tarpon Springs Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic party and fireworks; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free; fireworks begin at sunset at Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs. The party is at Craig Park, 5 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs; (727) 938-3711.

Safety Harbor Festival and Fireworks: Features live music, food, fireworks and more; 5 to 9 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.; free; Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor; (727) 724-1572.

Clearwater Celebrates America!: Features fireworks, food, concerts and more; 4 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.; free; Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater; (727) 562-4813.

Pasco

Sparklebration: Celebrate the Fourth at the Pasco County Fairgrounds with fireworks, patriotic music, comedy, an Elvis impersonator and a tribute to the armed forces. Skydivers will parachute into the fairgrounds with an American flag about 5 p.m. A concert, featuring a 45-piece orchestra, starts at 7 p.m. The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door; the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City. (352) 567-6678.