Clearwater Coachman Park To Go Full Red, White And Boom July 3 And 4

Clearwater is gearing up for a waterfront blowout, with Coachman Park set to host a free two-day “Clearwater Celebrates America” festival on July 3 and July 4. Each night is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m., and the party wraps in classic holiday style with a fireworks show over Clearwater Harbor at about 9:15 p.m. on July 4. Families can expect a children's play area, local vendors, live music and a laser light show on July 3, so downtown is likely to be busy and early arrivals will snag the better views.

What to expect

The festival lineup stretches across both days, with an interactive children's zone, musical performances, buskers and a spread of local food vendors. On July 3, the program features a laser light show, and on July 4 the celebration is set to close with a fireworks display over Clearwater Harbor at around 9:15 p.m., according to City of Clearwater.

When it runs and cost

Both nights are scheduled from about 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and admission to the main festival grounds is free with no tickets required. As part of the weekend, The BayCare Sound will host a silent disco, and the Coachman Park Pops Orchestra is slated for free patriotic performances, per MyClearwater News.

Getting there and road closures

Parking will be available throughout downtown, with the city listing several municipal lots and garages for event parking. Organizers recommend showing up early or using rideshare to navigate the crowds, according to City of Clearwater. In prior years, police issued traffic advisories noting that the Memorial Causeway bridge may be temporarily closed around the fireworks window, so drivers should be ready with alternate routes as reported in Memorial Causeway bridge may be temporarily closed.

Rules and safety

The city notes that tents, pop-up canopies, umbrellas, balloons, confetti and air horns are not allowed in the park, and alcohol will only be sold inside The BayCare Sound. Personal fireworks are banned. “In simplest form, if it explodes or launches into the air, it’s illegal in Clearwater,” per MyClearwater News.

Organizers say the weekend program and vendor list will be updated as the holiday approaches, so residents should check the city's event page for the full schedule and look to the city's June 10 Facebook announcement for quick updates. City of Clearwater Government on Facebook posted the initial notice on June 10.