Top 5 | Your guide to Tampa Bay's July Fourth fireworks 🎆

Plus: 9 octopus dishes to try

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View on the web Got to our home page Subscribe to the Times July 1 to 7, 2021 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters Happy July, Tampa Bay! We have an eventful weekend ahead. The Lightning will continue their latest Stanley Cup run in Montreal. Here’s how to watch, and catch up on anything you might’ve missed thus far. Plus: There are a bunch of local activities in store for this Fourth of July. Just be sure to check the weather before leaving the house. Early forecasts predict a rainy holiday. You know the drill. Our full things to do guide is below. — Meaghan Habuda, Times newsletters editor, mhabuda@tampabay.com POPPING OFF: See fireworks displays [LUIS SANTANA | Times (2019)] The coronavirus pandemic called off plans for July Fourth fireworks last year. But on Sunday, sparkling spectacles will once again light up Tampa Bay skies. Want to take in the shows? Click below for a list of prime viewing spots. The fun continues Tuesday, when the St. Pete Pier celebrates one year with a 300-drone light display. Details here RED, WHITE AND BREWS: Other ways to celebrate [IVY CEBALLO | Times (2020)] Independence Day celebrations around the region this weekend bring more than the rockets’ red glare. Events with an emphasis on patriotic parades, music, adult beverages and food are on the calendar from Pinellas to Hernando. You can even get a free ride to one of them. Details here TAKE A DIP: Cool down in the pool [Times (2016)] Here’s how to pass the time before the fireworks Sunday: Take advantage of the city of St. Petersburg’s neighborhood pools. They’re celebrating the Fourth of July with $1 Splash Days, inviting families to hit the water and beat the heat at a discount. To find a pool near you, click below. Details here FOND FAREWELL: Watch Bosch’s last season [Courtesy of Hopper Stone/Amazon Studios] Buckle up for Bosch. The seventh and final season of the hit Amazon Prime show, based on author and part-time Tampa resident Michael Connelly’s novels, is available to stream. Books critic Colette Bancroft calls it a “terrific ending to a splendid series.” Details here NOW SHOWING: Enjoy live theater A scene from Freefall Theatre's production of "Lone Star Spirits" in 2020. [Courtesy of Michael A Eaddy] An interactive experience marks the return of indoor performances at Freefall Theatre in St. Petersburg. Based on the book by Francesca Lia Block, The Rose and the Beast is a retelling of nine classic fairy tales. Groups who book an appointment to attend the play will step into the stories via a walk-through of scenic spaces together. It runs through Aug. 8. Details here CEPHALOPOD CRAZE: Tampa Bay’s best octopus dishes [MENGSHIN LIN | Times] Octopus has soared in popularity in recent years. Now, diner demand for the protein is at a steady high. With local restaurants serving up charred, grilled, braised and even raw octopus dishes, where should you chow down first? Our food critic has some suggestions. Click below for a list of her favorite octopus dishes around town. Details here Did someone forward this to you? Get Top 5 in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions and copyright Standard of accuracy © 2021 • All Rights Reserved Tampa Bay Times • 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 To ensure this email is delivered to your inbox, add custserv@elist.tampabay.com to your address book. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the "Arts & Entertainment" newsletter from the Tampa Bay Times. If you’d prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe from this email.