Looking for a patriotic way to celebrate Independence Day in St. Pete outside of just grilling, grabbing drinks, and watching fireworks?
This 4th of July, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts at the Mahaffey Theater (400 1st St S) will be illuminated by a program featuring Broadway favorites, Hollywood blockbusters, and patriotic classics during the 4th of July Pops Spectacular. From West Side Story to the famous movie scores by John Williams, it’s a celebration of American music in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary
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Presented by St. Pete Opera, this high-energy concert features a 70-piece orchestra, a 100-voice chorus, and three outstanding tenors for an evening of music honoring America’s rich cultural heritage. The performance begins at 6PM and lasts about 2 hours, with a 20-minute intermission. Plus, if you stay after the final note, you can catch fireworks right at the waterfront.
Tickets for the incredible show are available here.
From Broadway to patriotic favorites
If you thought this performance was just going to be a handful of the same five hymns praising America, think again. Audiences can expect a wide-ranging musical program featuring selections from Broadway hits such as Les Misérables, West Side Story, and The Music Man. They can also expect beloved works by composers like Copland, Rodgers, Bernstein, Puccini, and John Williams.
The evening concludes with a patriotic finale featuring classic patriotic favorites such as “America the Beautiful,” Tchaikovsky’s iconic “1812 Overture,” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Combined with the waterfront fireworks display after the performance, it makes for a memorable Independence Day experience in downtown St. Petersburg that you don’t want to miss.
About St. Pete Opera
St. Pete Opera was founded by Mark Sforzini in 2007. Since then, the organization has worked to make opera more accessible through community outreach, educational initiatives, and partnerships with other arts organizations. In recent years, St. Pete Opera has also invested in its future through facility improvements, including new water-resistant flooring in its rehearsal and performance halls, upgraded sound equipment, and additional office space.
An evening in full harmony
Events like the 4th of July Pops Spectacular highlight the role local arts organizations play in bringing the community together. As thousands of residents and visitors gather downtown to celebrate Independence Day, the concert offers an opportunity to experience live music in one of St. Petersburg’s premier performance venues. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts or just looking for something different on the Fourth of July, the Pops Spectacular is an easy downtown option before the fireworks begin over the waterfront.
