Tampa Bay area residents are fortunate to have a plethora of year-round entertainment options, ranging from festivals and theatrical performances to sporting activities and world-class concerts. To assist you in planning ahead, we’ve curated a selection of activities scheduled from now through October 2024.
With holiday extravaganzas, annual festivals and chart-topping artists performing at venues nearby, you will discover numerous lively diversions to captivate you both this year and the next.
Nov. 2023 – Jan. 2024
Tampa Riverwalk
Kick off the holiday season with festive holiday displays, a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree, a holiday selfie station and more.
Rise Up Concert Series
Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 20, 2024
St. Pete Pier
Take in the picturesque views at the pier and enjoy artists like the Ludacris, The Revivalists, Quinn XCII, G-Easy, The Hip Abduction, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and more.
Pavilion XXXVII
Nov. 4, 2023
Tampa Museum of Art
Pavilion XXXVII: La Vie en Rose, a philanthropic celebration of beauty and art, will transform the Tampa Museum of Art into a world of pink, inspired by the iconic French song that celebrates life and love. Funds from this black-tie event will go toward supporting the museum’s efforts of making art more accessible to all community members.
Tampa Bay Heart Walk
Nov. 4, 2023
Raymond James Stadium
The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk brings the community together to get hearts pumping and raise funds for heart disease and stroke research.
Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup
Nov. 16-19 and 25-26, 2023
Treasure Island Beach
Annual sand-sculpting exhibition and competition brings master sand sculptures from around the world to create larger-than-life masterpieces. This year’s theme is “It’s About Time.” Sanding Ovations is free and open to the public.
Florida was home to the world’s largest sandcastle in 1986 and Treasure Island was declared the sand sculpture capital of Florida in 2001.
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
November 23 – December 31, 2023 (weekends)
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Bigger than ever before with more than one million lights, seasonal and Florida-themed displays and a drive-thru animated tunnel. Holiday-themed rides, a winter market, visits with Santa, craft stations and self-guided walking tours of the Historical Village are just a few of the available activities.
Funny Girl
November 28-December 3, 2023
Straz Center
This love letter to the theater tells the story of Fanny Brice. Although everyone told her she’d never be a star, she proved them wrong and became a beloved performer.
Christmas in the Wild
Select Nights in December
ZooTampa
Celebrate the season with twinkling light displays, interactive family shows, holiday-themed animal experiences, tasty treats and delicious drinks.
Photos with Santa at The Florida Aquarium
Saturdays & Sundays through December 17
(There will also be sensory-friendly photos with Santa on Thursday, December 2)
The Florida Aquarium
Get ready to capture your favorite family photo with Santa for your holiday card this year at The Florida Aquarium! Jolly old Saint Nick will be spreading holiday cheer and making several weekend stops at the Aquarium before he heads back to the North Pole. Be sure to bring a camera to snap your shots with Saint Nick.
Capture timeless moments with Santa and your family and make lasting memories that will warm your heart this holiday season! Photos with Santa are free for members and included with general admission.
The Florida Aquarium’s Snow Days
Every Saturday and Sunday, and December 23-31 except Christmas Day on the 25th.
The Florida Aquarium
Who says Floridians can’t experience the magic of snow? The Florida Aquarium is excited to announce the return of Snow Days, a cherished holiday tradition in Tampa, offering even more icy excitement this year. Snow Days promises a 100 percent chance of snow!
Guests are encouraged to grab their gloves to immerse themselves in a variety of snow-packed activities. The “Sno Fly Zone” will feature a snowball toss and the popular snowball slingshot. The young and young-at-heart will let their creative side shine through with snow painting—where the snow becomes their canvas. There will be dashing through the ‘snow’ maze, snowball cornhole, dancing on the rooftop terrace and more.
Snow Days is included with membership and general admission.
onbikes Winter Wonder Ride
Dec. 9, 2023
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This annual holiday bike ride through downtown Tampa and along Bayshore Boulevard raises money to purchase new bikes for kids and families across Tampa Bay. Post-ride party with music by LoCash Cowboys.
Since 2011, onbikes has built and donated more than 10,000 bicycles to children, teens and families in need.
OysterFest
December 10, 2023
Tabellas at Delaney Creek
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you savor a variety of oysters from classic raw to delectable chargrilled and steamed options Whether you’re an oyster enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled day, Tampa OysterFest promises an unforgettable experience.
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 21-23, 2023
Straz Center
A glittering holiday tradition into a fantastical world of dazzling dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and timeless ballet music featuring award-winning young dancers alongside guest principal dancers from across the nation.
strazcenter.org
NGB trainees have been employed by esteemed companies such as New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Dutch National Ballet.
Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 23, 2023
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 23, 2023
Amalie Arena
The American rock band will perform its popular rock-opera, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” as well as many of their greatest hits.
ReliaQuest Bowl
January 1, 2024
Raymond James Stadium
After a week-long celebration including outings, a gala and a parade, an SEC team takes on one from the Big Ten Conference or ACC.
Since 2016, the bowl has paid $3.5 million to more than 170 Tampa Bay area nonprofit organizations.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
January 5-14, 2024
Multiple locations
This 10-day cultural event features speakers, musicians, artists, poets and craftspeople. Events include a music festival, 5K run and other events that increase awareness of African and African American culture and history.
Company
January 9-14, 2024
Straz Center
Winner of five Tony Awards, this groundbreaking musical comedy is boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful and downright hilarious.
MLK Dream Big Weekend
January 13 – 15, 2024
Multiple Locations
A weekend-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring a music and arts festival, a band showcase with top marching bands across the country, a parade and a family fun day.
The MLK Dream Big Parade is the country’s longest running MLK day parade.
Children’s Gasparilla
January 20, 2024
Multiple locations
Celebrating the return of the Gasparilla season, the Children’s Gasparilla schedule includes an air invasion, preschoolers stroll, parade along Bayshore Boulevard with marching bands and floats and a fireworks finale.
childrens.gasparillapiratefest.com
More than 125 groups participate in the parade including krewes, marching bands, dance groups, school performance teams and community organizations.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
January 27, 2024
Multiple locations
A Tampa classic since 1904, this event features the Gasparilla invasion followed by a full schedule of events, including a parade and street festival featuring food, live music and entertainment.
The “Jose Gasparilla” is the only fully-rigged pirate ship in the world.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
February 7-18, 2024
Straz Center
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory when Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage.
Florida State Fair
February 8-19, 2024
Florida State Fairgrounds
Enjoy mouth-watering food, exhilarating entertainment, over 90 mind-blowing midway rides, outrageous exhibits and tributes to Florida agriculture.
Today’s Florida State Fair attracts 500,000 attendees annually.
St. Petersburg Distance Classic
February 11, 2024
North Shore Park, Downtown St. Petersburg
The annual race offers a marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and virtual option. The start/finish line is at North Shore Park, just north of the Vinoy Resort.
stpetersburgdistanceclassic.com
The marathon course has been accurately measured per USATF certification standards and is certified, and therefore is a Boston Qualifier.
Gasparilla Music Festival
February 16-18, 2024
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Three days of live music across four stages along Tampa’s riverfront plus Tampa’s top restaurants serving up the region’s best dishes and kid-friendly activities.
Gasparilla Distance Classic
February 24-25, 2024
Downtown Tampa
Athletes of all levels will find a race to take part in with a 15K, 5K, half marathon, 5K walk, 5K stroller races and more.
Since 1978, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association has donated more than $6 million to Tampa area youth nonprofit and running-related programs.
Florida Strawberry Festival
February 29 – March 10, 2024
Plant City
Celebrate all things strawberry and enjoy agriculture, livestock, fine arts and crafts exhibits, top-name entertainment and parades.
There are Amish Donut, Strawberry Spaghetti, Super Dog Mega Corndog, Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie eating contests at the festival.
Jesus Christ Superstar
March 5-10, 2024
Straz Center
Celebrating its 50th anniversary with a mesmerizing new production of the iconic musical phenomenon that pays homage to the original while creating a modern, theatrical world.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
March 9. 2024
Curtis Hixon Park
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival features a great day of beer sippin’ (over 60 beers) bourbon tastin’ (over 40 kinds), music listenin’, cigar smokin’ and barbeque eatin’.
Tim McGraw
March 15, 2024
Amalie Arena
Long proven as a titan of touring across a career spanning more than three decades, the Standing Room Only Tour promises an unparalleled, high-energy show from McGraw.
Girl from the North Country
March 27-31, 2024
Straz Center
Featuring 20 legendary songs by Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, “Girl From the north Country” includes songs like “Forever Young,” “All Along the Watchtower” and “Slow Train Coming.”
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival
March – April 2024, Dates TBD
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Guests can sip and savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail. Park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes.
Madonna “The Celebration Tour”
April 4, 2024
Amalie Arena
Celebrate four decades of the Material Girl’s top hits which began with the 1982 song “Everybody.”
Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival
April 9 – 13, 2024
Multiple Locations
The Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival celebrates the culinary talents of chefs and gastronomic masters in Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. The event will support and benefit local charitable initiatives in the Tampa Bay area with Community Initiatives Foundation’s EAT SMART campaign.
Bern’s 27th Annual Winefest
April 14 – 21, 2024
Multiple locations
The area’s premier wine tasting event is a celebration of culinary experiences from the area’s most talented chefs, complemented with the best wines from around the world.
Proceeds raised from Winefest are used for the James Beard Foundation Laxer Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
April 12-14, 2024
Vinoy Waterfront Park
Enjoy a fabulous weekend of blues music along the St. Petersburg waterfront. Artists include Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Tab Benoit and Coco Montoya.
The Book of Mormon
April 16-21, 2024
Straz Center
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word.
Fiesta Italiana
Date TBD
Ybor City
Festa Italiana started in the spring of 1997 and is an annual, multi-day event that honors Italian culture and heritage. The event serves as one of the primary fundraisers for the Italian Club Building & Cultural Trust.
Riverfest
May 3-4, 2024
Tampa Riverwalk
This two-day event includes family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s culture, music and cuisine.
The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks.
Sunset Music Festival
Memorial Day Weekend
Raymond James Stadium
Sunset Music Festival is one of Tampa’s biggest summertime events. Held Memorial Day weekend, dozens of musical artists transcend to Raymond James Stadium for an unforgettable event.
Clue
May 28-June 2, 2024
Straz Center
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget.
Niall Horan: “The Show” Live
May 31, 2024
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Chart-topping global superstar Niall Horan’s biggest tour yet, he’ll be performing songs form all three of his solo albums.
Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival
Date TBD
Centennial Park, Ybor City
Enjoy live music, cultural entertainment and the best Cuban sandwiches in the world; featuring contestants and chefs from all over the world competing for the grand prize, a ticket to compete in the World Food Championships!.
St. Pete Pride
June 2024
Multiple St. Petersburg locations
Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration occurs annually in June. Events include one of the country’s largest pride parades, a Sunday street carnival, family day and more.
Kane Brown
May 31 and June 1, 2024
Amalie Arena
Named “the future of country music” by Billboard, multi-platinum-selling, award-winning singer/songwriter Kane Brown was the first artist ever to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts.
Les Misérables
June 11 – 16, 2024
Straz Center
Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption.
Boom by the Bay
Date TBD
Julian B. Lane | Riverfront Park
Tampa’s premier Independence Day celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, apple pie eating competition and a fireworks display.
The Rocky Horror Show
July 10 – August 4, 2024
Straz Center
Jobsite Theater, the resident theatre company at the Straz, presents their spin on the kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical.
Morgan Wallen: One Night At A Time 2024
July 11, 2024
Raymond James Stadium
County music star Morgan Wallen brings his tour to Tampa. Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Bryan Martin will open the show.
Bier Fest
Late July-Early September 2024
Busch Gardens
Each weekend, enjoy delicious brews, new recipes and seasonal offerings from fan-favorite breweries and live music in between epic thrill rides at the park.
The Smuggler – A Thriller in Verse
August 14 – 25, 2024
Straz Center
Step into a secret speakeasy (with a real working bar) to hear a twisty story with unsavory characters and shady shenanigans.
Zach Bryan “Quittin Time Tour”
August 14, 2024
Raymond James Stadium
Country megastar Zach Bryan will be performing songs from his latest self-titled album. He’ll be joined on this leg of the tour by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
Geckofest
Date TBD
Downtown Gulfport
Gulfport celebrates the end of summer with its largest festival of the year honoring the waterfront village’s unofficial mascot and favorite reptile, the gecko.
Activities include a Gecko pub crawl, ball and parade.
Howl-O-Scream
September – October, Dates TBD
Busch Gardens
Tampa’s premier Halloween event takes over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more.
Tampa Pig Jig
Date TBD
Julian B. Lane Park
Each fall, the Tampa Pig Jig brings incredible live music, delicious food, ice-cold beer and a fierce corporate barbecue competition to downtown Tampa’s waterfront.
Tampa Pig Jig raises money for NephCure, the only nonprofit organization committed to supporting research for a debilitating kidney disease.
Oktoberfest Tampa
Date TBD
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate German cheer and beer with dancing, singing and food at Tampa’s largest Oktoberfest.
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