Downtown Tampa Florida Events

ON-GOING EVENTS

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING AT AMALIE ARENA
Come cheer on Tampa Bay's very own Tampa Bay Lightning! Don't miss the action when the Lightning take on NHL rivals on their home ice at Amalie Arena.  813-301-2500  AmalieArena.com

CHILDREN'S BOARD FREE TUESDAYS
Join the Children's Board of Hillsborough County with FREE museum admission the first Tuesday of every month. Stop by the museum to learn and play at the fun and education hands-on exhibits Glazer Museum offers. Registration is encouraged.  Glazer Children's Museum. 10-5pm.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.org

BIG JOHN A COLOSSAL EXHIBIT
Go nose-to-nose with Big John, Tampa Bay's first-ever large, fossilized dinosaur skeleton on long-term display. Visit the World's Largest Triceratops in an immersive & playful exhibit at the Glazer Children's Museum in Downtown Tampa.  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  BigJohnDino.com

TAMPA BAY MARKET
The Tampa Bay Market brings you tasty street food along with live music, cocktails, and local beer at this fun festival on the 3rd Thursday of every month.  The Grand Central at Kennedy.  6-10pm.  813-221-3686  TampaBayMarkets.com

MAYOR'S FOOD TRUCK FIESTA
On the first Wednesday of each month, a variety of local food truck vendors will be available each month. Grab lunch and enjoy lunch outdoors at one of the tables located in the park.  Lykes Gaslight Square Park.  Tampa.gov

HYDE PARK FRESH MARKET
Enjoy the fresh market at Hyde Park Village every first Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm. Featuring over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music in Village Circle.  HydeParkVillage.com

UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS
Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn of the century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Most Sundays at 2pm. The characters are performed in rotation-one each Sunday. All performances are open to the public with museum admission.  Henry B Plant Museum.  813-254-1891  PlantMuseum.com

3RD SUNDAY
Shop 50+ local food and wellness-focused vendors with an array of fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted, fair-trade, vintage or eco-friendly products. Also enjoy public art and live entertainment.  The Market At Water Street Tampa.  10am-3pm.  WaterStreetTampa.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thru Nov 10  THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN
An inspirational comedy about one man's vision that became a national phenomenon. It's a crazy journey that goes from New Jersey to Hollywood, comic books to the silver screen. Every hero needs a hero, even Batman.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Thru Jan 5  THE QUESTIONEERS
Step into the world of The Questioneers, based on the series written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. In this interactive exhibit, you can be an engineer like Rosie Revere, an architect like Iggy Peck, a scientist like Ada Twist, a leader like Sofia Valdez, and an artist like Aaron Slater.  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.org

Thru Feb  SKYWAY 2024: A CONTEMPORARY COLLABORATION
A delightful celebration of artistic practices in the Tampa Bay region, as well as a collaboration between five creative institutions. Working together, curators from each institution offer context for the diversity of art being made in various Florida counties.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru Apr 10  ANCIENT ATHENS: BIRTHPLACE OF DEMOCRACY
During the 2024 Presidential Elections, the Tampa Museum of Art will highlight the ancient Greek city-state Athens, and allow the visitor to contemplate the ideals of the society that gave birth to democracy.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru May  THE ART OF COPTIC EGYPT
The Art of Coptic Egypt showcases over fifty artifacts from a local private collection dating from early centuries of the Roman Imperial to the Middle Ages, although special attention is given to objects specifically associated with the Coptic church. Today, there is still a thriving, vibrant Coptic community in Egypt and beyond, including in Tampa.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Select Nights in Oct  UNDEAD IN THE WATER
Immerse yourself in an interactive haunted attraction aboard a floating WWII Ship. Will you survive?  American Victory Ship.  813-228-8766  UNDeadintheWater.com

Oct 19  13TH ANNUAL TAMPA PIG JIG
Come out and enjoy a day of music, games, and most importantly BBQ! Don't forget to bring a bib! Julian B Lane Park.  TampaPigJig.com

Oct 23  EDDIE IZZARD
British comedian Eddie Izzard returns to stand-up with a retrospective set featuring highlights from her 35-year career. Eddie's comedy has been honed by her years of stage and screen acting as well as her activism supporting European unity. She's spent much of this year performing her critically lauded one-actor performance of Hamlet, so Eddie's probably ready for some laughs.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Oct 25  HALLOWEEN ROCK THE YACHT
Halloween is almost upon us and we're ready for a scary good time! Trick-or-treat yourself at Halloween Rock the Yacht. Carve out some time to see our two DJs on multiple levels playing all your favorite hits. No matter witch floor you're on, you're going to have a blast dancing and enjoying the boo-tiful views you've come to expect with Yacht StarShip. There will be a costume contest, so make sure to dress up for this 2.5-hour cruise along Tampa Bay.  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Oct 26-27  TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW
For one weekend, see wall-to-wall displays and exhibits of the latest trends in home improvement. You'll have the opportunity to speak directly with experts and receive the advice and inspiration you need to turn your dream home into a reality. For homeowners and exhibitors alike, this is a can't-miss event.  Tampa Convention Center.  Sat 10-5pm thru Sun 10-4pm.  877-730-7469  TampaHomeShow.com

Oct 26  ANNUAL RIVERWALK TRICK OR TREAT
Come and trick or treat along the Riverwalk. With over 50 treat stations from Water Works Park to USF Park. Then stick around and enjoy the Halloween Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River.  4-7pm.  TheTampaRiverwalk.com

Oct 27  HALLOWEEN SPREE
Show off your most creative costume at Halloween Spree! Bring your little ghouls and goblins to GCM to enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating, costume parades, our annual Team GCM Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and Halloween-themed activities!  Glazer Children's Museum. 10am-7pm.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.org

Oct 27  TAMPA BOO BRUNCH
Join us for our Halloween-themed Boo Brunch this October! We want to make your witches come true. Enhance your afternoon with $15 bottomless mimosas, and be prepared for a cruise overlooking Tampa's boo-tiful scenery with a family-style brunch buffet. Kids of all ages are encouraged to sport their Halloween costumes to win prizes in our costume contest. Don't forget to enjoy some tricks and treats on the top deck with lively DJ entertainment!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Oct 27  NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Historical characters come to life as you trick or treat the galleries.  4-7:30pm.  Tampa Bay History Center.  813-228-0097  TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Nov 1 - Dec 31  GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
Ginger-snap to it and visit Glazer Children's Museum's sweet winter wonderland this holiday season! Work as a family to build your sweet design from recycled materials and add your house to the growing village! Gingerbread Village is included with museum admission.  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.org

Nov 2  TAMPA PRINCESS CRUISE
Princes and Princesses of all ages are welcome to come aboard this magical cruise out of Tampa. The 2-hour cruise will include a boarding photo opportunity with a princess followed by a lunch buffet where Parties with Character Princesses will visit each table. After lunch, guests are welcome to join the princesses for a sing-along and DJ dance party on the top deck. Join us and explore Tampa on top of the sea!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Nov 6  MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
Winner of 10 Tony Awards. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and above all, Love.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Nov 8-10  10TH ANNUAL TAMPA TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION
Featuring artists from Ink Master, vendors, seminars, entertainment, contests and more!  Tampa Convention Center.  Fri 2pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-8pm.  VillainArts.com

Nov 12-17  DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Join us for this Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the original animated special. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and help remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Nov 20  YBOR CITY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Countdown to light Historic Ybor's tree with the Mayor. Enjoy hot chocolate & cookies, amongst light up candy canes.  Centro Ybor.  6-8pm.  Ybor.org

Nov 21-24  MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
The arrival of the Prince, Don Pedro, and his top naval officers, Claudio and Benedict, marks a moment of excitement in the home of Signor Leonato. But not everyone is excited to see each other. Benedict and Beatrice, Leonato's niece, have always had a "merry war" of wits between them that usually ends in a shouting match. Their friends and family, however, understand that that the battling may have a bit of love under the surface. Shakespeare's comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, reminds us that sometimes joy is right in front of us, we might just need a little meddling from those close to us to figure it out.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Nov 21 - Mar 2  FANDOM: CELEBRATING ROCK & ROLL WITH JAY NOLAN AND DAVY ALDER
Visitors are immersed into the electric atmosphere of rock and roll through the eyes of the fans. An exhibition that captures the raw energy and unique personalities of live music all brought to life with dynamic photos alongside historic backstage passes and vintage tour posters.  Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.  813-221-2222  FMOPA.org

Nov 22 - Jan 5  WINTER VILLAGE
Celebrate the holiday season when downtown is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy ice skating, curling, food and shopping.  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  WinterVillageTampa.com

Nov 23 - Dec 31  VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL
Stroll down the extravagantly adorned hallways of the former Tampa Bay Hotel. Sing with carolers and meet old Saint Nick.  Henry B Plant Museum.  813-254-1891  PlantMuseum.com

Nov 28  TAMPA THANKSGIVING CRUISE
Let our crew handle the details while you sit back, relax and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast while taking in the beautiful views of Tampa. The yacht's executive chef has a delicious meal planned for you! After dinner, make your way up to the top deck to take in the fresh air while our DJ plays the latest hits. This will be a Thanksgiving to remember!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Nov 28  CRAFT THANKSGIVING CRUISE
This Thanksgiving, leave the kitchen behind and embark on a river dining journey aboard Craft. Experience the ease of celebrating in style with a memorable cruise that combines breathtaking views and delicious cuisine.  Craft Tampa.   813-223-7999  CraftTampa.com

Nov 29 - Dec 30  TAMPA HOLIDAY DINNER BUFFET CRUISE
A dazzling night awaits you this holiday season aboard Yacht StarShip! Set sail and create an evening of awe as you cruise through Tampa Bay's beautiful skyline. Take in the fresh sea air after a specially prepared holiday meal and refreshments, concluding your evening with dancing on the top deck with your friends and family. Don't forget to flaunt your most festive attire!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Nov 30  ENCANTO: THE SING-ALONG FILM CONCERT
So you loved Disney's animated hit Encanto but hated not being able to sing along in the movie theater? You're in luck. The "Sing-Along Film Concert" is designed with you karaoke heroes in mind. See the film on a giant screen and sing to your hearts content on Encanto numbers such as "We Don't Talk About Bruno." You and your fellow songbirds will be accompanied by a live band, Banda de la Casita, as well.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 1  A LIVE CONVERSATION WITH CHEVY CHASE
Start your holiday season with hilarity at a screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation followed by an appearance by Clark Griswold himself, Chevy Chase. Chase will share behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about the making of this beloved movie that has become a Christmas tradition.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 5-23  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A RADIO PLAY
Ring in the holidays with a heartwarming twist! Frank Capra's classic film, It's a Wonderful Life leaps to the stage as a live 1940s radio play. Get ready for a nostalgic evening as some of Tampa Bay's top actors bring the story of George Bailey to life, complete with live foley effects and festive cheer. This beloved tale reminds us that no one is a failure who has friends, and that the true meaning of Christmas is richer than any fortune.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 7  TAMPA TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Enjoy live music, the countdown to light the tree with Tampa's Mayor, the Christmas market, and a free movie in the park.  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  6-9pm.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  FriendsOfTampaRec.org

Dec 7  ELF IN CONCERT
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney's wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert!  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 7  TAMPA'S CHRISTMAS PARADE, SANTA FEST & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
The Annual Christmas Parade steps off at 1pm with the best viewing along Madison St. The holiday festivities continue in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with Santa Fest at 3pm. Enjoy continuous holiday entertainment, make-n-takes, games, free photos with Santa, and more. Then at 6pm, Tampa's Mayor leads the countdown to light the Christmas Trees, ending with a classic holiday movie at 6:45pm.  FriendsOfTampaRec.org

Dec 8  YBOR CITY CIGAR FESTIVAL
Cigar aficionados, relish in the "Best" cigars from around the world. Watch as Cuban artisans handcraft cigars. Enjoy food, drink, cigar vendors, dominoes, live music and more.  Centennial Park.  11am-5pm.  YborCigarFestival.com

Dec 10-15  SOME LIKE IT HOT
Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, SOME LIKE IT HOT is "A super-sized, all-out song-and-dance spectacular!" - The New York Times. Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, SOME LIKE IT HOT is the "glorious, big, high-kicking" (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 14-15  HOT CHOCOLATE RUN
America's sweetest run is back with 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!  Hot Chocolate Expo, Sat 10am-5pm. Runs start on Sun at 7am.  Tampa Convention Center.  HotChocolate15k.com

Dec 20-23  NEXT GENERATION BALLET'S NUTCRACKER
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker includes principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer's fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet's most famous music.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 21  HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Watch along the Riverwalk as festively decorated boats compete in a spectacle of lights.  6-9pm.  TheTampaRiverwalk.com

Dec 21  TAMPA HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Join Yacht StarShip for the best views of the Lighted Boat Parade, Tampa's Largest Lighted Boat Parade! During this 2.5-hour cruise guests will enjoy a holiday buffet dinner, two free drinks, excellent water views of the annual Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (weather permitting), DJ entertainment, and dancing on the top deck.  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Dec 24  CRAFT CHRISTMAS EVE
This Christmas Eve, step aboard Craft for an unforgettable holiday dining experience with a festive twist. Indulge in modern American cuisine, expertly crafted by our Executive Chef, in the nation's first open kitchen on a river cruiser. The gas cooking equipment adds a unique touch, making this dinner cruise a truly unforgettable experience.  Craft Tampa.   813-223-7999  CraftTampa.com

Dec 26-27  CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Keep the seasonal cheer going with a dazzling celebration of the red and the green. Characters from holiday stories come to life on stage as acrobats soar above, dancers sparkle and contortionists contort in ways not thought possible. Classic holiday songs might get a twist as well. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is the surest way to extend your holiday whimsey.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 30  RELIAQUEST BOWL PARADE
Ybor City hosts this festive Parade and Pep Rally. The parade will feature floats, marching bands & cheerleaders. The parade starts at 5:30pm and runs down 7th Ave in Ybor City.  ReliaQuestBowl.com

Dec 31  DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN
Ring in the New Year with countdowns and celebrations every hour. Celebrate with a balloon drop to bubble wrap fireworks, explosive experiments, and more!  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  9:30am-3pm.  GlazerMuseum.org

Dec 31  TAMPA NEW YEAR'S EVE CRUISE
It's almost time to say "Bon Voyage" to 2024! Ring in the new year on Yacht StarShip's New Year's Eve Celebration Cruise in Tampa. Count down to midnight as you sip on delicious cocktails and dance the night away under the stars and some fireworks! Start your new year off right with an experience you won't forget!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Dec 31  PIRATE WATER TAXI NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS CRUISE
Ring in the New Year on the water with front-row seats to Tampa's spectacular New Year's Eve Fireworks! This 1-hour cruise includes a complimentary champagne toast and prime views of Downtown Tampa's dazzling display.  Pirate Water Taxi.  813-223-7999  PirateWaterTaxi.com

Jan 10-17  TAMPA BAY BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL
A celebration that host a variety of family-friendly activities, with live entertainment, cultural events, health tutorials, renowned speakers, food & craft vendors, a music fest and more.  TampaBlackHeritage.org

Jan 18  CHILDREN'S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA
Pint-sized pirates take over the City of Tampa with family fun, floats, flying planes, and fireworks! The 1/2 mile Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll begins at 2pm along Bayshore Blvd. At 4pm the Children's Gasparilla Parade begins at Bay to Bay & Bayshore Blvd and ends at Edison Ave. 7pm is the "Piratechnic Finale", where the imaginary sea battle between the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the City of Tampa is re-created.  813-251-8844  Childrens.GasparillaPirateFest.com

Jan 20  DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY PARADE
Thousands line the streets of a two-mile route winding through East Tampa from Cuscaden Park to Middleton High School.  Noon-4pm.  MLKJrParade.com

Jan 25  GASPARILLA PIRATE STREET FESTIVAL
The festivities begin even before the pirates invade and the merriment continues into the evening after the parade with stages featuring live entertainment and lots of delicious food. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park & MacDill Park.  9am-9pm.  813-251-8844  GasparillaPirateFest.com

Jan 25  GASPARILLA INVASION
The legendary Jose Gasparilla arrives in style, sailing into the Tampa Convention Center basin along with a magnificent flotilla of hundreds of vessels and the notorious pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. The excitement is palpable when the ship docks at precisely 1pm and our Captain meets the Mayor of Tampa to make his final demand for the key to the city. It's a thrilling spectacle that you won't want to miss!  813-251-8844  GasparillaPirateFest.com

Jan 25  PARADE OF THE PIRATES
The pirates celebrate their victory by parading along Bayshore Blvd, at 2pm, passing out trinkets and treasures to thousands along the route until they come to a stop at Cass St and Ashley Dr in Downtown Tampa.  813-251-8844  GasparillaPirateFest.com

Feb 8  SANT'YAGO ILLUMINATED KNIGHT PARADE
Come party at the Illuminated Knight Parade- featuring illuminated floats, plenty of music and dancing, and lots of beads. The parade begins at 7pm along 7th Ave in Ybor City, and the party extends into the early morning hours.  KnightParade.org

Feb 14-16  14TH ANNUAL GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Gasparilla Music Festival returns for three days of live music across 4 stages along Tampa's riverfront. This showcase of Tampa Bay's finest musicians, artists, and food is not to be missed!  Gasparilla Music Festival.  813-708-8423  GasparillaMusic.com

Feb 22  FIESTA DAY
Explore and celebrate the heritage that made Ybor what it is today. This annual street festival brings out the best in Ybor and includes food, arts & crafts, and music.  7th Ave.  11am-6pm. Ybor City.  Ybor.org

Feb 22-23  GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC RACE WEEKEND
Taking place since 1978, The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association will host this year's 15K and 5K races on Saturday, the Half Marathon and 8k on Sunday, Team Challenges and other events in between! All races begin and end in Downtown Tampa, near the Tampa Convention Center. 813-254-7866.  RunGasparilla.com

Mar 1-2  RAYMOND JAMES GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Showcasing the world's most talented artists at this premier juried outdoor fine art and fine craft festival. Featured art includes ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, and more! Includes the TBBCA Chalk Walk, live entertainment & children's activities.  Julian B Lane Riverfront Park.  Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.  813-876-1747  GasparillaArts.com

Mar 27-30  GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
A celebration of filmmakers from across the world as well as local talent. The event features screenings of documentaries, shorts and feature-length works, in addition to U.S. premieres, Q&A sessions with the auteurs and casts, expert panel discussions, star-studded red carpet engagements, after parties and an award ceremony.  813-693-2367  GasparillaFilmFestival.com