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 Mar 3   GASPARILLA: A TRADITION
Dive deep into the history of Tampa's oldest and most fun-loving community festival and explore the uncharted waters of more than 110 years of parades, pirate invasions, coronation balls, and more. Gaze at vintage photographs from 1904 to the present, see memorabilia including invitations and pirate tokens, and marvel at gowns worn by Gasparilla queens and members of their courts.  10am-5pm.  Henry B Plant Museum.  813-254-1891  PlantMuseum.com

Thru Jul 14   DECADE OF CHANGE: FLORIDA IN THE 1920S
Bootleggers flooded cities with prohibited booze, flappers danced to jazz, and workers erected bungalows and Mediterranean Revival-style suburban homes in Florida in the 1920s. A glimpse of the fashion, music, architecture, social movements, and politics that defined Florida during the decade.  Tampa Bay History Center.  813-228-0097  TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Thru Sep 1   THE LAST PICTURE SHOW: PAINTINGS BY ROD PENNER
Based in Texas, Penner's work captures the visual dichotomy of forgotten towns in southwest America. Painted in excruciating detail, these cinematic paintings explore the desolation and serenity of rural Texas and New Mexico.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Feb 7-18   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

Feb 10  BARK IN THE PARK 2024
Tampa's favorite pet and family-friendly festival is back! Enjoy fun in the sun, featuring adoptable animals, fun activities for dogs, vendor booths to stroll through, food trucks, libations, and music.  11am-3pm.  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  BarkinTheParkTampa.com

Feb 16-18  13TH ANNUAL GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Gasparilla Music Festival has been voted Tampa Bay's Best Festival and features over 50 bands across 5 stages along Tampa's waterfront. The festival includes award winning food from some of the area's best restaurants.  4pm.  Julian B Lane Waterfront Park.  GasparillaMusic.com

Feb 24  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 24-25  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 2-3  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 5-10   JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, a mesmerizing new production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Mar 6  SPECIAL HOPERATIONS HOME-BREWED BEER TASTING
Sample as much homebrew as you want plus, you'll get to vote for the "People's Choice" award. If you are a homebrew enthusiast and love local breweries, this event is for you.  7-10pm.  Barriehaus Beer Co.  813-242-2739.  Barriehaus.com

Mar 9  9TH ANNUAL BEER, BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL
Celebrate LIVING LIFE IN A SOUTHERN STATE OF MIND at a great day of beer sippin', bourbon tastin', music listenin', cigar smokin', and barbeque eatin'. Enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.  12-6pm.  Curtis Hixon Park.  BeerAndBourbon.com

Mar 10  THE TRILOGY TOUR: ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, PITBULL & RICKY MARTIN
The three multigenerational global powerhouses Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull are extending their one-of-a-kind arena party, The Trilogy Tour, into 2024. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of music on the tour as the megastars deliver an electrifying mix of their biggest career-spanning hits with influences of reggaeton, salsa pop, dance and electronic music, backed by world-class production and state-of-the-art visuals.  Amalie Arena.  813-301-2500  AmalieArena.com

Mar 16  RIVER O' GREEN FEST
The Hillsborough River goes green! Including live entertainment, kids' activities, food trucks serving Irish fare and lots of beer.  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  11am-5pm.  813-274-1898  RiverOGreen.com

Mar 16  ROUGH RIDERS ST PATRICK'S DAY NIGHT PARADE
Hundreds of floats aglow with lights and loaded with leprechauns and plenty of beads. Parade begins at Nuccio Pkwy and heads East on 7th Ave to 20th St.  5pm.  Ybor City.  813-248-1898  TampaRoughRiders.com

Mar 23-24  TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW
The latest trends in home improvement will be on display: from kitchens to baths to flooring to windows, pools, spas and more! Informational exhibits, giveaways, and door prizes will be available to guests.  Tampa Convention Center.  10am-5pm.  813-274-8511  TampaHomeShow.com

Mar 21-24  DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN AND ENCANTO
For the first time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios Frozen, the No. 1 Animated Feature of all time and Disney Animation's Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA® and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more!  Amalie Arena.  813-301-2500  AmalieArena.com

Mar 21-24  GASPARILLA INT'L 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.  813-693-2367  GasparillaFilmFestival.com

Mar 23  TAMPA PRIDE 2024 STREET FESTIVAL
Featuring Arts & Crafts Show, Community Health Fair, Music, Guest Speakers and Food Alley. Cuban Club Courtyard & HCC Parking Lot.  11am-11pm.  TampaPride.org

Mar 23  TAMPA PRIDE 2024 DIVERSITY PARADE
This annual Pride parade will once again will wind its way east from the corner of Nuccio Parkway and 7th Ave, down 7th Ave to 20th St. Enjoy the parade from the historic "GaYbor District!" We'll be announcing the parade from Centro Ybor for more added excitement!  Historic Ybor City.  4pm.  TampaPride.org

Mar 31  EASTER CRUISE
This Easter, hop on board Yacht StarShip for a family-friendly brunch cruise with an elegant touch! Dine on a delicious brunch buffet while taking in the sights of Tampa Bay's beautiful waterfront. Your cruise includes a delightful buffet, reserved table, DJ entertainment, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny for family pictures!  Yacht Starship.  813-223-7999  YachtStarship.com

Apr 2-7   MRS DOUBTFIRE
Everyone's favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Tampa in an internationally acclaimed new hit musical critics call "wonderful, heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny" (Manchester Evening News) and "a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers" (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It's "the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now," raves the Chicago Tribune - one that proves we're better together.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Apr 7  WINEFEST OF ITALY
Festa Italiana's annual signature event featuring a tasting of over 100 wines, delicious bites from Tampa Bay's best restaurants & caterers, a silent auction of 100+ items, and a wine shop to purchase your favorite bottles.  1-4:30pm.  Italian Club of Tampa.  FestaItalianaTampa.com

Apr 9-13  TAMPA BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Celebrate the Tampa Bay area's top chefs and culinary masterminds with four days of curated experiences set to engage your palettes with the help of international wines and cocktail partners as well as national brands. Tue at The Tampa Bay Club, Wed at Water Street, Thu at Hyde Park Village, Fri & Sat at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  TampaBayWFF.com

Apr 19  98ROCKFEST
Tampa's premier rock festival, 98ROCKFEST, features an all-star lineup led by multi-platinum recording artists Staind, and also includes Seether, Asking Alexandria, Dayseeker, Ayron Jones, Tim Montana, Austin Meade and Sleep Theory.  Amalie Arena.  813-301-2500  AmalieArena.com

Apr 27   TASTE AT THE STRAZ
TASTE puts you on Tampa's beautiful Riverwalk at The Straz with access to the Bay area's best food, craft brews, cocktails and more. With multiple stages of live music, TASTE is a glorious evening of eating, drinking and indulging in our region's extraordinary culture.  7pm.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Apr 30 - May 5   PETER PAN
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award® winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including "I'm Flying", "I Gotta Crow", "I Won't Grow Up" and "Neverland". PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning - your entire family will be Hooked!  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

May 3-4  TAMPA RIVERFEST 2024
This festival features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants. There will also be local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset both nights.  Curtis Hixon Park and along the Tampa Riverwalk.  Tampa Riverwalk.  TheTampaRiverwalk.com

May 26  13TH ANNUAL INT'L FORD CUBAN SANDWICH FESTIVAL
Enjoy live music and 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 GOLDEN TICKET to compete in the World Food Championships! While attempting to make a 350 Ft. Cuban Sandwich!  12-6pm.  Centennial Park.  CubanSandwichFestival.com

May 28 - Jun 22   CLUE
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they'll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Jun 5-16  TAMPA INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL
Tampa Fringe is an international festival of indie performance: From stand up and improv, to theatre and dance, to weird performance art, we have it all!  Historic Ybor City.  TampaFringe.org

Jun 11-16   LES MISÉRABLES
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg's Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, this is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by more than 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is still undisputedly "one of the greatest musicals ever created" (Chicago Tribune).  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org