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

ROCK THE PARK TAMPA
Rock the Park is a free monthly music series showcasing Central Florida's musical talents of all genres. Join us the FIRST THURSDAY of every month at 6:30pm at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa, FL. Come out and support Tampa's great talent! Follow the event page on Facebook@RockThePark for updates.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thru Jan 7   FRONTIERS OF IMPRESSIONISM: PAINTINGS FROM THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM
View 53 works by over 30 artists - including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Max Slevogt. Together, they demonstrate Impressionism's international allure and its national adaptations captured in subjects from Monet's famed Giverny lily pond to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru Feb 18   PEPE MAR: MYTH AND MAGIC
A 15-year survey of the artist's work which includes fifty objects from Pepe Mar's diverse practice in collage, sculpture, ceramics, and painting. The artist often explores themes related to cultural isolation and identity, rituals and mythologies, and consumer consumption and excess.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru Mar 17   A PASSION FOR HAITIAN ART: THE ALBRECHT AND HELLER COLLECTIONS
Explore the art and dedication of collecting Haitian objects through this a rare opportunity to view master artists of Haitian painting.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru Apr 21   GARRY WINOGRAND: WOMEN ARE BEAUTIFUL
This Photography collection comprised of more than 950 photographs includes works by John Baldessari, James Casebere, and Cindy Sherman, as well as the candid photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andy Warhol, and Winogrand.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Thru Jun 23   REFRAMING HAITIAN ART
Rarely seen by the public, this collection includes over 75 artworks from Haiti's most prominent painters that presents an overview of the major developments in Haitian painting from the 1960s-80s.  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 6-29   SPIRITS OF THE SHALLOWS
On select nights, join a ghostly crew in a haunted tour featuring stories of terror and Tampa's eerie past! Stop at Captain Patchy's Pumpkin Barge, to meet Tampa's grumpiest Tug Captain!  Pirate Water Taxi.  813-223-7999  PirateWaterTaxi.com

Oct 3 - Nov 26   THE CHOIR OF MAN
The best pub lock-in you've ever been to. Featuring pop, classic rock, folk, Broadway and pub tunes, with something for everyone. A multi-talented cast combines hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs, world-class tap dance and homage to that gathering place we all love so much: your local pub.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Oct 24-29   BEETLEJUICE
It's showtime! Based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. It's a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every day-O!  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Oct 28  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.  Tampa Riverwalk.  TheTampaRiverwalk.com

Oct 28-29   GUPPYWEEN 2023
Fun under the deep BOO sea. With Trick or treat stations, dance party, animal encounters, character appearances and more.  Florida Aquarium.  9:30am-5pm. Sensory friendly, Sat 8-9:30am.  813-273-4000  FLAquarium.org

Oct 29   HALLOWEEN SPREE
Show off your most creative costume. Bring the little ghouls and goblins for indoor trick-or-treating, costume parades, pumpkin decorating contest, and Halloween-themed activities!  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.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 11  ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO
Showcases hand selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses from all over the country with all things weird.  Tampa Convention Center.  10am-6pm OdditiesAndCuriositiesExpo.com

Nov 15   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.  813-273-4000  Ybor.org

Nov 17 - Jan 1   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 28 - Dec 3   FUNNY GIRL
Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs "Don't Rain On My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star," and "People," this love letter to the theatre is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she'd never be a star, but then something funny happened-she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Dec 1-23   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

Dec 2   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.  6-10pm.  FriendsOfTampaRec.org

Dec 2   ANNUAL SANTA FEST AND CHRISTMAS PARADE
Enjoy the Annual Holiday Parade stepping off 11am at Morgan St and Madison St with the best viewing along Madison St. The family fun continues in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with Santa Fest. Enjoy continuous holiday entertainment, make-n-take crafts, bounce houses, rock wall, free photos with Santa and lots of Reindeer Games for the kids.  11am-4pm.  FriendsOfTampaRec.org

Dec 2  CIGAR HERITAGE 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 featuring the Black Honkeys and more. Centennial Park.  12pm-5pm.  CigarHeritageFestival.com

Dec 9-10   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 Sun at 7am.  Tampa Convention Center.  HotChocolate15k.com

Dec 1-23   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 23   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 23  HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Watch along the Riverwalk as festively decorated boats compete in a spectacle of lights.  6-9pm.  Tampa Riverwalk.  TheTampaRiverwalk.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  GlazerMuseum.org

Jan 5-14  TAMPA BAY BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL
A ten day 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 15  2024 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.  12-4pm.  MLKJrParade.com

Jan 20  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 at Howard Ave. At 4pm the Children's Gasparilla Parade begins at Bay to Bay & Bayshore Blvd and ends at Edison & Bayshore Blvd. 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 27  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 27  GASPARILLA INVASION
Pirates invade and capture the City of Tampa in one of the largest and most unique celebrations in the country! At 11:30am the Jose Gasparilla leads a flotilla northward up Seddon Channel to dock at the Tampa Convention Center at 1pm. The invasion results in the Mayor surrendering the Key to the City to the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.  813-251-8844  GasparillaPirateFest.com

Jan 27  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 10  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.  KrewesSantYago.org

Feb 16-18  13TH 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 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

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