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

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  GlazerMuseum.org

TAMPA BAY 3RD THURSDAY MARKET
Discover Tampa's vibrant food scene at the monthly street food fest, held every 3rd Thursday, year-round. Savor diverse flavors and enjoy an evening filled with culinary creativity, perfect for foodies and casual diners alike.  1200 Block, Madison St.  6-10pm.  813-221-3686  TampaBayMarkets.com

WATER STREET SUNDAY MARKET
Experience the charm of downtown Tampa at the Water Street Sunday Market, held every 3rd Sunday. Featuring local vendors, fresh finds, and unique crafts, this market offers a perfect Sunday outing, year-round.  Water Street.  11-3pm.  TampaBayMarkets.com

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS SUNDAY MARKET
Nestled in the heart of the Guinn Center, the Seminole Heights Sunday Market showcases a lively mix of local artisans, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. Held on the 2nd Sunday each month.  Near Hillsborough High School.  10-2pm.  TampaBayMarkets.com

HYDE PARK VILLAGE FRESH MARKET
Stroll through Hyde Park Village every 1st Sunday for the Fresh Market, offering seasonal produce, handcrafted items, and gourmet treats. This market blends local charm with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect year-round.  Hyde Park Village.  10-3pm  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

UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS
Every Sunday, step back in time and enjoy the character performances that bring Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life! Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests.  2pm  Henry B Plant Museum.  813-254-1891  PlantMuseum.com

SUNSHINE SUNDAYS
On the last Sunday of each month, children with special needs and their caregivers can explore the museum in a calm, sensory-friendly environment. Adapted tools, special programs, and community resources create a welcoming Museum space for connection and discovery.  8-10am.  Glazer Children's Museum.  813-443-3861  GlazerMuseum.org

DOWNTOWN BACKYARD MARKET
Downtown's Backyard Market brings a touch of the countryside to Tampa's Downtown Core! Held every 2nd Thursday, this vibrant monthly market offers fresh produce, lively chatter, and a welcoming atmosphere. Discover farm-fresh goodness in the heart of the city!  Tampa City Center Esplanade.  TampasDowntown.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thru Apr 13  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 Apr 27  MAPPING THE AMERICAN SEA: A CARTOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE GULF OF MEXICO
America's history is often framed as an inevitable expansion, from the colonies to the California Gold Rush. This exhibit reframes that story, highlighting the Gulf States as pivotal in shaping the United States and North America.  Tampa Bay History Center.  813-228-0097  TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Thru Sep 28  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

Feb 6 - Jul 6  UNDER THE SPELL OF THE PALM TREE: THE RICE COLLECTION OF CUBAN ART
This exhibition showcases contemporary Cuban art through 53 artists and six distinct themes: The Language of Forms, The Prophet's Dream, The Great Journey, Sensory Landscapes of Memory and Desire, The Musings of Narcissus, and The Spirit of the Real. Explore diverse mediums that capture the richness of Cuban art.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Mar 1 - Aug 3  INVISIBLE IMMIGRANTS: SPANIARDS IN THE US
Debuting in the U.S. after a five-year tour in Spain, this exhibition uncovers the hidden history of the Spanish American diaspora and honors the legacy of Spanish immigrants from the turn of the 20th century.  Tampa Bay History Center.  5:30-9pm.  813-228-0097  TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Mar 6  CRAFTED HISTORY LUNCH CRUISE
Set sail and discover Henry Plant's railroad and Hillsborough County's evolution while enjoying a delicious meal. History and cuisine combine for a memorable experience!  12-2pm.  Craft Tampa.  813-223-7999  CraftTampa.com

Mar 15  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  Tampa.gov

Mar 15  RIVER O' GREEN CRUISE
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a unique view of the Hillsborough River as it transforms into a stunning emerald green. Enjoy a 3-course brunch with Irish-inspired favorites aboard Craft while the captain ensures an unforgettable celebration. Cruises: 10am-Noon, 1pm-3pm.  Craft Tampa.  813-223-7999  CraftTampa.com

Mar 15  ROUGH RIDERS ST PATRICK'S NIGHT PARADE
Hundreds of floats aglow with lights and loaded with leprechauns and plenty of beads.  Parade begins at Joe Chilura Square and heads West on Madison St to Ashley Dr then East on Polk St.  5pm.  Downtown Tampa.  813-248-1898  TampaRoughRiders.org

Mar 21-23  DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN AND ENCANTO
Join Anna and Elsa in Arendelle and Mirabel in Encanto for an unforgettable adventure on ice! Experience dazzling skating, stunning visuals, and heartwarming moments in this magical Disney On Ice show!  Amalie Arena.  813-301-2500  AmalieArena.com

Mar 22  ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER CULTURAL FESTIVAL
The festival returns with a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month, showcasing cultural performances from various Asian countries and islands of the Pacific, delicious food, authentic merchandise, and informational exhibits.  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  12-9pm.  Tampa.gov

Mar 27-30  18TH ANNUAL GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Gasparilla International Film Festival is Tampa Bay's largest celebration of independent film held annually in Tampa, Florida. GIFF has become the most exciting and well-attended film festival regionally and in the Tampa Bay area.  GasparillaFilmFestival.com

Apr 2-20  DISNEY'S THE LION KING
Join over 100 million people who've experienced Disney's The Lion King, a six-time Tony Award-winner. This iconic show blends a heartwarming story with stunning visuals and unforgettable music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Don't miss this Broadway phenomenon!  The Straz Center for Performing Arts.  813-229-7827  StrazCenter.org

Apr 10 - Jun 29  THE HUTTERITES: IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF IT
Photographer Tim Smith has spent 15 years capturing the lives of the Hutterites, a pacifist Anabaptist group living in communal colonies across Canada and the U.S. His intimate photos reveal their unique way of life, blending tradition with change while challenging stereotypes.  Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.  813-221-2222  FMOPA.org

Apr 27 - Spr 2027  THE ETRUSCANS: A MYSTERIOUS ITALIAN PEOPLE
The Etruscans, an ancient Italian people absorbed by Rome, thrived in central Italy. This exhibit features 70 Etruscan artifacts, including jewelry, bronzes, terracotta, and more, offering a glimpse into their life, mythology, and culture over 750 years.  Tampa Museum of Art.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org

Apr 26-27  25TH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY BLACK HERITAGE MUSIC FEST
Join in for two days of vibrant performances, mouthwatering food, and a rich cultural experience under the Florida sun. This annual celebration highlights Black heritage through music, art, and community spirit. A perfect weekend to enjoy unforgettable moments with friends and family!  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.  12pm.  TampaBlackHeritage.org

May 2-3  TAMPA RIVERFEST
Experience a vibrant Riverwalk festival with family-friendly activities, local music, and unique highlights like a sunset balloon glow, lantern parade, and water ski show. Don't miss this celebration of Tampa's culture, food, and entertainment.  TheTampaRiverwalk.com

May 31  19TH ANNUAL PRIDE & PASSION
Experience a Renaissance-inspired celebration! Enjoy an open bar, hors d'oeuvres from local LGBTQ vendors, and captivating performances. Proceeds support mental health healing arts programs.  Tampa Museum of Art.   8pm.  813-274-8130  TampaMuseum.org