Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
Tampa, Florida, is a city that thrives on its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse community spirit. From grand festivals and parades to intimate cultural gatherings, Tampa’s calendar is filled with events that draw visitors from around the world. This guide takes you through the key events happening in Tampa throughout 2025, offering insights into what makes each event special, practical information on how to attend, and tips to make the most of your experience.
Introduction to Tampa
Tampa is a dynamic destination known for its sunny weather, beautiful waterfronts, and rich blend of cultural influences. The city’s event calendar reflects this diversity, with celebrations ranging from historic cultural festivals to cutting-edge music and arts events. Whether you’re visiting for a specific event or planning a trip around Tampa’s lively social scene, there’s always something happening that makes Tampa an exciting place to be.
January
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Dates: January 25, 2025
Location: Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 251-8844
What Makes It Special: The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of Tampa’s most iconic events, featuring a mock pirate invasion, a parade, and a weekend of pirate-themed activities. The festival honors the legendary pirate José Gaspar, who supposedly terrorized the Florida coast in the 18th century.
Highlights: The parade, with its elaborate floats and pirate costumes, is a must-see. The event also features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Dates: January 12-21, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 254-4285
What Makes It Special: Celebrating African American culture and history, this 10-day festival includes music, art, food, and educational events. It’s a key event in Tampa’s cultural calendar, highlighting the contributions of the African American community.
Highlights: The music fest featuring national and local artists, cultural exhibits, and the Heritage Leadership Luncheon.
Gasparilla Children's Parade
Dates: January 18, 2025
Location: Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 251-8844
What Makes It Special: This family-friendly event is a precursor to the main Gasparilla parade, offering a safe and fun environment for children to celebrate with their own parade, complete with floats and costumes.
Highlights: The parade is followed by a fireworks display over the bay, making it a magical experience for kids.
February
Florida State Fair
Dates: February 8-19, 2025
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
Contact: (813) 621-7821
What Makes It Special: The Florida State Fair is an annual event that showcases the best of Florida’s agriculture, entertainment, and culture. With carnival rides, food stalls, and exhibits, it’s a fun experience for all ages.
Highlights: The fair’s unique offerings include a showcase of Florida’s agriculture, midway rides, and classic fair food like deep-fried everything.
Gasparilla Knight Parade
Dates: February 10, 2025
Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 248-0721
What Makes It Special: This illuminated night parade through historic Ybor City is one of the most popular Gasparilla events, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and bead-throwing pirates.
Highlights: The nighttime setting in Ybor City’s historic streets adds a unique atmosphere, and the parade is known for its lively and colorful floats.
Sant’ Yago Knight Parade
Dates: February 17, 2025
Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 248-3088
What Makes It Special: Organized by the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago, this parade is a vibrant celebration of Tampa’s Latin heritage. The event is known for its lively atmosphere and elaborate floats.
Highlights: The parade winds through Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, and features a festive blend of music, dancing, and vibrant costumes.
March
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Dates: March 1-2, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 876-1747
What Makes It Special: This prestigious art festival showcases the work of talented artists from across the country. The event includes a juried art show with cash prizes, making it a major event on the national art calendar.
Highlights: Visitors can explore a wide range of art, from paintings and sculptures to photography and jewelry, all while enjoying the scenic views of the Tampa Riverwalk.
Gasparilla Music Festival
Dates: March 9-10, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 708-8423
What Makes It Special: The Gasparilla Music Festival brings together a diverse lineup of local and national musicians across multiple genres. The event is a celebration of music, community, and Tampa’s vibrant cultural scene.
Highlights: In addition to the music, the festival offers a variety of food from local restaurants, art installations, and family-friendly activities.
Tampa Bay Beer Week
Dates: March 2-10, 2025
Location: Various locations across Tampa Bay
Contact: (813) 555-5678
What Makes It Special: Tampa Bay Beer Week is a celebration of the region’s thriving craft beer scene. The event features beer tastings, brewery tours, and special releases from local breweries.
Highlights: The week culminates in Hunahpu’s Day, an annual release party for Cigar City Brewing’s popular imperial stout, attracting beer enthusiasts from all over the country.
April
Tampa Pride Parade and Festival
Dates: April 6, 2025
Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 777-4832
What Makes It Special: Tampa Pride is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a parade, street festival, and live entertainment. The event is one of the largest Pride celebrations in Florida.
Highlights: The parade through Ybor City is the centerpiece of the event, featuring colorful floats, performers, and a festive atmosphere.
Riverfest
Dates: April 27-28, 2025
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 221-1539
What Makes It Special: Riverfest is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Tampa’s Riverwalk with a weekend of live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. The event culminates with a fireworks display over the river.
Highlights: The event features performances from local bands, a paddleboard race, and the popular Hot Dog Festival.
Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races
Dates: April 20, 2025
Location: Garrison Channel, 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 223-2752
What Makes It Special: The Dragon Boat Races are a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and teamwork, with teams from across the country competing in races along Tampa’s waterfront. The event is steeped in Asian cultural traditions and is a highlight of the spring calendar.
Highlights: In addition to the races, the event includes cultural performances, food vendors, and activities celebrating Asian heritage.
May
Sunset Music Festival
Dates: May 24-26, 2025
Location: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
Contact: (813) 350-6500
What Makes It Special: The Sunset Music Festival is a massive electronic dance music event that attracts top DJs and EDM fans from around the world. The festival is known for its high-energy performances and elaborate stage productions.
Highlights: In addition to the music, the festival features immersive art installations, food vendors, and merchandise stalls.
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
Dates: May 25, 2025
Location: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Contact: (813) 400-2353
What Makes It Special: This fun and festive event celebrates all things margarita, with a wide variety of flavors and concoctions to try. The festival also features live music and a fireworks show to cap off the evening.
Highlights: Attendees can sample margaritas from over 50 different vendors, enjoy live performances, and relax in the festival’s lounge areas.
Tampa Riverwalk Craft Beer Fest
Dates: May 11, 2025
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 275-6160
What Makes It Special: The Craft Beer Fest is a celebration of Tampa’s booming craft beer industry, with dozens of local breweries participating. The event is held along the scenic Riverwalk, offering a picturesque setting for sampling brews.
Highlights: In addition to beer tastings, the event includes live music, food trucks, and craft vendors.
June
Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival
Dates: June 8-9, 2025
Location: Central Park Village, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 555-1234
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring a parade, live music, and traditional Caribbean food. The event is a colorful and festive experience that brings the community together.
Highlights: The parade is the highlight of the carnival, with elaborate costumes, lively music, and dancing through the streets of Tampa.
Tampa Theatre Summer Classics Series
Dates: June 2 – August 25, 2025 (Every Sunday)
Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 274-8981
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Theatre Summer Classics Series is a beloved tradition where classic films are screened in the historic Tampa Theatre. The event offers a nostalgic movie-going experience in a beautifully preserved movie palace.
Highlights: Each screening includes a live organ performance before the film, adding to the vintage charm of the event.
ZooTampa Summer Safari Nights
Dates: June 7 – August 30, 2025 (Every Saturday)
Location: ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Contact: (813) 935-8552
What Makes It Special: Summer Safari Nights at ZooTampa offers an opportunity to explore the zoo after hours, with special animal encounters, live entertainment, and food and drink specials. It’s a unique way to experience the zoo in a cooler, evening setting.
Highlights: The event includes animal shows, guided tours, and a nightly light show that adds a magical atmosphere to the zoo.
July
4th of July Fireworks at Channelside
Dates: July 4, 2025
Location: Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 221-1539
What Makes It Special: Tampa’s Independence Day celebration is a spectacular event featuring a fireworks display over the harbor. The event includes live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Highlights: The fireworks show is one of the largest in the region, with views from various points around the bay.
Tampa Red, White & Blue Festival
Dates: July 3-5, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 555-2222
What Makes It Special: This festival celebrates Independence Day with a weekend of patriotic music, food, and entertainment. It’s a family-friendly event that includes a fireworks show and various activities for all ages.
Highlights: The festival’s main stage features live performances by local bands, and there are plenty of food trucks and vendors offering classic American fare.
Tampa Bay Comic Convention
Dates: July 19-21, 2025
Location: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 274-8511
What Makes It Special: Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a major event for fans of comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture. The convention features celebrity guests, artist panels, cosplay contests, and a massive exhibit hall.
Highlights: In addition to meeting your favorite stars, the convention offers opportunities to purchase rare collectibles, attend workshops, and participate in interactive exhibits.
August
Tampa Bay Rum Festival
Dates: August 10, 2025
Location: Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 555-3333
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Bay Rum Festival celebrates the region’s rich history of rum production with tastings, mixology workshops, and live entertainment. It’s a must-attend event for rum enthusiasts and anyone interested in Caribbean culture.
Highlights: Attendees can sample a variety of rums from local and international distilleries, learn to make classic rum cocktails, and enjoy live Caribbean music.
Tampa Home and Garden Show
Dates: August 16-18, 2025
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
Contact: (813) 555-4444
What Makes It Special: This event is a showcase of the latest trends in home improvement, gardening, and interior design. The show features exhibitors offering products, services, and advice for homeowners looking to upgrade their living spaces.
Highlights: The event includes live demonstrations, expert presentations, and a wide range of vendors offering everything from kitchen appliances to outdoor furniture.
Back to School Bash
Dates: August 24, 2025
Location: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
Contact: (813) 350-6500
What Makes It Special: The Back to School Bash is a family-friendly event designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. The event includes free school supplies, health screenings, and entertainment for kids of all ages.
Highlights: The event features interactive booths, games, and giveaways, making it a fun and productive way for families to get ready for school.
September
Tampa Bay Boat Show
Dates: September 13-15, 2024
Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610
Contact: (813) 621-7821
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Bay Boat Show is the premier event for boating enthusiasts, showcasing a wide variety of boats, marine accessories, and services. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the latest in boating technology and design.
Highlights: In addition to browsing the latest boats, attendees can participate in seminars on boating safety and maintenance, and take advantage of special show pricing on marine products.
Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased at the venue or online through the Tampa Bay Boat Show website. The venue offers ample parking, and public transportation options are available. Nearby hotels offer special rates for show attendees.
Taste of South Tampa
Dates: September 22, 2024
Location: Hyde Park Village, 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Contact: (813) 274-7936
What Makes It Special: This annual food festival is a culinary celebration of South Tampa’s diverse dining scene. Local restaurants offer samples of their best dishes, providing attendees with a taste of the area’s finest cuisine.
Highlights: The event includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and a wine and beer garden, making it a perfect day out for food lovers.
Practical Information: Tickets are available online and at the event. Hyde Park Village offers parking, but spaces can fill up quickly. Consider using a rideshare service or public transportation.
Tampa Bay Fashion Week
Dates: September 25-29, 2024
Location: Various venues across Tampa
Contact: (813) 555-5555
What Makes It Special: Tampa Bay Fashion Week is a premier event showcasing the latest fashion from local and international designers. The event includes runway shows, pop-up shops, and networking opportunities for fashion industry professionals.
Highlights: The runway shows are the main attraction, featuring cutting-edge designs and the latest trends in fashion. The event also offers workshops and talks by industry leaders.
Practical Information: Tickets for runway shows and events can be purchased online. Venues are spread across the city, so plan your transportation accordingly. Many events offer valet parking, and there are several hotels nearby for those staying in town.
October
Tampa Theatre's A Nightmare on Franklin Street
Dates: October 18-31, 2024
Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 274-8286
What Makes It Special: This annual Halloween event at the historic Tampa Theatre features a series of horror films, ghost tours, and themed events. It’s a must-visit for horror movie buffs and anyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
Highlights: In addition to film screenings, the event includes ghost tours of the historic theatre and special themed nights like “Rocky Horror Picture Show” sing-alongs.
Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. The Tampa Theatre is located in downtown Tampa, with parking available in nearby garages. Public transportation and rideshare services are recommended for those unfamiliar with the area.
Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat
Dates: October 26, 2024
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 221-1539
What Makes It Special: This family-friendly event invites kids and families to trick-or-treat along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk. The event features candy stations, entertainment, and festive decorations.
Highlights: In addition to trick-or-treating, the event includes live entertainment, costume contests, and plenty of photo opportunities along the Riverwalk.
Practical Information: This is a free event, open to the public. The Riverwalk is pedestrian-friendly, and there are several parking garages in the downtown area. Early arrival is recommended to avoid the crowds.
Guavaween
Dates: October 28, 2024
Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 555-6666
What Makes It Special: Guavaween is Tampa’s wild and wacky Halloween celebration in Ybor City, featuring a parade, costume contests, and live music. Known for its lively atmosphere and creative costumes, it’s one of the city’s most anticipated events.
Highlights: The highlight of Guavaween is the parade, with its elaborate floats and costumed participants. The event also includes live music and a street party that lasts late into the night.
Practical Information: Tickets are required for some parts of the event, including the parade viewing areas. Ybor City can get crowded, so consider arriving early and using public transportation or rideshare services.
November
Tampa Bay International Auto Show
Dates: November 16-19, 2024
Location: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 274-8511
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Bay International Auto Show is a showcase of the latest vehicles from top automakers. The event features new model debuts, concept cars, and opportunities for test drives.
Highlights: In addition to the latest cars, the show includes interactive displays, automotive accessories, and special events for car enthusiasts.
Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. The Tampa Convention Center offers parking, but it can fill up quickly, so public transportation is a good option.
Ybor City Cigar Heritage Festival
Dates: November 25, 2024
Location: Centennial Park, 1800 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Contact: (813) 242-5370
What Makes It Special: This festival celebrates Ybor City’s rich cigar-making history with live music, cigar rolling demonstrations, and plenty of cigars to sample. It’s a must-attend for cigar aficionados and history buffs alike.
Highlights: In addition to cigars, the festival features live Latin music, dance performances, and food vendors offering Cuban and Spanish cuisine.
Practical Information: The event is free to attend, but cigars and other items are available for purchase. Ybor City can be busy during the festival, so parking might be a challenge. Consider using public transportation or rideshare services.
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 221-1539
What Makes It Special: The Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, decorations, and festive events throughout the season.
Highlights: The event includes a holiday boat parade, light displays, and seasonal entertainment, making it a magical experience for all ages.
Practical Information: The event is free and open to the public. The Riverwalk is accessible and offers plenty of viewing spots for the light displays and boat parade. Nearby parking garages are available, but early arrival is recommended.
December
Tampa's Downtown on Ice
Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 221-3686
What Makes It Special: Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink, Downtown on Ice, is a holiday tradition where visitors can skate under the stars in the heart of downtown. It’s a unique experience that brings a touch of winter magic to sunny Florida.
Highlights: In addition to ice skating, the event includes holiday music, food vendors, and visits from Santa Claus.
Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased at the rink. Skate rentals are available. Parking is available in nearby garages, but using public transportation or rideshare services might be more convenient.
Snow on 7th Avenue
Dates: December 8, 2024
Location: Ybor City, Tampa, FL
Contact: (813) 241-8838
What Makes It Special: Snow on 7th Avenue is a festive holiday event that brings “snow” to the historic streets of Ybor City. The event features a holiday parade, live performances, and a chance to see the city’s historic buildings decked out in holiday lights.
Highlights: The parade includes floats, marching bands, and appearances by Santa Claus. The “snowfall” adds a magical touch to the event, making it a favorite for families.
Practical Information: The event is free to attend. Ybor City’s parking can be limited during the event, so public transportation or rideshare services are recommended.
Tampa Holiday Market
Dates: December 15-16, 2024
Location: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Contact: (813) 274-8511
What Makes It Special: The Tampa Holiday Market is a one-stop-shop for holiday gifts, featuring a wide variety of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet food. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Highlights: The market includes live entertainment, holiday-themed workshops, and a visit from Santa. It’s a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday shopping.
Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. The Tampa Convention Center offers parking, but it can get crowded, so plan accordingly.
How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets for most events can be purchased online through the event’s official website or at the venue. Some events are free and open to the public, while others may require advance purchase, especially for popular or limited-capacity events.
Getting to the Events
Tampa’s events are spread across the city, with many located in downtown or popular districts like Ybor City and the Riverwalk. Public transportation options include buses and trolleys, and there are several parking garages available near major event locations. Rideshare services are also widely used.
Where to Stay
During event-heavy months, hotels in downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and near the Riverwalk tend to fill up quickly. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, especially for larger events. Consider hotels like the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Hilton Tampa Downtown, or boutique options like Hotel Haya in Ybor City.
Insider Tips
Best Times to Attend
For most events, arriving early ensures you get the best experience, whether it’s securing a good viewing spot or avoiding the largest crowds. Weekday events tend to be less crowded than those on weekends.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Tampa is a friendly city with a laid-back vibe, but it’s always good to be respectful of local customs, especially during cultural events. For family-friendly events, ensure that your attire and behavior are appropriate.
Exploring Other Attractions
While attending events, take the time to explore Tampa’s other attractions, such as the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, or the historic neighborhoods of Ybor City and Hyde Park. The Tampa Riverwalk is a great way to connect to several attractions while enjoying the scenic waterfront.
Staying Safe
For large outdoor events, keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Stay hydrated, especially if attending events during warmer weather. If attending events in the evening, consider traveling with a group or using well-lit and populated routes.
What to Wear and Bring
Check the weather forecast before attending outdoor events and dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for events that involve a lot of walking or standing. Bringing sunscreen, a hat, and water is advisable for daytime events.
Planning Your Visit
Tampa’s fall and winter event calendar offers a diverse array of experiences, from cultural celebrations to holiday festivities. These events not only showcase the city’s vibrant community spirit but also provide visitors with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in Tampa’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a family-friendly outing or indulge in the city’s lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Tampa this season. Consider planning your visit around these exciting events to make the most of your time in this dynamic city.
