Tampa's Downtown Convention Center and Riverwalk keep the city vibrant and alive.
Riverwalk hosts concerts, restaurants and event spaces.
The Port of Tampa cruise ship glides to the Gulf
The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on the riverfront in downtown Tampa.
Ybor is the center of Cuban culture and cuisine in Tampa.
Fresh, frozen tropical fruit drinks are everywhere, even right on the beach.
Rollercoasters are magnificent here, and very scary.
Miles of pristine sand and turquoise water await your footprints.
Some of the best chefs in the U.S. have opened restaurants here.
Golf courses are plentiful and with this weather you can play all year.
The nightlife is loud, fun and jumpin'
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Tampa
"The Heart of Tampa Bay"
Current Issue
Tampa’s Very Own “Cigar City”
Historic Ybor City
Did you know when you’re in Tampa you can make a trip to Cuba without needing a passport?Conveniently located just northeast of downtown Tampa, Ybor City (pronounced EE-BOR), is home to a genuine piece of Cuban territory – José Martí Park. The park at the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street is actually owned by the people of Cuba. For nearly six decades, it was the only piece of Cuban-owned land in the United States until 2015 when the Cuban Embassy opened in Washington, DC.
The park’s namesake, José Martí, was a poet, journalist, and firebrand who led the island’s revolution against Spanish rule in the 1880s and 1890s. Martí lived in exile for many years as he fought for his homeland’s freedom.
During that time he often at time, he often visited Tampa Bay, where thousands of Cuban cigar rollers and Spanish factory owners like Vicente Martinez Ybor – the neighborhood’s founder, provided essential moral and financial support to Martí and his cause. Now considered the Cigar Capital of the World, Ybor City is the only neighborhood on Florida’s West Coast that is designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Its main commercial thoroughfare, 7th Avenue, has also been recognized as one of the “10 Great Streets in America.”
Today, a walk down 7th Avenue is truly a walk through the history. In the 1880s, Ybor City was a melting pot of immigrants from Spain, Cuba, Germany and Italy and home to some of the world’s most famous cigar factories that were the main economic source for the city. At one point, Ybor boasted 200 factories that produced more than 500 million cigars a year, earning the community the nickname “Cigar City.” Since then, many of the factory warehouses have been converted into business lofts, restaurants, shops and more. Ybor City has now evolved into Tampa’s Latin Quarter, offering a full menu of arts, culture, nightclubs and entertainment. Through it all, Cuban torcedores still make hand-rolled cigars in shops along Seventh Avenue as they have since those early days. If you plan to be in the Tampa area any time soon, be sure to visit historic Ybor and take in the sights, smells and culture of this fascinating area. To find out more, go to YborCityOnline.com.
CALENDAR 2024
EXPLORE
GOOD EATS
WEEKLY
Grove Street Farmer’s Market (Mon)
Start the week with fresh from Florida featuring farm fresh eggs, organic fruits and veggies, free-range beef and chicken, honey, cow and goat’s milk, cheeses, organic coffee and artisan-crafted foods and gifts. Free. 4-7pm. Takes place at 1001 NW 4th St.
MONTHLY
Rock the Park (1st Thursdays)
Enjoy Central FL’s best musicians once again live and from one of 20 socially distanced ‘pods’ in beautiful Curtis Hixon Park! Then remember to rock out all month long with curated Spotify playlists. Free. 7 pm. 600 N Ashley Dr.
Third Thursday Market
Join us for a hip, fun nighttime gourmet food event featuring food trucks, cocktails, live music and more! Free, onsite parking and dog-friendly! 6-10pm. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd.
Fresh Market at Wiregrass (1st & 3rd Saturdays)
Wesley Chapel: Discover the taste of summer all year long with fresh, organic produce, plants, unique handcrafted gifts and jewelry from local artisans accompanied by a variety of live music. 10am-3pm. 28211 Paseo Drive.
Hyde Park Essentials Market (1st Sunday)
Browse more than 100 vendors offering fresh and
organic fruits and veggies, locally prepared foods, handcrafted and artisan home décor, gifts and live
music to serenade your
Sunday. 10 am-3pm. 742 S. Village Circle
Second Sunday Market + Art Walk
Get out of the heat and into the AC to stroll booths featuring artisanal makers and merchants selling handmade goods, jewelry, apothecary, candles, apparel, and more. Then step outside for works by local and regional artists, live painting and one-of-a-kind art. Cost of purchase. 11am-3pm at 1910 Ola Ave.
The Market Elaine (1st Fri)
Wesley Chapel: The nighttime version of the Market Marie, shop 150+ vendors offering food, art, plants, clothing and jewelry, candles, soaps, home décor, pet adoptions and more. Free admission and parking. Takes place 5:30-9:30pm at 6103 Wesley Grove Blvd.
SPORTS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sept. 17 – January 2024 (Regular season)
4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy.,
Tampa Bay Lightning
401 Channelside Dr.
JUNE
June 13-23
Tampa Bay Restaurant Week
Experience the hottest new eateries or revisit old favorites when select restaurants offer fine and casual dining with multiple-course price fixe lunch and dinner menus and drink specials all across Tampa Bay. Various hours, locations.
June 15
Juneteenth - R.O.C. The Block Festival
Discover a community block party celebration featuring live music and DJs, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, health screenings and community organizations, bounce houses, basketball, interactive games and more! Tickets. 2:30-9pm. Takes place at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy.
JULY
July 4
Boat Parade & Boom by the Bay
Enjoy a star-spangled holiday with live entertainment, including a spectacular water ski show, patriotic boat parade and blessing of the fleet, live music and great food followed by an explosive, choreographed fireworks show at dusk. Free.
Takes place 6-9:30pm at 615 Channelside Dr and various downtown locations
July 5-7
METROCON
Explore Florida’s largest gathering of anime, cosplay and gaming, featuring a video game arcade, an all-new DREAM/fight Live! human-anime chess match, plus celebrities, costume contests, lip synch battles, mascot art, an all-ages rave and more! Tickets. Takes place Fri: 11am-11:30pm; Sat: 10am-11pm; Sun: 10am-5pm at 333 S. Franklin St.
July 11 & 12
Morgan Wallen
Get your hands on the hottest ticket of the summer featuring the country crooner belting out hits like ‘One Night at a Time,’ ‘Spin You Around,’ ‘Thought You Should Know,’ ‘Whiskey Glasses’ and more! Special guests Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Bryan Martin. Tickets.
Takes place 6pm at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy.
July 23-25
Tampa Bay Comic Book Convention
Shop vintage and new comics, toys, cosplay, anime and art, experience celebrity photo ops and autograph sessions, plus fan-cosplay meetups featuring authors, voice actors, creators and actors, including Chandler Riggs, Dave Foley, Priscilla Presley, Jennifer Morrison and more. Tickets. Takes place Fri: 12pm-10pm; Sat: 10am-10pm; Sun: 10am-5 pm at 333 S. Franklin St.
July 27
Cuban Sandwich Festival Winners Circle Smackdown
Get a taste of live Latin music along with the best empanadas and Cuban Sandwiches in South West Florida, Watch as sandwich artists try their hand at building the world’s biggest Cuban sandwich ( 350 ft. long!) and participate in the Winners Circle Smackdown. Time and location TBA.
AUGUST
August 3
VooDoo Bash
Celebrate the delicious (and support a great cause) with burger tastings handcrafted by local chefs and restauranteurs, enjoy a delectable dessert bar, live bands and DJs, celebrity judges, raffles, a silent auction and more! Tickets. Takes place 4-10pm at 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba.
August 3
The Stateside Cup
Tampa: Experience the thrill of English Premier Soccer when 2023 UEFA Europe Conference League champs West Ham United crosses the Atlantic to take on Crystal Palace FC in the chase for the inaugural Stateside Cup. Part of a three-stop US tournament, this promises to be a pre-preseason spectacle like no other! Tickets. Takes place 7pm at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy.
August 9
Bolts Brew Fest
Feel the Thunder with live music, craft brew sampling, photo ops, interactive and oversized games, a VIP lounge, and a special appearance by Thunderbug – all on Lightning home ice! Tickets. Takes place 8 pm at 401 Channelside Dr.
SEPTEMBER
September 28
ViVa Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival
Tampa: Enjoy a day of live music from an assortment of Hispanic artists, authentic Latin cuisine, energetic Latin dance performances, local celebrities, community leaders and more. Free. Takes place 11am-6pm at 600 N Ashley Dr.
OCTOBER
October 11-13
Oktoberfest
Dust off your steins and pull on the lederhosen for a day of stein hoisting, keg stacking, Carry the Wench, corn hole and more, before tapping into cold beer, authentic Bavarian food, treats and live music. Fun for all ages! Tickets.
Takes place Fri: 4-11 pm; Sat: 11am-11pm; Sun: 11am-6pm at 600 N Ashley Dr.
October 20
Ford’s Taste of Latino Festival
Bite into the ‘official sandwich of Tampa Bay’ handcrafted by Florida Cuban sandwich artisans with sides of live Latin music, dancing, authentic Cuban art and culture, plus the world’s largest Cuban Sandwich and Top Latino Chef contests! Free. 12-5pm. Takes place at 1800 E. 8th Ave.
October 26 & 27
Hyde Park Village Art Fair
Stroll the historic brick-lined streets and shop for life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, unique jewelry, photography, ceramics and more from more than 100 exhibitors in this open-air arts market. This popular annual market is a must for any art enthusiast! Free. 10am-5pm.
Takes place at 1622 Snow Ave.
October 26 & 27
Craft Festival at the Shops at Wiregrass
Wesley Chapel: Delight in this outdoor artisan market experience offering a variety of handcrafted fine art in a variety of mediums, plus unique soaps and lotions, plants, handbags, pet accessories and more. Takes place 10am-5pm at 28211 Paseo Dr.
October 26
Riverwalk Trick or Treat & Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa: Enjoy an afternoon of family friendly trick or treating, live music, food and street performers, then watch as a spooky flotilla of ‘ghost’ boats glide along the Hillsborough River in an eerie lighted holiday parade. Free. 4-7 pm; Boat parade: 6:30-9pm. Takes place in downtown Tampa.
Tampa At A Glance -
So much to see and do!
Tampa Bay – the second largest metro area in Florida – offers a variety of treasures in the communities that surround its beautiful waters. From gleaming high rises and the rich Latin heritage of Tampa, to St. Petersburg’s European-style charm of café-lined streets along the nation’s most beautiful waterfront, and to Clearwater’s white sand beaches, Tampa Bay offers everything under the
sun.
A visitor here can enjoy it all within a 45-minute drive from their hotel. Three
bridges span Tampa Bay, and the drive yields a spectacular vista of all that is Florida: palm trees, gliding pelicans and dolphins paint a picture of a paradise where summer never ends. Thirty-five miles of some of the best beaches in the world border the Gulf of Mexico: from Clearwater’s pristine Caladesi Island to south beyond St. Petersburg and the expansive Fort de Soto Beach. Here, fresh grouper is king, and golden sunsets are the dessert to cap off a perfect day in the sun.
Just minutes away in downtown St. Petersburg, this resort city boomed while the big bands played and is now home to a thriving arts community. Seven arts districts, dozens of galleries, world-class museums such as the Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection, and a rising curtain on a host of performing arts rival the
best arts cities in the world. And, sandwiched between museums and galleries, is stylish Beach Drive, a European promenade with open-air cafés overlooking beautiful waterfront parks, Mediterranean-tiled towers and the masts of sailboats. Tampa’s Busch Gardens is not only one of America’s most popular theme parks with heart-palpitating rollercoasters, but it is also home to one of the largest
zoos in the United States.
Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk provides a linear path past the Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park and the city’s gleaming business district. And less than a minute away, the Ybor City Historic District, where former cigar factories transformed into restaurants and nightclubs and the smell of Cuban coffee seems to seep from the old hexagon block sidewalks.
From the shores of Tampa Bay, discover everything from 21st century cities embracing the future, to spine tingling rollercoasters, the crack of a Major League Baseball bat and the perfect place to nestle your toes in the sand. We invite you to explore and discover the treasures of Tampa Bay.
401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 / 813-301-6500
World-Class Experience At Every Game
The former Tampa Bay Times Forum reinvented itself with over $40 million in improvements that have clearly revolutionized the industry. Come enjoy Florida’s premier entertainment venue, home of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm - five-time Arena Football Champion.
1101 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 / 800-741-2297
Year ‘Round and Seasonal Cruises
Embark on a cruise from downtown Tampa to exotic locations in the Western Caribbean such as Belize, Honduras, Grand Cayman and Mexico. Select an itinerary from 4 to 14 days that meets your schedule on one of the top cruise lines in the world. Enhance your stay in Tampa Bay with a cruise that will create a lifetime memory. Give Tampa a try!
Metwest International Shopping Center
4142 Boy Scout Blvd. | Tampa FL 33607 | 813-513-7560
M & Tu: 9am - Midnight; W & Th: 9am - 1am
F & Sa: 9am - 2am; Su: 10am - Midnight
The Ultimate Premium Cigar Experience
You’ll find only the best cigars and libations at this smoking hot cigar emporium which boasts over 5,000 square feet of humidified space, multiple lounges both indoor and out, and an elegant full service bar with
over 100 different spirits. In addition to Davidoff, Camacho, Avo, Room 101, BG Meyer, Griffin’s and Zino Platinum Cigars, you can also savor special featured cigars from renowned brands like Padron, MyFather Montecristo, Ashton, Fuente, Tatuaje and Illusione. The store features a big assortment of pipes, humidors, lighters, cutters and other smoking accessories, as well.
701 Channelside Dr., | Tampa, FL 33602
M-Su 9:30am - 5pm | 813-273-4000
Getting Involved
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. this large scale 250,000 square foot aquarium is publicly operated as a 501 not-for-profit organization. Come see why it is ranked as one of the Top 10 Aquariums in the country by Trip Advisor as well as one of the Top 5 “Kid-Friendly Aquariums” by Parents Magazine!
STRAZ CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, | Tampa, FL 33602 | 813-229-7827
Anything Can Happen!
Since 1987, the Straz Center has welcomed nearly 20 million guests. In a typical season, more than 600,000 patrons attend 1,500+ events here. As one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, this 335,000 square-foot world-class venue boasts one of the nation’s leading Broadway series. It’s also nationally renowned for producing grand opera, and presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances and events. The Straz is also home to the Patel Conservatory which annually serves nearly 65,000 students with a variety of educational activities and classes.
Participating Attractions
888-330-5008
Get up to 53% Off Tampa’s Top Attractions! Save 53% on combined admission to Bush Gardens Tampa Bay and four additional area attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowery Park Zoo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and your choice between the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) or the Chihuly Collection. CITYPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days beginning with the first use.
Lowry Park
1101 W Sligh Ave. Tampa, Fl 33604
Daily 9:30 am - 5 pm | 813-9358552 |
Featured On Animal Planet | Voted the #1Family Friendly Zoo in the US,
this 65 acre lush tropical habitat is home to more than 1300 resident animals and offers lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with giraffes, rhinos, exotic birds, stingrays and more. The emphasis here is on endangered and vulnerable species as well as on conservation and education. Love manatees? At the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital, the Zoo’s veterinary and animal-care staff treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees before returning them to the wild after rehabilitation. The Zoo also cares for the most diverse group of Florida wildlife anywhere, and has won numerous awards for animal preservation. There’s also a cool splash pad for kids, rides and play areas.
Tampa Bay Downs
11225 Race Track Rd Tampa, FL 33626
813.855.4401
Start your day with an afternoon of world-class Thoroughbred racing. Then, check out the high-stakes action in The Silks Poker Room, or bring your clubs to the state-of-the-art Downs Golf Practice Facility, where our stable of PGA Class A professionals are eager to help improve your game. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are available throughout the facility, and families can enjoy the laid-back ambience in the picnic area
between races. Groups are always welcome.
Fox Hollow Golf Club
Tampa Bay's Premier Semi Private Golf Facility
10050 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy Trinity, FL 34655
727-376-6333
As one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s last designs, Fox Hollow Golf Club opened it’s doors in 1994. The course has grown and developed into one of the premier semi-private golf facilities in the Tampa Bay area. The par 71 layout features Sea Dwarf, Seashore Paspalum greens, rolling fairways, and large white sand bunkers. The four sets of tees provide a true test for golfers of all skill levels.
Anchor and Brine
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602. 813-221-6391 | Daily 11am - Midnight.
Seafood Forward Terrace Dining with a refined yet approachable seafood forward menu and beautifully styled raw bar, Anchor and Brine is situated on the water along Tampa’s Riverwalk with indoor and outdoor terrace dining options.
The Great Room and Patio
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602813-221-4900; | Open Nightly
Casual Waterfront Eats & Specialty Cocktails. When you just feel like kicking back for cocktails, lite bites and some great live tunes, the Marriott’s scenic waterfront Great Room & Patio is just the ticket. Lots of shareable plates make it a great hang for networking and catching up with friends.
Jackson’s Bistro
601 S Harbour Island Blvd. Tampa, FL 33602
Open Daily For Lunch & Dinner, Sunday Brunch | 813-277-0112
Voted Best Sushi In Tampa
Jackson’s view alone makes it worth the visit and gives new meaning to the phrase “The Art Of Entertaining” Professional service, wonderful food and a warm ambiance creates a true cultural experience. Whether you come for lunch, dinner or just relax at the famous waterfront bar, Jackson’s always delivers a memorable dining experience that you won’t want to miss.
Tampa Airport Marriott
4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607
Call for hours 813-879-5151 | Your Oasis Awaits
Delicious dining options. A sparkling outdoor pool. And all the comforts of home in the tranquil peace and quiet of your guest room. Located a short indoor walk down the terminal to our front desk, Tampa Airport Marriott gives you everything you need to relax and unwind when you’re in town. It’s everything you need when you want to get away, and it’s all perfectly located inside Tampa International Airport.
Tampa Marriott Water Street
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602
813-221-4900; |Open Nightly | Casual Waterfront Eats & Specialty Cocktails
When you just feel like kicking back for cocktails, lite bites and some great live tunes, the Marriott’s scenic waterfront Great Room & Patio is just the ticket. Lots of shareable plates make it a great hang for networking and catching up with friends.
Hyde Park Village today is a charming area with locally owned national boutiques and restaurants.A historic neighborhood and district located within the city limits of Tampa. It includes Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park Village and SoHo. Hyde Park is located adjacent to the University of Tampa and Downtown.
The neighborhood history begins back in the 1880s when railroad financier Henry B. Plant built the first bridge across the Hillsborough River at Lafayette Street (now John F. Kennedy Blvd). The first house was built by James Watrous in 1882. Growth occurred rapidly and a street car line was put in on Swann Ave and Rome Ave. This is the reason for the wideness of the two streets, while most in the neighborhood are much narrower.
The area where Old Hyde Park Village is today was originally called Cork Ave. Dakota Ave., Cork Ave., and Inman Ave. all intersected near where the British pay phone sits today. The only portion left of Cork Ave. today is called Snow Ave. Hyde Park Village today is a charming area with locally-owned and national boutiques and restaurants.
OmniPresent Caregivers of Florida
866-4-ALWAYS | 866-425-9297
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