Tampa What's Up!

GASPARILLA  FEST - TAMPA'S PIRATE INVASION

Children's Parade

This year’s festivities kick off with the Gasparilla Children’s Parade and related events on Sat., Jan. 18 from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Located on Bayshore Boulevard, between Rome Avenue and Dakota Avenue, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo from noon to 2 p.m. is free and does not require registration. Little pirates will get a free, brand-new bicycle helmet they can keep (while supplies last) before they hop on one of the rodeo’s bicycles and ride a mini-traffic course that teaches bicycle and pedestrian safety.

From noon to 4 p.m., turn your eyes to the skies for the Gasparilla Air Invasion civilian aerobatic teams, vintage military aircraft, and the Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team.The Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll features Tampa Bay’s youngest pirates. Children 5 and under donning their best pirate attire strut their stuff along Bayshore Boulevard from 2-3 p.m. in specially decorated wagons, bicycles and strollers.

The “Piratechnic” fireworks finale from 7-7:30 p.m. recreates the imaginary battle between the pirates of YMKG and the City of Tampa and sets the scene for the energetic Gasparilla Pirate Fest scheduled for the following Saturday.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the pinnacle event of Gasparilla, the pirate festival and invasion, takes place from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. From 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the legendary Jose Gasparilla arrives in style, sailing into the Tampa Convention Center basin along with a magnificent flotilla and the notorious pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla to make his demand for the key to the city. From 2-6 p.m., the third largest parade in the United States will take place. The 4.5-mile route begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard and continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street and Ashley Drive.

Weekly

Downtown Tampa Food Tour (Tues)
Tampa: This intimate walking tour features a unique blend of authentic food and wine from 4-5 amazing restaurants, from downtown to the Riverfront, plus cultural Cigar City gems mingled with authentic history -- the perfect backdrop for this culinary adventure. Takes place 5:30-8:30pm at 400 N Ashley Dr. Ages 21+.  Info: WEBSITE

Weekly

Art on the House (Thurs)
Tampa: Each week, celebrate 100 years of ancient, modern and contemporary art – all at a pay-what-you-will price! Bring the family and enjoy current exhibitions on display featuring American and international artists at a price you choose! Takes place 4-8pm at 120 W Gasparilla Plaza. Info: WEBSITE

Weekly

Ybor City Saturday Market
Ybor City: Discover great produce, gourmet prepared food, sauces, fresh breads, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, photography, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles and more in Tampa Bay’s largest continually operating outdoor market! Takes place Oct-April: 9am-3pm; May-Sept: 9am-1pm at 1901 N 19th St. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Rock the Park (1st Thurs) 
Experience a unique, free outdoor concert from Central FL’s best musicians performing your favorite songs live on the waterfront! Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner or graze from your favorite food trucks before an electric night of live music under the stars. Free. Takes place 6:30pm at 600 N Ashley Dr. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Harvest Markets at the Grove(2nd & 4th Sun)
Wesley Chapel: Get fresh produce, cottage baked goods, jams and preserves, handmade jewelry and accessories, bath and body products, fine craft art, home décor, and more from 100+ vendors at this brand-new market! Free. Takes place 11am-3pm Sept-May at 6333 Wesley Chapel Blvd. Info:
 Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Sunday Morning Market at Westshore 
(4th Sun)
Wake up with a stop on the waterfront for fresh and organic produce, delectable baked goods and prepared foods, handcrafted art, jewelry, candles, luxury lifestyle products and more, perfect for a Sunday family outing. Takes place Oct-May 9am-2pm; June-Sept: 9am-1pm at 4900 Bridge St. 
Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Third Thursday Market
Discover a hip, fun nighttime gourmet, dog-friendly, monthly street food fest featuring your favorite Tampa Bay food trucks, cocktails, live music and more! Free with free parking. Takes place 6-10pm at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. 
Info: 
Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

The Market Elaine (1st Fri)
Wesley Chapel: Discover your go-to destination for live entertainment, family fun and local shopping as 150+ vendors offer food, art, plants, clothing and jewelry, candles, soaps, home décor, pet adoptions and more in this unique shopping experience and sister to Clearwater’s Market Marie. Free parking. Takes place 5:30-9:30pm at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

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. Takes place 10am-2pm at 28211 Paseo Drive. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Carrollwood Market (2nd Sat)
Shop more than 60+ local vendors offering produce, plants, baked goods, artisan foods, crafts and more under the big oaks! Food trucks and vendors, live music, dog friendly and free parking. Takes place 10am-2pm at 4537 Lowell Rd. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Full Moon Paddle (1st Fri)
Get an up-close look at the Tampa’s spectacular urban downtown scene and waterfront attractions with a guided paddle down the Hillsborough River after sunset. Basic paddling skills required. Tickets. SUP boards included or BYO board, lights required. Takes place 7-8:15pm at 301 W 7th Ave #5404. 
Info:WEBSITE

Monthly

Hyde Park Fresh Market (1st Sun)
Take a weekend stroll for fresh and organic produce, handcrafted goods, unique gifts, candles, plants and more from 80+ local farmers and makers while enjoying live music in the Village Circle during this fresh market held on the first Sunday monthly. Free. Takes place 10am-3pm at 1602 W Swann Ave. 
Info: WEBSITE

Sports
  
Tampa Bay Lightning
401 Channelside Dr., Info: www.nhl.com/lightning

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., www.buccaneers.com

OCTOBER
Through October 26
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references, it’s a 90-minute, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, perfect for audiences of all blood types. A Bram-new comedy you can really sink your teeth into! Tickets. Various show times take place at 1010 Macinnes Place. Info: www.strazcenter.org

October 18
Pig Jig
Tampa: Go hog wild for delicious food, ice-cold beer, interactive games, live music from Megan Maroney, Midland, Matt Nathanson, George Pippen, and more, and vote for your favorite in the BBQ competition fundraiser for kidney disease. Tickets. Takes place 1-10pm at 1001 N Boulevard. Info: www.tampapigjig.com/ 

October 25
Riverwalk Trick or Treat *New Location*
Trek along the ‘Trail of Treats’ while enjoying live music, photo ops, street performers, and seasonal treats. Then settle in for a special screening of ‘Monsters, Inc.’ on the lawn at 7pm! Free. Takes place 4-9 pm at 601 Water St. Info: https://thetampariverwalk.com

October 26
Ford’s Taste of Latino Food Festival
Enjoy a day of mouth-watering Latin food, live music, dancing, Cuban art, the Empanada Smackdown, world’s largest Cuban Sandwich and Top Latino Chef contests, Latin leader awards and more stretching over 3+ city blocks. Free. Takes place 11am-5pm at 1800 E 8th Ave. Info: www.tasteoflatino.com

  October 25 & 26
Hyde Park Village Art Fair
Tampa: Stroll historic brick-lined streets and shop for life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, unique jewelry, photography, ceramics and more from more than 100 artists in this open-air arts market. A must for any art enthusiast! Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1622 Snow Ave. Info: www.artfestival.com

October 25 & 26
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, unique soaps and lotions, plants, handbags, pet accessories and more. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 28211 Paseo Dr. Info: www.artfestival.com 

October 26
Ford’s Taste of Latino Food Festival
Tampa: Enjoy a day of mouth-watering Latin food, live music, dancing, Cuban art, the Empanada Smackdown, world’s largest Cuban Sandwich and Top Latino Chef contests, Latin leader awards and more stretching over3+ city blocks. Free. Takes place 11am-5pm at 1800 E 8th Ave. Info: www.tasteoflatino.com 

NOVEMBER
November 5
Full Moon Paddle
Tampa: Get an up-close look at the Tampa’s spectacular urban downtown scene, popular waterfront attractions with a guided paddle down the Hillsborough River after sunset. Basic paddling skills required. Tickets. SUP boards included or BYO board, lights required. Takes place 7-8:15pm at 301 W 7th Ave #5404. Info: https://armatureworks.com 

November 20
Centro Ybor Winter Spectacular
Ybor City: Deck the halls with live music and holiday fun as Ybor City welcomes the holiday season with a magical Santa photo experience, enchanting snow machines, a bustling holiday night market, tree lighting, and a cozy holiday movie under the stars. Free. Takes place 6-8pm at 1600 E 8th Ave. Info: www.ybor.org 


November 29
Thanksgiving Turkey Gobble Trot
Tampa: Before you dive into the stuffing and turkey this year, burn some caloriesand make memories with a run/walk with your family,
friends, and community in this 5K,10K or half marathon event. Register now,spots fill up faster than Grandma's gravy boat! Takes place 7:30-10:30am on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail-Montague St. Info: http://bit.ly/45IHp3D

November 28-30
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Follow young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams and hilariously navigates an infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole along the way. Tickets. Various show times take place at 1010 Macinnes Place. Info: www.strazcenter.org

November 29
Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season in The Heights with Santa Claus and his merry elves direct from North Pole! Enjoy live interactive entertainment, shop the Merry Makers market and join the countdown to light the giant holiday tree. Free. Takes place 5-9pm at 1910 N Ola Ave. Info: https://armatureworks.com  

DECEMBER
December 5
Full Moon Paddle
Tampa: Get an up-close look at the Tampa’s spectacular urban downtown scene, popular waterfront attractions with a guided paddle down the Hillsborough River after sunset. Basic paddling skills required. Tickets. SUP boards included or BYO board, lights required. Takes place 7-8:15pm at 301 W 7th Ave #5404. Info: https://armatureworks.com 

December 14
Taste of Tampa Festival
Tampa: Discover Tampa’s best  - delicious food locally prepared by some of the city’s best chefs, live music and fun activities, dancing, cultural entertainment, local celebrities and more – in an event that combines the best of the local culinary scene and great entertainment. Takes place 12-6pm at location TBA.  Info: http://bit.ly/4mIQQpZ

December 19
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Tampa:  Experience the excitement as the top teams from the AAC, ACC, or SEC conferences battle it out with action-packed plays and unforgettable gridiron moments as they battle it out in a fierce season- run/walk with your family, friends, and community in this 5K,10K or half marathon event. Register now, spots fill up faster than Grandma's gravy boat! Takes place 7:30-10:30am on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail-Montague St. Info: http://bit.ly/45IHp3D 

December 30
Reliaquest Bowl Battle of the Bands
Tampa: Enjoy a high-energy performance by the Reliaquest Bowl college marching bands as they square off in a thrilling musical showdown before the big game at Busch Gardens’ Gwazi Park! Park admission required. Takes place TBD at 10165 McKinley Dr. Info: www.reliaquestbowl.com 

December 30
Reliaquest Bowl Parade & Pep Rally
Tampa: Get fired up for the big game as football players and cheerleaders count down to the big game with floats, beads, live music, a pep rally and fun in historic Ybor’s Latin District. Catch some beads and stick around for a post-parade pep rally for more pre-game family fun! Free. Takes place 5:30pm on 7th Ave. Info: www.reliaquestbowl.com 

December 31
Reliaquest Pregame Bowl Bash
Tampa: Warm up for the big game with live music, interactive games, college bands, cheerleaders and delicious food before heading inside for colorful pregame show, featuring marching bands, military flyover and the coin toss to kick off the big game! Free/tickets. Pregame bash: 9am; Pregame show: 11:20am at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: www.reliaquestbowl.com 

December 31
Reliaquest Bowl
Tampa:  This exhilarating showdown features teams from the SEC and Big Ten clashing for the national championship, while college bands and dance troupes take center stage during an exhilarating halftime display of  spectacular talent and school spirit. Tickets. Takes place 12:03pm at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: www.reliaquestbowl.com 

TBA-December 31
New Year’s Eve at Armature Works
Tampa: Ring out 2025 with an incredible farewell party featuring outdoor music performances, skyline photo ops, pop-up bars, specialty cocktails, live DJs and an exhilarating countdown to midnight featuring an explosive fireworks show! Free. Takes place 7pm-1am at 1910 N Ola Ave. Info: https://armatureworks.com  

JANUARY
January 24 & 25
Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival
Lakewood Ranch: Explore this collection of unique outdoor galleries and meetthe artists featuring paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass,ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 8100 Lakewood Main St.Info: www.paragonfestivals.com


  January 31
Gasparilla Invasion and Pirate Fest
Tampa: Ahoy mateys! Enjoy a day of fun and sun as swashbuckling pirates sail into Tampa Bay in search of the key to the city before coming ashore for a parade of pirates and a night of revelry, live music, and fun! Free. Takes place 9am-10pm at various downtown locations. Info: https://gasparillapiratefest.com/ 

FEBRUARY
February 5 -16
Florida State Fair
Tampa:  Celebrate the best in Florida agriculture, horticulture, crafts, cooking, livestock and 4H, plus midway thrills, tractor pulls, sheep shearing and cow milking contests, equestrian events, corn on the cob, lemon shakeups and fried fair food! Takes place Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun: 10am-9pm at 4800 US 301 N. Tickets and Info: https://floridastatefair.com/   

February 21
Fiesta Day
Ybor City: Immerse yourself in the in the vibrant culture and traditions of Tampa’s Latin Quarter with authentic food and craft beers, live Latin music and entertainment, arts, crafts and specialty gifts and more during this annual lively street festival! Free. Takes place 11am-6pm on 7th Ave. Info: www.ybor.org