Tampa What's Up!

Time to Flex Your Foodie Muscles
3rd Annual Tampa Food & Wine Festival

Calling all foodies and fine wine lovers! The Tampa Food and Wine Festival is back, and it’s one event you don’t want to miss! Hosted by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, this scrumptious culinary extravaganza starts on Tuesday, April 8 with an intimate VIP Cocktail Party at the Tampa Club and continues through Saturday, April 12. So what’s on the menu? Six mouthwatering events that will challenge you to flex your foodie muscles.

On Wednesday, April 9, "Experience St Pete" takes you on a culinary adventure where you can discover the hidden treasures that make St Pete’s dining scene so exceptional. Choose from 3–4 restaurants and then indulge in a 4-course dining experience crafted by their visionary chefs. The adventure continues on Thursday, April 10 with "Experience Tampa." Chefs from four of Tampa’s top-rated restaurants will dazzle you with their unique and memorable 4–5 course pairing dinner. Both nights promise exceptional food, drink, and ambiance.
On Friday, April 11, sixteen top chefs battle it out in a series of eight culinary challenges. Sample their plates and then cast your vote for your favorite. Your vote, together with those of the culinary judges, determines the winner. It’s a delicious competition that’s guaranteed to keep you hungering for more.

Culminating the festivities is the Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 12. This signature event is your opportunity to sample an array of epicurean delights and craft cocktails from forty of Tampa Bay’s top-rated restaurants. The Tampa Food & Wine Festival is one of the best ways to sample food from the area’s most acclaimed dining destinations and become a wine aficionado at the same time.

So what are you waiting for? For all the details, including tickets, this year’s locations, and a schedule of events, go to tampabaywff.com. Bon appétit!

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

Weekly

Sweetwater Sunday Farmer's Market (Sun)
 ​Shop for the best locally-grown organic vegetables, herbs and fresh fruits, organic coffee, t-shirts and environmentally friendly specialty items and more from this seasonal market located on a sustainable urban farm. Plus enjoy live music, find your center with Sunday yoga or enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. Takes place Oct-May: 12-4pm at 6942 W. Comanche Ave.
Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market 
(2nd Sun)
Explore a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, delicious food, unique handmade gifts, clothes, healthy living products and more from 70+ of your favorite market vendors on the front lawn of Hillsborough High School every second Sunday monthly.  Free parking. Takes place Oct-May: 10-2pm; June-Sept: 9am-1pm at 5000 N Central Ave. Info: WEBSITE

Monthly

Water Street Sunday Market (3rd Sun)
Wind down your weekend with a leisurely stop for fresh produce, flowers and plants, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry and wearable art, bath and beauty items and more from 60+ vendors and local makers, live music and food trucks. Free. Takes place Oct-May: 10am-3pm; July-Sept: 10am-2pm at   601 Water St.
 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

Sunset Market at Midtown (1st Thurs)
Enjoy a relaxing night out with more than 50 local makers offering baked goods, artisan and ready to eat dinner bites, food trucks, hand crafted items, bath & body and more in this dog-friendly market! Live music and food trucks. Free garage parking. Takes place 6-10pm at 3659 Midtown Dr. 
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

Sunshine Market at Midtown (4th Sat)
Shop 50+ vendors selling an exciting array of seasonal produce, plants, baked goods, artisan and ready to eat foods, hand-crafted items, bath & body treats and more as you connect with your community! Live music, dog friendly. Free garage parking. Takes place Oct-May: 10am-3pm; June-Sept: 10am-2 pm. Takes place at 3015-3099 W Nassau St. 
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


Through March 30 (weekends)
Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Dade City: Explore the ambiance of a 16th century European village with strolling musicians, magicians and jugglers, shop the artisan marketplace for medieval and modern handicrafts, enjoy live jousting, food fit for a king, pub crawls and more. Tickets. Takes place Sat & Sun 10 am – 6pm at 12833 Auton Rd. Info: WEBSITE

March 15 & 16
Spring Floating Lantern Festival
Dade City: Celebrate good fortune, wealth, joy, health and happiness during a magical evening of live entertainment, midway rides (including a Ferris Wheel), family games, authentic Asian food from 100+ vendors and an illuminated lantern release carrying your wishes and hopes skyward! Tickets. Takes place 2-11pm at 17951 Hamilton Rd. Info: WEBSITE 

March 16
River O’Green Fest
Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with live music, authentic food, green beer, cabbage tossing and hurling contests, an Irish art walk and Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day parade before Mayor Jane Castor gives the nod, transforming the Hillsborough River into a brilliant shade of green.  Free. Takes place 11am-6pm at 600 N Ashley Dr. Info: WEBSITE   

March 21 & 22
Upper Deck Golf
Be among the few to tee off from the upper deck of Raymond James Stadium, practice putts on the playing field or test your skill with custom golf simulators, closest to the pin challenges and more, plus live music, cold beer and great food before and after your round in this once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience. Tickets. Tee times TBA at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: WEBSITE 

March 21 & 22
Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Fly up, up and away with hundreds of incredibly beautiful hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides, a monster kite fly-in, live music, a kids’ zone, crafts marketplace and yummy festival food before the grand finale featuring a spectacularly magical choreographed hot air balloon glow and laser show. Tickets. Takes place 5-11pm at 4800 S Hwy 301N. Info: WEBSITE 

March 23 & 24
Hyde Park Village Art Fair
Stroll the historic brick-lined streets and find out where artists get their inspiration while browsing 100+ open-air galleries packed with stunning life-size sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, fine crafts and more. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 1622 W. Snow Ave. 
Info: WEBSITE

March 28
Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day
Grab some peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack as the Rays kick off their 2025 MLB season at Steinbrenner Field, welcoming the Colorado Rockies for a three-game homestand before hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tickets. Opening Day game at 4:10 pm, other times TBD at 1 Steinbrenner Dr. Info: WEBSITE 

March 28
#IMOMSOHARD: The Flashback Tour
Guaranteed to make you laugh, pee your pants or both, Jen and Kristin dive-in to all things womanhood, motherhood and friendship like surviving marriage, fashion, and the tween-teen years. Grab your girlfriends, bring your husband or fly solo, and be ready to laugh! Tickets. Takes place 8pm at 711 N Franklin. Info: WEBSITE 

March 29
Tampa Pride Street Festival & Parade
Ybor City: Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with live music, colorful entertainment, an artisan fair, and delicious food and drinks before celebrities, spectacular float, beads and street performers wind through Ybor City in this annual vibrant display of unity and community. Free. Festival: 11am-4pm; parade 4-7pm. Takes place 1320 E 9th Ave.  Info: WEBSITE 

March 29
Pride at Night
Ybor City: Enjoy a night of love, celebration and unforgettable moments as drag queens and kings, comedians, singers, dancers and musicians sing, dance and strut the night away and invite you to join in! Takes place 6-11pm at 1320 E 9th Ave. 
Info: WEBSITE

March 29
Taste at the Straz
Indulge in a glorious evening under the stars, featuring gourmet food samplings from Tampa Bay’s best chefs, microbrews and craft cocktails, beer and wine plus live entertainment strategically staged along the Riverwalk in support of Straz arts education. Tickets. Takes place 7pm at 1010 N Macinnes Pl. Info: WEBSITE 

March 30
International Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival
Ybor City: Taste the ‘official sandwich of Tampa Bay,’ handcrafted by Florida Cuban sandwich artisans, enjoy live music and dancing, Cuban art, culture, empanadas and the world’s largest (360 ft.) Cuban Sandwich Contest. Takes place 12-6pm at 1800 E. 8th Ave. WEBSITE

March 30
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Tampa: Experience the powerful retelling of Jesus' final days and live introduction by Broadway legend Ted Neeley in a special film screening featuring the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, including "I Don’t Know How to Love Him,""Hosanna," and more. Tickets. Takes place 3pm at 711 N Franklin St. Info: WEBSITE 

March 31
Pride & Passion
Discover a night of Shakespearean splendor and the beauty of love featuring spectacular theatrical performances, hors d’oeuvres, desserts from local LBGTQ-friendly vendors and a toast from the open bar to set the stage for a night of romance, revelry and timeless style. Tickets. Takes place 8pm at 120 W Gasparilla Plz. Info: WEBSITE 

April 1-6
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo
Lakeland:  Discover one of the largest spectator aviation events in the world showcasing vintage warbirds, cutting-edge modern and experimental aircraft, thrillingly precise maneuvers from the US Navy’s Blue Angels, military demos, a hot air balloon launch, family fun zone and more. Tickets. Takes place 7am-5pm at 4075 James C Ray Dr. Info: WEBSITE 

April 8-12
Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival
Tampa Bay’s top chefs and gastronomic masters offer grand tastings, full course dinners and more before competing for top honors in the spectacular Chef’s Showdown and Grand Tasting competitions. A true foodie’s delight! Tickets. Takes place at various times, locations. 
Info: WEBSITE

April 12
5K On the Runway
Get into formation, take off, then cruise toward your PR at America’s Best Airport -- Runway 10-28! There’s no passport needed! Post-race, enjoy amazing prizes and raffles including roundtrip airline tickets, merch from favorite airport shops and more. Takes place 8 am at 4100 George J Bean Pkwy. Info: WEBSITE

April 12
Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival
Celebrate the sounds of the islands with a live music from Lyrikal, steel pan and Mas bands, top DJs, a tropical flamenco parade, authentic Caribbean food, family activities, kids’ games and more! Tickets. Takes place 12-10pm at 1000 E Harrison St. 
Info: WEBSITE

April 21-27
Bern’s Winefest
Your wildest gastronomic fantasies come to life during a full week of handcrafted appetizers and gourmet dishes expertly prepared by top Florida chefs, paired with the finest wines and champagnes from Bern’s private cellar and accompanied by live music, incredible art and more. Tickets. Details and location TBA. Info: WEBSITE

April 25-26
Breakaway Music Festival
This eclectic concert series blends two days of top artists showcasing EDM, pop, house and dance genres over multiple stages, interactive art installations, light shows and photo ops, silent disco stages with local DJs, food vendors, beer, wine and more. Tickets. Takes place 5pm-12am at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: WEBSITE     

April 26 & 27
Tampa Bay Home Show
See the latest trends in home improvement and remodeling with tips from the experts on home energy efficiency, home theaters, pools and spas, landscaping trends and more! Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 4800 US 301. Info: WEBSITE

April 26
Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road
Reminisce with this Grammy Award® winner and Country Music Hall of Famer during his last performance in Tampa and featuring the hits from 30+ years, including “Chattahoochee,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Livin’ on Love,” “Itty Bitty,” plus many more. Tickets. Takes place 7pm at 401 Channelside Dr. Info: WEBSITE

May 2-4
Country Thunder Festival
Enjoy electrifying performances from today’s top artists, including Riley Green, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Dillon Carmichael, and Ashley McBryde, along with emerging talents in this unforgettable weekend of country music, plus exclusive fan merch, festival-style food and drinks and more. Tickets. Takes place 12-11pm at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: WEBSITE 

May 2 & 3
Riverfest
Discover 2.6 miles of outdoor family fun featuring interactive games, kids’ activities, a stand-up paddleboard invasion, wiener dog derby, waterski shows, live music, sunset balloon glows, great food and more from Waterworks Park to Curtis Hixon Parks! Free Takes place Fri: 4-10pm; Sat: 8:30am-10pm along the Tampa Riverwalk. Info: WEBSITE 

May 10 & 11
Craft Festival at the Shops at Wiregrass
Wesley Chapel: This festival features unique, handmade crafts from talented artisans across the US, including jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, paintings and more. Shop the Green Market for plants and exotic flora, orchids, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and kettle corn. Free. Takes place 10am-5pm at 28211 Paseo Dr. Info: WEBSITE

May 16
AC/DC – Power Up Tour
You’ll be “Thunderstruck” as this Grammy® Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band, featuring lead singer Brian Johnson, returns to the road after 9 years (and to Tampa after 17) in a powerful, all-new stadium tour. Don’t miss one of the most influential rock bands in history in person! Tickets.  Takes place 7pm at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Info: WEBSITE