Old Template | Tampa Bay Events Calendar 2023 – Tampa Magazine

Tampa Bay is a vibrant region in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast rich in history, culture and entertainment. Home to award-winning beaches, some of America’s best sporting teams, large touring musical acts and fun cultural events for the whole family, there’s no shortage of things to do. To help plan your calendar, we’ve rounded up some of the big, can’t-miss Tampa Bay area events happening in the next 12 months. From parks and theme parks to music and sports venues, so many exciting experiences await you.
Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
Nov. 2022 – Jan. 2023
Tampa Riverwalk
Kick off the holiday season with festive holiday displays, a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree, a holiday selfie station and more.
thetampariverwalk.com
A 35-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree will float in the harbor with other lighted displays floating along the river.
 
St. Pete Brewfest
Nov. 4-5
Coastal Creative
This festival features all-you-can-sample beer tasting from local craft breweries, food trucks, live music and beer-themed vendors. Proceeds benefit H.O.O.A.H, a non-profit supporting veterans, and Ales for ALS.
dtspbrewfest.com
 
Tampa Bay Heart Walk
Nov. 5
Raymond James Stadium
The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk brings the community together to get hearts pumping and funds raised for heart disease and stroke research.
www2.heart.org
This year, over $1.6 million has been raised by Tampa Heart Walk fundraisers as of September.
 
Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup
Nov. 17-20 and Nov. 26-27
Treasure Island Beach
An annual sand sculpting exhibition and competition, master sand sculptors from around the world converge to create larger-than-life masterpieces. The event is free and open to the public.
sandingovationsmasterscup.com
 
Tampa Bay Festival of Lights
Nov. 24 – Jan. 1, 2023
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
The festival includes a nearly2-mile drive-thru of continuous lights, followed by a walking visit to Santa’s Village, where there will be holiday decor, music and family activities.
hillsboroughcountyfair.com
This annual festival makes use of over a million bright lights
Garden and Grounds of Old Hyde Park
Dec. 3
Hyde Park
This historical home and garden tour features several beautiful and distinctive homes and gardens in the iconic Hyde Park neighborhood. The homes will be available to explore with sips, snacks, music and gardening demonstrations.
oldhydeparkfl.membershiptoolkit.com
Proceeds benefit the preservaiton and beautification efforts of Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. 
 
For KING + COUNTRY
Dec. 9
Amalie Arena
As part of its Christmas tour, the Grammy award-winning duo will perform holiday classics, new songs and its No. 1 hits and fan favorites.
amaliearena.com/events/detail/fkc-2022
 
onbikes Winter Wonder Ride
Dec. 10
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the season with a holiday bike ride through Down-town Tampa and along Bayshore Boulevard. Proceeds go toward purchasing new bicycles for kids and families across Tampa Bay.
onbikes.org
onbikes has given over 7,300 bicycles to children in the Tampa Bay community.
 
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Dec. 16-18
Straz Center
This annual holiday tradition celebrates the season with principal dancers from powerhouse companies, alongside some of ballet’s most famous music.
strazcenter.org
Alumni have gone on to perform in the American Ballet Theatre and other prestigious ballet companies.
 
Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 17
Tampa Riverwalk
Bring the family to see decked-out vessels competing for the best holiday display. The parade route starts in the Tampa Convention Center basin and ends at Sparkman Wharf.
thetampariverwalk.com
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will light up over 3.5 miles of parade route on the Hillsborough River.
 
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 18 | Amalie Arena
The American rock band will perform its popular rock-opera, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” along with a second set containing more greatest hits.
amaliearena.com/events/detail/tso-2022
 
Gasparilla Bowl
6:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 2022 | Raymond James Stadium
With the game falling just one day before Christmas Eve, local businesses and fan groups have a unique opportunity to host holiday parties or family gatherings, including pre-game tailgate parties and stadium seating options.
gasparillabowl.com
ReliaQuest Bowl
Jan. 2, 2023
Raymond James Stadium
A culmination of a week-long schedule of fun events throughout Tampa Bay, the ReliaQuest Bowl is a college football game regularly hosted on New Year’s Day in Tampa, including teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference or ACC.
reliaquestbowl.com
Throughout the bowl’s history, fans have generated an estimated $1.1 billion economic impact on the region.
 
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Jan. 6-15, 2023
Multiple locations
This 10-day festival celebration includes cultural enrichment activities, speakers, musicians, artists, a street festival, 5k run and other events that increase awareness of African and African-American culture and history.
tampablackheritage.org
 
MLK Dream Big Weekend
Jan. 14-16, 2023
Featuring the MLK Dream Big Parade, a family fun day, dance competition, big band competition and more, this weekend celebrates the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and King’s vision.
mlkdreambig.com
The MLK Dream Big Parade is the country’s longest-running MLK day parade.
 
Children’s Gasparilla
Jan. 21, 2023
Multiple locations
This free event includes an airshow, a preschoolers stroll, a large parade along Bayshore Boulevard with marching bands and floats, a precision parachute jump show and a fireworks finale.
childrens.gasparillapiratefest.com
A Tampa tradition since 1947, this is the largest children’s event in the United States.
 
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Jan. 28, 2023
Multiple locations
A Tampa classic since 1904, this event features the Gasparilla Invasion, followed by a full schedule of pirate-themed events, including a parade and a street festival featuring food, live music and entertainment.
gasparillapiratefest.com
The average crowd at the main Parade of Pirates is over 300,000 people, making it the third-largest parade in the U.S.
Bruce Springsteen
Feb. 1, 2023
Amalie Arena
Springsteen performs with The E Street Band in support of their latest album, “Letter To You.” The album marks their first time recording together in decades.
amaliearena.com/events/detail/bruce-2023
 
Florida State Fair
Feb. 9-20, 2023
Florida State Fairgrounds
About 500,000 people flock to the Florida State Fairgrounds for bright lights, midway rides and fun food during this 12-day statewide tradition.
floridastatefair.com
The fair has run annually since 1904and is the largest midway in North America.
 
St. Petersburg Distance Classic
Feb. 12, 2023
Downtown St. Petersburg
The 5th annual race offers a marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and virtual option. All courses start along the waterfront at North Shore Park overlooking Tampa Bay.
stpetersburgdistanceclassic.com
 
Rod Stewart
Feb. 16, 2023
Hard Rock Event Center
Concertgoers can expect a hits-packed setlist that spans Stewart’s decades-long career, plus songs from his new album, “The Tears of Hercules.”
seminolehardrocktampa.com
 
Gasparilla Distance Classic
Feb. 25-26, 2023
Downtown Tampa
There’s something for athletes of any level, with races including a 15K, 5K, half marathon, 5K walk, 5K stroller races and more.
rungasparilla.com
An area tradition since 1978, the event has donated $5.9 million to charitable youth organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay community.
Gasparilla Music Festival
TBD
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The Gasparilla Music Festival is a three-day music festival from the heart of Downtown Tampa and features the best in local, emerging and national talent. Over the last five years, the festival has featured performances from Spoon, The Roots, The Avett Brothers and Brandi Carlisle.
gasparillamusic.com
 
Florida Strawberry Festival
March 2-12, 2023
Plant City
A traditional American fair that brings the community together to celebrate harvesting season, this festival celebrates the great Florida strawberry with exhibits, rides, attractions and live entertainment.
flstrawberryfestival.com
Over 10,000 acres of strawberries are planted annually in the Plant City area
 
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
March 2-5, 2023
Downtown St. Petersburg
The IndyCar season opening event, the Firestone Grand Prix, races through the streets on a waterfront street course. Expect celebrity athletes, live entertainment and interactive activities.
gpstpete.com
 
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
March 4-5, 2023
Downtown Tampa
Every year, hundreds of artists transform the space into a giant outdoor museum showcasing pottery, photography, painting, mixed media and more for this esteemed fine arts show.
gasparillaarts.com/festival
From 1,000 submissions, up to 235 artists are hand-selected through a juried process.
 
Tampa Bay Beer Week
March 4-12, 2023
Multiple locations
This annual celebration of the dynamic craft brewing scene around Tampa Bay will feature festivals, brewing competitions, tastings and special beer releases.
tampabaybeerweek.com
Last year, 100 beer brands participated in Beer Week festivities.
 
Mayor’s River O’Green Fest
Date TBD
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The City of Tampa’s official Saint Patrick’s Day event takes place on the Hillsborough River, which is turned green for the occasion. The all-ages party includes live entertainment, games, kids activities, the River O’Green Gallop, Irish faire, beer and more.
riverogreen.com
 
Reggae Rise Up
March 16-19, 2023
Vinoy Park
The biggest names in reggae come together on the St. Pete waterfront, bringing out over 15,000 fans daily. The all-ages festival boasts a feel-good vibe with multiple stages, interactive activities, large art installations and craft vendors.
reggaeriseupflorida.com
 
Gasparilla International Film Festival
March 23-26, 2023
Multiple locations
This celebration of film is a Tampa theater and arts community staple, with opportunities to check out screenings, seminars and Q&As with film executives.
gasparillafilmfestival.com
Tampa’s longest-running screen fest, GIFF was launched in 2006 and has hosted thousands of filmmakers, talent, producers and premieres.
 
Tampa Pride Diversity Parade
March 25, 2023
Ybor City
Celebrate pride along the brick-lined streets of “GaYbor City” with this annual family-friendly event featuring floats, music and live performances.
tampapride.org/parade
The first Tampa Pride Diversity Festival occurred in 2015. The event usually draws a crowd of 80,000.
To Kill A Mockingbird
April 11-16, 2023
Straz Center
Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork comes with Emmy Award-winning Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch.
strazcenter.org

Bern’s Winefest No. 26
April 14-23, 2023
Multiple locations
The area’s premier wine tasting event is a celebration of culinary experiences from the area’s most talented chefs, complemented with the best wines from around the world.
bernswinefest.com
Always in demand, past events have included Bern’s Legacy Dinner, Bern’s Bordeaux Dinner, Haven Champagne Dinner and Haven Brunch.
 
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
April 14-16, 2023
Vinoy Park
Along the St. Pete waterfront, this preeminent blues festival has been running since 1995. The 2023 lineup includes Robert Cray and Tower of Power.
tampabaybluesfest.com
 
Sweeney Todd
April 21-23, 2023
Straz Center
Opera Tampa presents Stephen Sondheim’s dark and harrowingly funny musical play about English barber and serial killer Sweeney Todd and his pie-baking accomplice, Mrs. Lovett.
strazcenter.org
 
Josephine
April 28-29, 2023
Straz Center
This biographical musical combines cabaret, theater and dance to tell the story and celebrate the legacy of Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar.
strazcenter.org
 
Festa Italiana
Date TBD
Ybor City
Festa Italiana is an annual multi-day showcase of Italian culture and heritage. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional Italian food to main stage entertainment, cooking demonstrations and a party tent.
festaitalianatampa.com
Events include Bocce and Bellinis and Winefest Tampa, featuring over 100 wines for sample.
Ain’t Too Proud
May 2-7, 2023
Straz Center
This musical follows the Temptations’ journey from Detroit during a time of civil unrest to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It includes all of the treasured hits, plus Tony Award-winning choreography.
strazcenter.org
The Temptations were named the greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of all time by Billboard magazine.
 
Riverfest
May 5-6, 2023
Tampa Riverwalk
This two-day, free event includes family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s culture, music and cuisine.
thetampariverwalk.com
Past Riverfests have included nighttime hot air balloons, Taste of the Riverwalk Food Festival, wiener dog races and a taco festival.
 
Brian Regan
May 12, 2023
Duke Energy Center
Brian Regan’s career spans over 30 years. One of America’s most well-respected comedians, he is known for his brand of clean, smart and sophisticated comedy.
themahaffey.com/show/brian-regan
 
Jagged Little Pill
May 16-21, 2023
Straz Center
A gritty and moving play about the struggles of an American family, this Broadway musical draws inspiration from the 1995 Alanis Morissette album of the same name.
strazcenter.org
 
Sunset Music Festival
May 27-28 (tentative)
Raymond James Stadium
Sunset is a key player in the electronic music scene, bringing the largest names in EDM to the Florida sunshine for a weekend of costumes, colorful stages, bright lights and great beats.
smftampa.com
St Pete Pride
June 2023
Multiple St. Petersburg locations
Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration occurs annually in June. Events include one of the country’s largest pride parades, a Sunday street carnival, family day and more.
stpetepride.org
Annie
June 6-11, 2023
Straz Center
The classic play is one of the most beloved musicals of all time — a tale of hope, family, optimism and the American spirit.
strazcenter.org
 
Boom by the Bay
July 4, 2022
Multiple locations
The City of Tampa’s official Independence Day celebration typically includes fireworks displays at various locations, a waterfront boat parade, live entertainment, food, drinks and more.
tampa.gov/events
 
Luke Combs
July 8, 2023
Raymond James Stadium
Country music superstar Luke Combs is bringing his world tour to Tampa. He is supported by Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb.
lukecombs.com
 
Matchbox Twenty
July 8, 2023
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Back on tour for the first time since 2017, the band is supported by The Wallflowers. This highly anticipated show was rescheduled from dates in 2022 and 2021.
fairgroundsamphitheatre.com
 
LIZZIE: The Musical
July 12 – Aug. 6, 2023
An exploration of the infamous Lizzie Borden story, LIZZIE speculates on the motivations Borden may have had using humor, attitude and edge. The story is told by four women fronting a six-piece rock band.
strazcenter.org
Bier Fest
August – September 2023
Busch Gardens
Each weekend, enjoy delicious brews, new recipes and seasonal offerings from fan-favorite breweries and live music in between epic thrill rides at the park.
buschgardens.com/tampa/events
Check out the Giraffe Bar for panoramic views of African animals on the Serengeti Plain while you sip and savor.
 
Cruel Intentions
Aug. 9 – Sept. 3, 2023
Straz Center
Based on the 90s film, this campy musical revisits the plot of the cult classic, featuring familiar tunes by Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera and more.
strazcenter.org
 
Free Museum Day
TBD
Multiple locations
Annually, various museums and cultural attractions across Tampa Bay offer free admissions. An exact date and list of participating museums will be announced in 2023.
 
GeckoFest
TBD
Gulfport
The 23rd annual GeckoFest is a street celebration of the end of summer with live music, over 200 vendors, activities, street performers, a costume contest, parade and more.
geckofest.com
 
Oktoberfest Tampa
Date TBA
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Get your lederhosen ready as the annual German beer festival Oktoberfest returns. This multi-day event is filled with beer, dancing and German food. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the wide range of craft breweries the “Gulp Coast” has to offer.
oktoberfesttampa.com
The Tampa Bay region is home to over 100 craft breweries.
 
ViVa Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival
Oct. 8, 2023
Perry Harvey Sr. Park
Held annually during Hispanic Heritage Month, this festival includes live music from an assortment of Hispanic artists, authentic Latin cuisine, energetic dance performances and more.
vivatampabayfestival.com
ViVa’s goal is to give back to the community through student scholarships and awards to first responders, military and outstanding community members.
 
SHINE Mural Festival
October 13-22, 2023
Downtown St. Petersburg
The internationally recognized street art festival celebrates highly respected local, national and international muralists, giving them creative expression to use walls as canvases.
stpeteartsalliance.org
SHINE has created more than 100 murals throughout downtown and the surrounding arts districts since 2015
Hyde Park Pet Parade
Saturday, October 28
Calling all pet lovers and animal enthusiasts! Get ready for a spectacular celebration of furry friends and fantastic fun at the Hyde Park Pet Parade. A free community event where attendees can donate to the Humane Society or even adopt a pet on-site. Register at the website below!
hydeparkpetparade.com
Check in at November Front Desk to know what’s happening this November
© 2023 Tampa Magazine. All rights reserved. Part of the Tampa Magazines Network.
© 2023 Tampa Magazine. All rights reserved. Part of the Tampa Magazines Network.

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