Tampa Bay Events

The greater Tampa Bay area is comprised of the complete spectrum of communities, from densely urban neighborhoods to breezy beach towns, and each has its own festivals and celebrates its local history in different ways. Our calendar of events is by no means an exhaustive list of all that is going on in the greater Tampa Bay area. In addition to the annual events of significant interest listed below, there are many one-time events happening all of the time too numerous to attempt listing. We have not included a lot of specific time and date information, as these details are subject to change. We hope that our descriptions provide enough information for your concierge to recognize the event and provide you with precise times and directions.

Always call the phone numbers provided, as special circumstances may affect schedules, for the most up to date information.

| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |

January

Outback Bowl
On January 1, Outback Steakhouse sponsors a football game at the Raymond James Stadium between the third picks of the SEC and Big Ten Conference, culminating a week-long series of pre-game events held in a variety of venues.
Call (813) 874-2695 for more information.

Epiphany Celebration
During the first week in January, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral presents a special service, and locals dive for the cross at Spring Bayou, in Tarpon Springs.
Call (813) 937-3540 for more information.

Straub Park Art Festival
The park becomes an outdoor gallery, hosting hundreds of artists and craftsmen from around the world, during the first week in January.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

Street Art Festival
Main Street in downtown Dunedin is lined with art in all forms, displayed by artists and craftsmen from all over the world, in mid-January.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

International Miniature Art Show
The Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo presents an annual juried exhibition of miniature works of art, including paintings and sculptures, during the last half of January.
Call (727) 518-6833 for more information.

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February

Gasparilla Invasion and Parade
On February 1, the pirate ship of Jose Gasparilla arrives at Knight’s Point on Harbour Island, and a Parade of Pirates follows, sponsored by Ye Mystical Krewe of Gasparilla, in this most heavily attended annual event in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Call (813) 298-3322 for more information.

Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Illuminated Night Parade
Following the Gasparilla Festival, on February 15 in Ybor City, the local residents present an illuminated parade in the evening which travels to downtown Tampa.
Call (813) 298-3322 for more information.

Florida Strawberry Festival
During the last half of February, the Plant City Fairgrounds hosts an annual celebration of the strawberry, with local agriculture and livestock exhibits, amusements and rides, lots of food and crafts vendors, and especially strawberries in the form of shakes, shortcakes, sundaes, cobblers and ice cream. Freshly harvested strawberries, as well as strawberry plants, also will be provided by the local farmers.
Call (813) 752-9194 for more information.

Florida State Fair
For twelve days every February, Florida’s state fair is held at the Fairgrounds, just to the east of Tampa along I-4. Enjoy the best of Florida’s agriculture, livestock, products, amusements and rides.
Call (800) 345-FAIR for more information.

Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon
In mid-February, one of the qualifying races for the Boston Marathon is held along a 26 mile section of Gulf Boulevard, commencing at Cleveland Street along the Clearwater waterfront, and finishing at Coachman Park.
Call (727) 347-4440 for more information.

Old Hyde Park Village Art Festival
Towards the end of February, enjoy various art exhibits and live music in Old Hyde Park.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
During the last weekend in February, live concerts, family events and a variety of sports exhibitions complement this race through the streets of St. Petersburg.
Call (888) 34-SPEED for more information.

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March

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
During the first part of March, Curtis Hixon Park and the streets of downtown Tampa are lined with the works of artists from around the world, with lots of accompanying events and live entertainment.
Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.

Mardi Gras
Downtown Dunedin celebrates Mardi Gras during the first week in March, with arts, crafts and food vendors during the day, followed by an evening parade.
Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.

Spring Antiques Fair
Following Mardi Gras, the antiques dealers of downtown Dunedin set up exhibits and events all along Main Street.
Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.

Palm Harbor Crafts Festival
Handmade items, fine crafts, specially prepared foods and quality live music highlight this annual fair in Palm Harbor, towards the middle of March, with a variety of activities for everyone in the family.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Jugglers, jousters, sorcerers and a variety of period food treats highlight this annual festival in a Renaissance Village created at Largo’s Central Park, from mid-March to mid-April.
Call (727) 586-5423 for more information.

Crawfish Festival
The Gulf Coast variety of lobster is honored at this annual Cajun and Zydeco arts, music and food festival at the Times Bayfront Arena in St. Petersburg, in mid-March.
Call (727) 892-5716 for more information.

12 Hours of Sebring International Races
In mid-March, enjoy a weekend of racing at the Sebring International Raceway, less than a couple of hours drive from Tampa.
Call (800) 626-7223 for more information.

Corey Area Art Festival
An exhibition of paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs and sculptures by artists from all over the world lines Corey Avenue in mid-March, on St. Petersburg Beach.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

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April

Festival of States
Street dances, Shakespeare in the Park, arts exhibits, live music, parades and a variety of other festivities happen in and around downtown St. Petersburg for the first two weeks in April, in this annual event which signifies the end of the Winter season and encourages the visitors to stay a little longer.
Call (727) 898-3654 for more information.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival
In early April, outstanding blues musicians put on a series of performances for several days in Vinoy Park by the Bay, in downtown St. Petersburg, in connection with the Festival of States.
Call (727) 824-6163 for more information.

Highland Games and Festival
Dunedin locals celebrate their Scottish heritage with bagpipe music and games held at Highlander Park, in mid-April.
Call (727) 824-6163 for more information.

Fun ‘N Sun Festival
From mid-April through the beginning of May, the Clearwater Merchants Association sponsors a festival of parades, art shows, horseshoe tournaments and other games all over Clearwater.
Call (727) 562-4804 for more information.

Sunsets Beach Fest
In mid-April, Clearwater Beach hosts artists, craftsmen, food vendors, live musicians and amusement rides at this annual spring festival held on the beach.
Call (727) 449-1036 for more information.

Mainsail Arts Festival
Along the waterfront of North Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg, one of the most respected arts festival in the country is held towards the end of April, with participants from all over the country exhibiting their work.
Call (727) 892-5885 for more information.

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May

Music Fest on the Water
Every Sunday afternoon in May, live music by local bands are featured at the Pier, in downtown St. Petersburg.
Call (727) 821-6443 for more information.

Bluegrass and Arts Festival
In mid-May, the town of Seminole in northwestern St. Petersburg hosts a festival with live musicians, arts and crafts exhibits and food vendors.
Call (727) 392-3331 for more information.

Young Anglers Tournament
Don’s Dock at the east end of the John’s Pass Village Boardwalk hosts a fishing tournament for under-15-year-olds, on a weekend in mid-May.
Call (727) 393-1947 for more information.

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June

Juan Leveque Pirate Invasion and Merchant Expo
Pirate games highlight this annual event held in John’s Pass Village on Madeira Beach, in celebration of the New Orleans turtle farmer who discovered St. John’s Pass after its creation by the hurricane of 1848.
Call (813) 393-1947 for more information.

Taste of Pinellas
During the first week in June, Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg is filled with the county’s best food vendors, live entertainers, artists, craftsmen representing the best in Pinellas.
Call (727) 892-4193 for more information.

Sunset Beach Concerts
All during June, outdoor concerts begin at 7 PM at Tarpon Springs’ Sunset Beach, where you are welcome to bring your family and a picnic basket, chairs and blankets.
Call (727) 937-6109 for more information.

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July

Freedom Fest
Curtis Hixon Park hosts Tampa’s Independence Day celebration on July 4, with fireworks, live music and an area where children can build a snowman.
Call (813) 274-8211 for more information.

July 4 Celebration
St. Petersburg hosts its Independence Day festivities and fireworks along the Bay and around the Vinoy Park downtown.
Call (727) 893-7111 for more information.

Pirate Days
Treasure Island celebrates Independence Day with a week of festivities in various beach venues on the island.
Call (727) 547-4575 for more information.

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August

Gallery Walk
On the second Saturday of every month, from August through December, the galleries on and around Central Avenue display works of art and sponsor other events.
Call (727) 894-2111 for more information.

Business and Play on the Bay
In late August, the Holiday Inn Harborside on Indian Rocks Beach hosts the Gulf Coast beaches area auction and trade show.
Call (727) 360-6957 for more information.

Throughout August Performance
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center hosts a number of concerts, plays, opera and musicals during the month of August.
Call (813) 229-7827 for more information.

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September

LaborFest on the Sponge Docks
On Labor Day weekend, the Sponge Docks Merchants Association of Tarpon Springs hosts festivities, including artists, food booths, live entertainment and games.
Call (727) 937-3514 for more information.

Rubber Duckie Race
Also during Labor Day Weekend in Tarpon Springs, for $5 per duck, you can enter the race, as rubber ducks are dropped into the Anclote River at the Spongeorama, and prizes are awarded for the first ten that reach the sponge docks on the tide.
Call (727) 937-6109 for more information.

Gecko Fest
Gecko salamanders are celebrated by the art community in Gulfport, where theme pins, hats and yard ornaments are offered, along with live entertainment, and art workshops for visitors who are encouraged to come in costume, concluding with a fireworks along Boca Ciega Bay.
Call (727) 893-1070 for more information.

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October

Jazz Holiday
Famous jazz musicians from all over the world come to play each year in mid-October along the waterfront at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater.
Call (727) 461-5200 for more information.

Guavaween
All around Ybor City, the Latin community celebrates Halloween with costumed performers on several outdoor stages, costume contests and activities for every member of the family.
Call (813) 621-7121 for more information.

Grouper Festival
Family activities, arts and crafts are highlighted at this annual festival held in John’s Pass Village on Madeira Beach, the Grouper Capital of the World.
Call (727) 393-1947 for more information.

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November

Christmas Under The Oaks
Towards mid-November, Coachman Park in Clearwater hosts an arts and crafts exhibition to give you some ideas for Christmas shopping.
Call (727) 562-4183 for more information.

Ribfest
The best barbecue chefs in the country provide samples and compete at this annual festival held towards the middle of November, at a different location each year.
Call (727) 893-7734 for more information.

Fall Boat Show
In mid to late November, the Vinoy Yacht Basin hosts the largest annual in-water exposition of boats and yachts on Florida’s Gulf Coast, featuring a swimsuit fashion show, floating cocktail barge, live music and other festivities.
Call (727) 892-5767 for more information.

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December

FantaSea of Lights
The Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach hosts holiday caroling, arts and crafts, a spectacular light show, street performers and live music throughout the month of December.
Call (727) 449-1036 for more information.

Holiday Parade
In mid-December, the city of Clearwater sponsors an illuminated night parade and festivities all along Cleveland Street.
Call (727) 562-4800 for more information.

Christmas in the P.A.R.C.
Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg hosts artists, craftsmen and a variety of exhibits to benefit the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children, during the first week in December.
Call (727) 536-7446 for more information.

Santa Parade and SnowFest
On the first weekend in December, high school bands and Santa parade down Bayshore Drive in front of the Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg. Activities include a children’s petting zoo at Straub Park, a snowball target competition and many other activities.
Call (727) 893-7441 for more information.

Holiday Boat Parade
Enter your boat, or just gather with everyone else at North Straub Park, the Vinoy Park and the Pier for a good view of this annual illuminated festival which travels from Harborage Marina, through Bayboro Harbor and on to the Vinoy Yacht Basin. Live music and broadcasts by a local radio station also will be featured on the first weekend in December.
Call (727) 821-6443 for more information.