Whether it is a wedding, a baby or bridal shower, graduation or family get-together, the Greater Tampa Bay area has beautiful venues to host an event. From museum decor to beautiful oceanfront views, here are some unique places to host events in GTB.
The Tampa Museum of Art
Only a handful of locations in Tampa offer a view of the city’s waterfront. The Tampa Museum of Art is one of them.
A scenic terrace offers outdoor seating for up to 400 guests, who can sit and take in the beauty of the University of Tampa’s famed minarets and the city skyline. If indoor seating is a must, the museum also has a spacious atrium.
The venue has in-house catering with custom menu options for lunch and dinner events.
The Florida Aquarium
With six different venue spots to choose from — including a rooftop terrace overlooking the city — it is hard not to consider the Florida Aquarium a top venue spot. Each location has versatile spaces for both indoor and outdoor events, with seating anywhere from 25 to 4,000 guests.
Having direct access to the sea animals and vibrant coral reef is also a plus. The mix of beauty and wonder makes it the ideal backdrop for birthday parties, dinners and more.
Oxford Exchange
The gorgeous, European-inspired Oxford Exchange has wowed guests with its charm and versatility for more than 10 years.
The two-story space has a restaurant, a bookstore, a shop and different rooms that create a personal and comfortable feel. The transformative indoor space hosts anything from weddings to book club nights.
Armature Works
Located along the Hillsborough River, Armature Works is a combination of exposed brick and sleek hardwood floors. The venue offers six historic spaces. They include the theatre space with wood truss loft ceilings and exposed beams and the west lawn, which has a view of downtown Tampa.
Access to the dock lets guests come and go via boat or water taxi. At Armature Works, there is a space for every occasion.
The Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican is one of the city’s most prized event locations, with an array of floor-to-ceiling views and statement chandeliers. The indoor rooms host anywhere from 50 to 300 guests. Each outdoor patio and ceremony gazebo highlights a beautiful waterfront view of the bay.
The Pelican’s private banquet rooms won Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice in 2021.
The Cuban Club
Inside this four-story, architecturally intricate building, guests can experience history and elegance all in one. The space celebrates the area’s Cuban community with its proscenium theater and Grand Ballroom. The courtyard also offers more than 40,000 square feet for larger events.
American Social
This music-centric upscale dining venue gives guests an array of event options.
At American Social, the private Liberty Lounge and its fully stocked bar holds up to 50 guests or can host an intimate event with as few as 15 guests.
The outdoor private bar and terrace is a hidden gem. It holds about 30 guests and showcases the bay area skyline. This venue also allows private rooms to combine for an even larger experience.
By Shavantay Minnis.
