Greater Tampa Bay has something to delight everyone.
By Filippa Malmström
There is nothing better than spending time having fun in Greater Tampa Bay. Along with its sunny and warm weather, GTB offers plenty of adventures for the whole family. Enjoy activities at the beach, visit one of the downtown districts or explore Florida’s wildlife. While mothers and daughters browse the enormous selection of shops, the guys can have a nice father-son day golfing at one of the PGA-frequented golf courses.
GTB is more than just family activities. Friends can enjoy GTB’s vast selection of activities, including festivals, races and all things aquatic. Many of the local beaches have bars and restaurants for the perfect beachside cocktail and dining experience. When it comes to nightlife, party time is all the time in GTB. From clubs and bars with pulsing dance beats to more chill vibes at lounges and speakeasies, any squad’s perfect night is possible here.
Greater Tampa Bay offers diverse entertainment options, even beyond the beaches and bars. Visitors can explore the vibrant Tampa Riverwalk, home to parks, museums and eateries. Busch Gardens provides thrilling rides and animal encounters, while the Florida Aquarium showcases marine life. Sports enthusiasts can catch Tampa Bay Buccaneers football games, Tampa Bay Rays baseball or Tampa Bay Lightning hockey. For a cultural experience, the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is a must-visit. Ybor City, known for its Cuban heritage, features lively nightlife and historic sites. Additionally, nearby beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete Beach offer stunning sunsets and water activities.
Best of all, Greater Tampa Bay is a place to create memories. Always be sure to take out the camera or phone and snap pictures and videos of all the fun adventures GTB offers. Entertainment here is unforgettable.
Mark your calendars
John’s Pass Seafood Festival
January
Madeira Beach’s annual seafood festival is a big hit for locals and new visitors. The yearly festival tops the second-largest seafood festival on the East Coast, with lots of entertainment and shopping.
Florida State Fair
February
The annual state fair features 12 fun days for all ages, including rides that pump up the adrenaline, wildlife with over 5,000 animals and fair food.
Florida Strawberry Festival
Feb. 29 – Mar. 10
Plant City, also known as the winter strawberry capital of the world, hosts their yearly strawberry festival with all-you-can-eat shortcakes. Beyond strawberries being the center of the festival, it also features music, rides, attractions and youth livestock shows.
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
March
Watch top drivers race in a challenging waterfront course during the annual IndyCar Series Race.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
April
It is known as “Florida’s best sand sculpture festival” for a reason. Stroll through Sugar Sand Walk with sculptures from multiple professional sand sculptors. Also offered are free sand sculpting classes, live music, fireworks, artisans, food vendors and more.
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
April
Celebrate Dunedin’s Celtic culture with fun physical activities from Scottish traditions, such as Highland dancing, music, the Highland Trail 5K run, beer and much more.
St Pete Pride Parade
June
The annual St. Pete Pride Parade is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride. Featuring colorful floats, lively music and enthusiastic crowds, it is one of the largest pride events in the Southeast, promoting inclusivity, diversity and community spirit.
Tampa Fringe Festival
June
Tampa Fridge is an international festival featuring indie performances. Dive into another world with stand-up and improv, theatre and dance, and quirky art performances.
Gecko Fest
August
The 24th annual Gecko Fest celebrates the end of summer with the biggest festival, which honors the unofficial mascot and resident favorite, the gecko.
Christmas Town
November-January
Get ready for the holidays and bring out the Christmas spirit at Bush Gardens. Enjoy the excitement of the holidays up close with animal encounters, exciting rides, delicious holiday foods and festive performances like Christmas on Ice.
