It’s a busy time of year with new events, festivals, and more and we’ve got them all on our top picks of things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay! The weather is heating up so it’s a good time to visit the nearby springs or head indoors to escape the heat.
There’s a lot on our curated guide of things to do, but you can also check out some of these top stories this week:
- 40+ free things to do in Tampa Bay
- 100 Date Night Ideas in Tampa Bay
- Tampa Bay Distilleries to Visit for A Spirited Date Night
Featured Tampa Bay Events
- Every Second Tuesday and Last Wednesday of the Month
- JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
Experience elevated coastal dining and drinking at its finest with the monthly recurring events at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach’s bar and restaurant. Join them every second Tuesday for Tasting Tuesdays, where from 6-8pm, you can indulge in a journey of spirits and small bites perfectly paired to delight your palate. Then, unwind every last Wednesday of the month at Wine Down Wednesdays, featuring an intimate formal wine pairing dinner at 7pm with limited seats available. Elevate your evenings with exquisite flavors and coastal charm, exclusively at their seaside establishment.
Featured Getaway
MARRIOTT WORLD CENTER
Stay moments from the “Magic” at Orlando World Center Marriott, just 1.5 miles from Disney World. Summer like a local with 7 waterslides, cool pools, lazy river, unique dining plus shuttle service to all four Disney Parks & Disney Springs!
Receive a $25 nightly credit when you explore before September 9, 2024.
Get Your Tickets Early
MOULIN ROUGE AT STRAZ CENTER
- Wednesday – Sunday, November 6-10
Pop the champagne, MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical returns to the Straz Center by popular demand!
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, MOULIN ROUGE! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
Get your tickets today!
For family-friendly things to do in Tampa, check out Tampa Bay Parenting.
Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay
- Through September 2
- Tampa
Head to Busch Gardens for their all-new Bourbon & BBQ Event featuring smoky flavors and smooth spirits accompanied by live music.
TAMPA BAY COMIC CON
- Friday, August 23 -Sunday, August 25
- Tampa Bay Convention Center.
Three days will be filled with everything from celebrity meet and greets, panels, contests, and more. Visit Celebrity Row to see all your favorite celebs from TV, film, and the anime world. You can also head over to Artist Alley to see some of your favorite comic book artists and authors. There will also be a cosplay area and scheduled cosplay fan meet ups.
Sunset Zipline Adventures at Empower Adventures
- Friday, August 23-Sunday, August 25 from 6 pm-8 pm
- Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines totaling over 1,200 feet and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Tampa Bay Bucs Preseason Game vs. Miami Dolphins
- Friday, August 23 at 7:30 pm
- Raymond James Stadium
Come cheer on the Bucs for their preseason game against the Miami Dolphins! Can’t make it to the game? Check out The Best Places to Watch Football Around Tampa Bay.
Live music at Sparkman Wharf
- Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25 at 6 pm
- Tampa
Enjoy free music at Sparkman Wharf while enjoying one of their awesome restaurants. This event is also dog-friendly so bring your furry friend along.
Charcuterie Workshop at Keel Farms
- Friday, August 23 at 6:30 pm
- Keel Farms in Plant City
Keel Farms are collaborating with The Creative Kitchen to learn the art of charcuterie making. Follow along as you learn the tricks and techniques to create a beautiful board sure to impress at your next gathering! From a salami river, provolone roses, and fruit cutting techniques you will create a delicious board to take home and enjoy.
NEW! Grab the Keel Farms Adventure Pass. Staring Monday, August 19, collect four experiences: tour, taste, dine, and shop to claim your prize (bottle of wine or 4-pack of cider). Visit keelfarms.com to learn more.
Dan + Shay: Heartbreak On the map Tour
- Friday, August 23 at 7 pm
- Tampa
Head to the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre to see country superstars, Dan +Shay.
Immersive Movies at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Saturday, August 24 from 11 am – 4 pm
Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will offer two new movies next week: Turtle Odyssey and T-Rex, beginning Saturday, August 17. The 25-minute-long movies will run between 11 am and 4 pm, as an added guest experience in the Visitor Center’s Dolphin Tale Theater. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures and has some really wild encounters. Included in general admission cost.
Big Ten Tailgate Party at Midtown Tampa
- Saturday, August 24 from 3:30 pm-10 pm
- Tampa
Kick off the start of college football season in true tailgate fashion at Midtown Tampa! Midtown Commons will turn into a spirited celebration featuring booths from all of our Big Ten schools, live music, lawn games, a silent auction and fun for the whole family. And don’t miss some of their Big Ten go head-to-head in a Cornhole Tournament to dethrone the current champion, the University of Michigan!
“THE BEAR” a Culinary adventure inspired by “The Bear” on HULU
- Saturday, August 24 at 5 pm
- Tampa
Step into the high-energy world of professional kitchens with ‘Inside the Kitchen: A Culinary Adventure Inspired by “The Bear” Cooking Show.’
This immersive class draws inspiration from the acclaimed series, offering you a chance to experience the fast-paced, creative, and passionate atmosphere of a top-tier restaurant. Under the guidance of experienced chef Keith, you’ll learn advanced techniques, innovative recipes, and the art of kitchen teamwork.
Thirty Seconds to Mars: Seasons World Tour
- Saturday, August 24 at 6 pm
- Tampa
Head to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre to catch Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Concerts by Candlelight
- Saturday, August 24 from 7 pm-8 pm
- Raymond James Stadium
See talented musicians perform a musical set to popular music and artists.
Pawty in the Plaza at Water Street
- Sunday, August 25 from 10 am-12 pm
- Tampa
Calling all pawrents and pup-lovers! Water Street Tampa invites everyone – two- or four-legged – to its second annual Pawty in the Plaza event! This year’s Pawty in the Plaza is dedicated to supporting the Mercy Full Project, a local non-profit pet rescue organization whose mission is to help animals in the Tampa Bay area. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet a variety of adoptable dogs and puppies, all eagerly searching for their forever homes. Whether you’re a pet lover or just love a good party, all guests are guaranteed to have a paw-some time.
Jazzy Brunch and Blues
- Sunday, August from 10 am-1 pm
- Fenway Hotel, Dunedin
Enjoy brunch favorites while taking in the sounds of the jazz era.
Sunday Market in the Park
- Sunday, August 25 from 10 am-2 pm
- England Brothers Park
Head to Pinellas Park for a Sunday morning market with up to 80 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, home decor, gifts, souvenirs, and more. There will also be food trucks and vendors with refreshments, meals, and more.
Sunday Special – Espresso Martinis
- Sunday, August 25 from 2 pm-11:45 pm
- Mandarin Heights
Head to Mandarin Heights on Sunday for $7 espresso martinis.
Tampa Theatre’s Summer Classics Movie Series
- Sundays at 3 pm, June 2-Aug. 25
- Downtown Tampa
Tampa’s longest-running classic movie series is back! From silent comedies with live accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ to modern classics likeThelma & Louise,Tampa Theatre celebrates a century of extraordinary filmmaking every Sunday at 3 pm all summer long. And for the first time in Summer Classics history, ALL of the selections have been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. This Sundays show: The Silent Clown.
For titles, times and tickets, visitwww.TampaTheatre.org. Tickets are $10 ($7 for members).
Save the Date: Upcoming Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay
Tampa theatre September sing-along sundays
- September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
- Tampa Theatre
Warm up your vocal cords and head to Tampa theatre next month to belt out your favorite show tunes during these movie musical showings. Taking place at 3 pm on Sundays in September:
- Sept. 1: GREASE
- Sept. 8: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
- Sept. 15: LABYRINTH
- Sept. 22: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
- Sept. 29: ENCANTO
12th Annual Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival
- November 2 and 3
- Vinoy Waterfront Park, St. Petersburg
Savor St. Pete brings the best in food, wine, craft beers, and premium spirits to the area. Taking place at Vinoy Waterfront Park, enjoy all-new activations such as the ultra-chic Mixology Experience Lounge. Enjoy flavor-packed bites from leading Bay Area restaurants and an array of craft beer and wine. Upgrade your experience to the VIP Spirits Lounge to immerse yourself in top-shelf cocktails and more. A percentage of ticket sales benefit local Bay Area charities.
$115 and up
More Things to Do – Ongoing Tampa Bay Events
A Taste of Water Street
Water Streetin Tampa
These spring and fall events will feature unique seasonal experiences and always deliver on the promise of an unforgettable night out. Guests are invited to experience the entirety of the Water Street Tampa neighborhood like never before — enjoying tastings at new restaurants and bars in addition to familiar favorites while roaming musicians, pop-up entertainment and shops along Water Street, Raybon Plaza and Via Corazon further enhance the evening.
FloridaRAMA
Permanent exhibition open Thursdays – Sundays
800 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) is a permanent indoor immersive, explorable art and technology experience in St. Pete, Florida. Over 60 local and international artists were commissioned to make art for you to immerse yourself in and enjoy.
$27 ($25 for Florida Residents)
Related:Choose-Your-Own-Adventure at Fairgrounds St. Pete
Sunset Yoga at St. Pete Pier
First Wednesday of the month, 7pm (Mar – Oct) 6pm (Nov – Feb)
St. Pete Pier
Join The Body Electric Yoga Company every first Wednesday evening for a yoga class at St. Pete Pier. The class will be grounding but fun, with lots of modifications offered to accommodate everybody.
FREE
Art on the House
Thursdays from 4-8pm
Tampa Museum of Art, downtown Tampa
Every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm, the Tampa Museum of Art offers Art on the House where admission prices change to pay-as-you-will, and visitors choose whatever admission pricethey want to pay. Bringthefamily and celebrate 100 years ofartin Tampa with exhibitions that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporaryart.
Choose your own admission price
St. Pete Shuffle Friday Nights
Fridays from 7-10pm
St. Pete Shuffle, St. Pete
Learn to play shuffleboard with help from St. Pete Shuffle’s staff and volunteers, who will get you set up on a court and teach you how to play.
$10; free for members and their guests
St. Pete Walking Mural Tours
Saturdays from 10-11:30am,
St. Pete
Tour begins at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg Visitors will hear the inside stories of the making of over 30 murals found in the four-block tour. Limited to 20 people, must book before 4 p.m. the prior day. Bring water for hydration and the necessary rain gear if the weather looks threatening.
$20
Looking for more things to do this week?
Check out this guide to family-friendly events in Tampa Bay from our sister publication Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Heading to Orlando? Here’s a guide to the best Orlando events this month at the theme parks and beyond.