No throat clearing required. 2025 is just weeks away, and we are ready to celebrate the Tampa way. Here are the biggest events to keep on your radar in the New Year.
We will continue to update this list as more major Tampa events are confirmed. Did we miss your event? Send all the details to info@thatssotampa.com.
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Gasparilla Pirate Festival
January 25
Festivities kick-off at 9:30 a.m.
All along Bayshore Boulevard
Tampa is gearing up for one of America’s largest and most electrifying parades. The family-friendly Children’s Gasparilla will take place on January 18, featuring a bike rodeo, children’s parade, air invasion, and a fireworks extravaganza. You can see all event details here.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest, presented by Bud Light and 101 N. Meridian Apartment Homes, promises even more excitement with live music and entertainment before and after the parade at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and MacDill Park. Music will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a full lineup of local artists to be announced soon.
Florida State Fair
February 6-17
Advance tickets start at $11
4800 US Hwy. 301 North
The biggest, wildest, tastiest event of the year is back this February. Enjoy outrageous food, towering carnival rides, music, and shows. It’s the most Tampa experience each year.
Illuminated Knight Parade
February 8
Begins at 7 p.m.
Ybor City’s iconic 7th Avenue
The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago “Knight Parade” returns to Ybor City’s iconic 7th Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 8, promising an electrifying night steeped in Latin heritage and tradition. Presented by MOR-TV and co-sponsored by the City of Tampa, this unique nighttime spectacle highlights Tampa’s cultural roots while inviting revelers to an unforgettable celebration.
Gasparilla Music Festival
February 14-16
Friday: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Early bird tickets available
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Boulevard
The Gasparilla Music Festival offers 3 days of incredible music. It includes local, national, and global stars performing high-energy sets for a capacity Tampa crowd. The official lineup will be announced soon.
Tampa Taco Festival
February 22
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
GA: $7; VIP: starting at $40
Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave
Enjoy Tampa’s best tacos from 30+ local food vendors, refreshing margaritas and live entertainment at Al Lopez Park.
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
March 1-2
Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Early bird VIP tickets available now
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts introduced its featured image for GFA55: “The Fight,” by Ashli Harper. Ashli was an Emerging Artist in the 54th Annual Festival.
This event gathers hundreds of artists for a beautiful open-air festival. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, and beverage carts, and witness live paintings all weekend.
River O Green Festival
2025 dates are still being finalized
River O’ Green Fest is an annual, free event to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green. Celebrate with live Irish entertainment, food and beverage vendors, beer, and family-friendly activities.
Admission is free and the entire family is welcome, including four-legged members.
Gasparilla International Film Festival
March 27-30
Takes place at multiple venues.
Learn more, and submit your film here
Filmmakers from around the world, along with actors, producers, and cinephiles, gather in Tampa every spring to celebrate cinema.
Tampa Pride
March 29
Official times and event details are coming soon
Occurs around 2112 N 15th St
Enjoy a parade, and a big street festival with local vendors during the annual Tampa Pride celebration. More information can be found on Tampa Pride’s website.
Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival
April 8-12
Tickets for specific events are available online
Multiple events at various locations across Tampa
The 2025 Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival features six extraordinary events across five days. New events include “Experience St. Pete” (April 9) and “Experience Tampa” (April 10), plus the return of fan favorites like the Chef Showdown (April 11) and Grand Tasting (April 12), all with a fresh, elevated twist. With Chef Robert Irvine back as host of Friday’s chef competition, we’ll see high-energy battles including two new battles: Battle Surf n’ Turf and Battle Smokehouse.
Tampa Riverfest
May 2-3
Spans the entirety of the Tampa Riverwalk
Riverfest is a public, two-day, FREE event that is held the first weekend in May each year. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants. The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of regional and local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights.
July 4 Boat Parade
Official 2025 details coming soon
Typically takes place near 615 Channelside Dr
Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk as they host a July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf.
Tampa Pig Jig
October 18
Tickets and times to be announced
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Boulevard
The Tampa Pig Jig is a big waterfront party for a good cause. This annual extravaganza features amazing BBQ and some of the best bands in America, all in one pristine location.
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