Tampa Bay Events and Festivals

From the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day, through Gasparilla and Guavaween, Tampa stages some unforgettable events and festivals.

The season commences with Fiesta Day, a multi-ethnic heritage in historic Ybor City. In mid-February, locals enjoy the Sant’ Yago Knight Parade’s floats, pirates and bands. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is Tampa’s signature event featuring an invasion of pirates, a full pirate regatta, a street festival, and a parade down Bayshore Boulevard. Other well known events are the Florida Strawberry Festival, and the Florida State Fair which has over 200 rides and top concerts. Guavaween is a cross between Halloween and Mardi Gras. This Ybor City celebration includes a night parade, music, costumes and dancing in the stree! t.

Sporting enthusiasts eagerly await the Outback Bowl, the PGA Transitions tour stop, the Winter Equestrian Festival, the NSRA Southeast Street Rod Nationals, the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix and the St Pete Grand Prix. Opening day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Lightning are also big events.