Top 10 Can’t-Miss Events in Tampa Bay: Sports, Music, Food & Culture
From pirate invasions to powerhouse sports matchups, Tampa Bay events offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or visiting for the first time, this city delivers year-round excitement with festivals, concerts, sporting events, and cultural celebrations that light up the Gulf Coast.
Here are 10 of the best events in Tampa Bay that you absolutely don’t want to miss—plus how to pregame or postgame like a pro with AppyHour®.
🏈 Where: Raymond James Stadium
There’s nothing like game day in Tampa. From tailgate parties to cannon blasts, Buccaneers home games bring major energy and serious fan pride. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the atmosphere, NFL Sundays in Tampa are a full-day experience.
✅ Perfect for: Pregaming with AppyHour drink specials nearby before kickoff.
🏴☠️ Where: Downtown Tampa
A Tampa tradition since 1904, Gasparilla transforms the city into a pirate’s playground with a full-scale flotilla invasion, street parades, and parties galore. Dress the part and prepare for beads, boats, and booze.
✅ Pro tip: Hit an AppyHour-powered bar along Bayshore for themed drinks and watch-party vibes.
🍹 Where: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
One part music fest, one part cocktail paradise, this annual event mixes top-shelf margaritas with performances from national touring acts. Food trucks, VIP lounges, and river views seal the deal.
✅ Keywords: Margarita festival Tampa, live music events, summer festivals
🎶 Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This one’s a feast for all the senses. Sample global flavors, sip wine and craft brews, and catch live concerts—all inside one of Florida’s top theme parks. Perfect for a day-to-night experience.
✅ Don’t miss: Happy hour drink pairings at AppyHour bars near the park.
🔥 Where: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
BBQ + music + charity = an unbeatable combo. The Tampa Pig Jig is a BBQ competition and concert fundraiser supporting NephCure Kidney International. Expect smoked meats, cold drinks, and big-name bands.
✅ Vibe check: Laid-back, community-forward, and flavorful in every way.
🏒 Where: Amalie Arena
Feel the electricity of NHL hockey live. Lightning games are fast-paced, fan-filled, and downright thrilling—especially when playoff season rolls around. If you’re new to hockey, this is the place to fall in love with it.
✅ Hot tip: Pre-game with a downtown happy hour using the AppyHour app.
🎧 Where: Raymond James Stadium Grounds
Tampa’s largest EDM event brings two days of world-class DJs, vibrant stage designs, and non-stop dancing. Sunset Music Festival is a bucket-list event for electronic music fans across Florida.
✅ Keywords: EDM Tampa, music festivals in Tampa Bay, Memorial Day events
🎃 Where: Tampa Theatre
This historic venue gets spooky every October with classic horror flicks, ghost tours, and themed events. Dress up, grab popcorn, and enjoy cinema in one of the most atmospheric theaters in the country.
✅ Bonus: Look for bars near Tampa Theatre on AppyHour for post-show cocktails.
🌆 Where: Tampa Riverwalk
Two days of waterfront fun featuring a lantern parade, live music, food trucks, dog races, and a stunning fireworks finale. Tampa Riverfest is family-friendly and packed with local flavor.
✅ Keywords: Free events in Tampa, Riverwalk festivals, outdoor events
10. Ybor City Cigar Heritage Festival
💨 Where: Centennial Park, Ybor City
Celebrate Tampa’s cigar-making history with live music, local food, and premium cigars. Enjoy demonstrations from master rollers and stock up on the finest smokes in a setting that honors the city’s roots.
✅ Perfect Pairing: Post up at a nearby Ybor bar with cigar-friendly outdoor seating.
Wrap-Up: Make the Most of Tampa Bay’s Event Scene
Whether you’re into sports, music, food, or festivals, Tampa Bay’s top events offer something unforgettable every season. And no matter where you’re headed, AppyHour® helps you find the perfect place to pregame, unwind, or keep the night going.
Download the AppyHour app to explore real-time happy hours, drink specials, and event-driven promotions near you—because every great event deserves a great drink to go with it.
AppyHour® is a mobile application and marketing platform for the hospitality and liquor industries. We empower bars, restaurants, suppliers, and distributors with measurable reach to target consumers and provide valuable data that enables more effective advertising and activation strategies.
To see more specials and events at Denver bars and restaurants near you, download the app on iOS / Android or check out our new AppyHour Online app.
