Greater Tampa -
St. Petersburg
Annual Events

Greater Tampa - St. Petersburg has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Tampa - St. Petersburg area.

January: College Baseball; From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what's oft called America's favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.; Eckerd Tritons, USF Bulls, UT Spartans; Outback Bowl; The SEC battles the Big Ten Conference (3rd pick) at this New Year's Day college football game. Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, this football game is one of many scheduled events including a New Year's Eve Parade and Fireworks Show. Call (813) 874-2695 for more information.; The Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency; Founded by Toby Perlman, Mrs. Itzhak Perlman, this intensive workshop and winter residency for 12 to 20 year old students of violin, viola, cello and bass, taught by Perlman and other well-known musicians, is held during the last week of December and first week of January on the campus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and presents a number of public recitals around and during the holidays. Call (941) 472-3755 for more information.; Straub Park Art Festival; This park is the place to be, hosting hundreds of artists and craftsmen from around the world, during the first week in January. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.; Epiphany Celebration; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral hosts this special service celebrating the day Jesus was baptized. The celebration continues with locals diving into Spring Bayou, in Tarpon Springs to retrieve the cross and a year of good luck. During the first week in January. Call (813) 937-3540 for more information.; International Miniature Art Show; The Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo presents this juried exhibition of fine painting and sculpture in small scale. Sponsored by the Miniature Art Society of Florida you'll find miniature works of art, including paintings and sculptures. During the last half of January. Call (727) 518-6833 for more information.; Street Art Festival; You'll find Main Street, in downtown Dunedin, lined with art in all forms, displayed by artists and craftsmen from all over the world, in mid-January. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.; Arcadia Days; In mid-January, Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde hosts a fun weekend for the family with a chili cook-off, orange recipe contest, antique appraisals, fossil hunting, fishing seminars, and lots of vendors of all kinds. Call (941) 391-6256 for more information.; Gasparilla Invasion and Parade; A Parade of Pirates follows the arrival of the pirate ship of Jose Gasparilla at Knight's Point on Harbour Island. Sponsored by Ye Mystical Krewe of Gasparilla, this is one of the most heavily attended annual events in the greater Tampa Bay area. Events held on the third and last Saturdays in January. Call (813) 353-8108 for more information.; Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago Illuminated Night Parade; Following the Gasparilla Festival, in Ybor City, the local residents present an illuminated parade in the evening which travels to downtown Tampa. Call (813) 353-8108 for more information.
February: Florida State Fair; Enjoy the best of Florida's agriculture, livestock, products, amusements and rides at the Fairgrounds, just to the east of Tampa along I-4. For twelve days every February. Call (800) 345-FAIR for more information.; Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon; In mid-February, one of the qualifying races for the Boston Marathon is held along a 26 mile section of Gulf Boulevard, commencing at Cleveland Street along the Clearwater waterfront, and finishing at Coachman Park. Call (727) 347-4440 for more information.; Florida Strawberry Festival; During the last half of February, the Plant City Fairgrounds hosts an annual celebration of the strawberry, with local agriculture and livestock exhibits, amusements and rides, lots of food and crafts vendors, and especially strawberries in the form of shakes, shortcakes, sundaes, cobblers and ice cream. Freshly harvested strawberries, as well as strawberry plants, also will be provided by the local farmers. Call (813) 752-9194 for more information.; Old Hyde Park Village Art Festival; Towards the end of February, enjoy various art exhibits and live music in Old Hyde Park. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
March: New York Yankees Spring Training; It's March and time for Spring Training for the New York Yankees at Legends Field. 3802 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. Call (800) 96-YANKS for more information.; Mardi Gras; Downtown Dunedin celebrates Mardi Gras during the first week in March, with arts, crafts and food vendors during the day, followed by an evening parade. Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.; Centre for Women Golf Classic; Early in March, Hunter's Green Golf and Country Club hosts a golf tournament to benefit the Centre for Women, sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Call (813) 251-8437 for more information.; Spring Antiques Fair; Following Mardi Gras, the antiques dealers of downtown Dunedin set up exhibits and events all along Main Street. Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.; Gasparilla Festival of the Arts; During the first part of March, Curtis Hixon Park and the streets of downtown Tampa are lined with the works of artists from around the world, with lots of accompanying events and live entertainment. Call (813) 876-1747 for more information.; Tampa Bay Navy Week; Over a week in mid-March, various venues throughout the Tampa Bay area host an opportunity for the community to meet U.S. Navy sailors and learn about the Navy's mission, see Navy divers perform at local aquariums, a precision flight demonstration by the Blue Angels at MacDill Air Force Base, interactive flight simulators and performances by the U.S. Navy Band. Call (901) 874-5806 for more information.; Bay Area Renaissance Festival; Jugglers, jousters, sorcerers and a variety of period food treats highlight this annual festival in a Renaissance Village created at Largo's Central Park, from mid-March to mid-April. Call (727) 586-5423 for more information.; Palm Harbor Crafts Festival; Handmade items, fine crafts, specially prepared foods and quality live music highlight this annual fair in Palm Harbor, towards the middle of March, with a variety of activities for everyone in the family. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.; Crawfish Festival; The Gulf Coast variety of lobster is honored at this annual Cajun and Zydeco arts, music and food festival at the Times Bayfront Arena in St. Petersburg, in mid-March. Call (727) 892-5716 for more information.; Corey Area Art Festival; An exhibition of paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs and sculptures by artists from all over the world lines Corey Avenue in mid-March, on St. Petersburg Beach. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.; 12 Hours of Sebring International Races; In mid-March, enjoy a weekend of racing at the Sebring International Raceway, less than a couple of hours drive from Tampa. Call (800) 626-7223 for more information.; Grand Prix of St. Petersburg; At the end of March, beginning of April, live concerts, family events and a variety of sports exhibitions complement this race through the streets of St. Petersburg. Call (888) 34-SPEED for more information.
April: Major League Baseball; Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.; Tampa Bay Devil Rays - To book seats to root for your Tampa Bay Devil Rays, click here.; Tampa Bay Blues Festival; In early April, outstanding blues musicians put on a series of performances for several days in Vinoy Park by the Bay, in downtown St. Petersburg, in connection with the Festival of States. Call (727) 824-6163 for more information.; Festival of States; Street dances, Shakespeare in the Park, arts exhibits, live music, parades and a variety of other festivities happen in and around downtown St. Petersburg for the first two weeks in April, in this annual event which signifies the end of the Winter season and encourages the visitors to stay a little longer. Call (727) 898-3654 for more information.; Highland Games and Festival; Dunedin locals celebrate their Scottish heritage with bagpipe music and games held at Highlander Park, in mid-April. Call (727) 824-6163 for more information.; Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival; At Craig Park, the Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival features more than 200 artists from across the nation, along with continuous entertainment, food, t-shirts and posters. Call (747) 937-6109 for more information.; Mainsail Arts Festival; Along the waterfront of North Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg, one of the most respected arts festival in the country is held towards the end of April, with participants from all over the country exhibiting their work. Call (727) 892-5885 for more information.; Sunsets Beach Fest; In mid-April, Clearwater Beach hosts artists, craftsmen, food vendors, live musicians and amusement rides at this annual spring festival held on the beach. Call (727) 449-1036 for more information.; Fun �N Sun Festival; From mid-April through the beginning of May, the Clearwater Merchants Association sponsors a festival of parades, art shows, horseshoe tournaments and other games all over Clearwater. Call (727) 562-4804 for more information.; WWII Living History Event; Staged at Pinellas County's DeSoto Park, this patriotic salute to World War II veterans includes Allied and Axis encampments, military vehicle displays, weapons demonstrations, and realistic battle reenactments. Call (727) 441-8006 for more information.
May: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball; The Boys of Summer are back for another season of Major League Baseball. Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg Call (888) 326-7297 for more information.; Bluegrass and Arts Festival; In mid-May, the town of Seminole in northwestern St. Petersburg hosts a festival with live musicians, arts and crafts exhibits and food vendors. Call (727) 392-3331 for more information.; Music Fest on the Water; Every Sunday afternoon in May, live music by local bands are featured at the Pier, in downtown St. Petersburg. Call (727) 821-6443 for more information.; Pathfinder Fun Fest & Fin Flotilla; St. Petersburg's Fort DeSoto Park is the site for a grand race of rubber animals from turtles and dolphins to alligators for a top cash prize and other awards. Pathfinder, Inc., a non-profit organization, specializes in family teambuilding and leadership programs. Participants adopt a flotilla animal representing animals found in or near Florida estuaries. Winners need not be present to collect prizes. Call (727) 328-0300 for more information.; Young Anglers Fishing Tournament; For kids old enough to hold a pole through age 15, lots of prizes await at Hubbard's Marina. Call (727) 393-8230 or (727) 393-1947, ext. 1418 for more information.; Body Mind Spirit Expo Tampa; At the Florida State Fairgrounds featuring ancient healing traditions and new age technology, the Body Mind Spirit Expo provides relaxing massage, revelations about the future, links to lost loved ones and more. Call (541) 482-3722 for more information.
June: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball; The Boys of Summer are back for another season of Major League Baseball. Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg Call (888) 326-7297 for more information.; Taste of Pinellas; During the first week in June, Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg is filled with the county's best food vendors, live entertainers, artists, craftsmen representing the best in Pinellas. Call (727) 892-4193 for more information.; Sunset Beach Concerts; All during June, outdoor concerts begin at 7 PM at Tarpon Springs' Sunset Beach, where you are welcome to bring your family and a picnic basket, chairs and blankets. Call (727) 937-6109 for more information.; John Levique Pirate Days; Honoring the pioneer turtle farmer discovering St. John's Pass after the hurricane of 1848, Pirate Days are staged the second weekend in June to encourage hurricane awareness, and include treasure hunting, costume contests, artisans and vendors. Call (727) 393-8230 for more information.
July: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball; The Boys of Summer are back for another season of Major League Baseball. Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg Call (888) 326-7297 for more information.; July 4 Celebration; St. Petersburg hosts its Independence Day festivities and fireworks along the Bay and around the Vinoy Park downtown. Call (727) 893-7111 for more information.; Pirate Days; Treasure Island celebrates Independence Day with a week of festivities in various beach venues on the island. Call (727) 547-4575 for more information.
August: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball; The Boys of Summer are back for another season of Major League Baseball. Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg Call (888) 326-7297 for more information.; Throughout August Performance; The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center hosts a number of concerts, plays, opera and musicals during the month of August. Call (813) 229-7827 for more information.; Gallery Walk; On the second Saturday of every month, from August through December, the galleries on and around Central Avenue display works of art and sponsor other events. Call (727) 894-2111 for more information.; WaZoo at Lowry Park Zoo; Attracting more than 3,000 each year to aid zoo animals, Lowry Park's WaZoo celebration features beverage samplings from breweries worldwide, a beautiful wine garden, and live entertainment, while Bay area restaurants tantalize with favorite cuisines. Call (813) 935-8552 for more information.
September: National Football League; If it's fall and you're ready for some football, count on the National Football League to deliver non-stop grid action, leading to playoffs, and the incomparable Super Bowl. The NFL has come a long way since its 1920 founding in Canton, Ohio at Ralph Hay's Hupmobile dealership. NFL action was first televised in 1939 when NBC broadcast within New York City. The NFL's Longest Day was on Christmas, 1971, in a playoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, and Miami's 17-0 Perfect Season unfolded the following year. But that's history, and prospects for new milestones start in September.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers - To book seats for cheering on your Tampa Bay Buccaneers, click here.; College Football; NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts."; USF Bulls - To cheer on your favorites and book seats for the USF Bulls, click here.; Rubber Duckie Race; Over Labor Day Weekend in Tarpon Springs, for $5 per duck, you can enter the race, as rubber ducks are dropped into the Anclote River at the Spongeorama, and prizes are awarded for the first ten that reach the sponge docks on the tide. Call (727) 937-6109 for more information.; LaborFest on the Sponge Docks; Throughout Labor Day weekend, the Sponge Docks Merchants Association of Tarpon Springs hosts festivities, including artists, food booths, live entertainment and games. Call (727) 937-3514 for more information.; Gecko Fest; Gecko salamanders are celebrated by the art community in Gulfport, where theme pins, hats and yard ornaments are offered, along with live entertainment, and art workshops for visitors who are encouraged to come in costume, concluding with a fireworks along Boca Ciega Bay. Call (727) 893-1070 for more information.
October: National Hockey League; The National Hockey League's rough and tumble world packs a motherlode of milestones, from 1917's NHL opener, to when Maurice Richard was first to score 50 goals in one season in 1944-45, to when Clint Benedict was the first goalie to put on a mask after a shot knocked him unconscious, to when Manon Rheaume made headlines in 1992 as the first woman playing in one of the four major sports leagues, goaltending for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. From October on, it's non-stop action in the world of hat tricks -- three goals in a game by a player -- and sudden death overtime.; Tampa Bay Lightning - To book for the Tampa Bay Lightning, click here.; Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair & Food Drive; Over the first weekend in October, bring canned food for the local food bank and enjoy a shopping spree among dozens of specialty food vendors and shopkeepers, at the Lakeland Center, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland. Call (386) 860-0092 for more information.; Grouper Festival; Family activities, arts and crafts are highlighted at this annual festival held in John's Pass Village on Madeira Beach, the Grouper Capital of the World. Call (727) 393-1947 for more information.; USF Graphicstudio Benefit Sale; The University of South Florida's Graphicstudio, near the Embassy Suites Tampa, stages a one-day benefit offering art at reduced prices, including works by Rauschenberg, Rosenquist, Mapplethorpe, Scharf, Wegman, and more. Call (813) 974-3503 for more information.; Jazz Holiday; Famous jazz musicians from all over the world come to play each year in mid-October along the waterfront at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. Call (727) 461-5200 for more information.; Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream; Reach into your darkest fears during Howl-O-Scream featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and a Creature Crew of deranged characters. Ride the park's thrilling twisted coasters in the dark. May be too intense for young children. Call (800) 425-8622 for more information.; Guavaween; All around Ybor City, the Latin community celebrates Halloween with costumed performers on several outdoor stages, costume contests and activities for every member of the family. Call (813) 621-7121 for more information.; St. John's Pass Seafood Festival; Staged the last full weekend in October, the Grouper Capital of the World celebrates with public education on the area's fishing industry, a juried art / craft show, fun for youngsters, and a street dance. Call (727) 393-8230 for more information.; Taste of Latino; Hosted by Latin Times magazine, Taste of Latino, a culinary journey and exploration of Latin foods, provides networking with a business card exchange, entertainment, taste sensations, and free stuff, with free parking, and free admission. Call (813) 901-5292 for more information.
November: College Basketball; First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there's no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.; Eckerd Tritons, USF Bulls, UT Spartans; Ribfest; The best barbecue chefs in the country provide samples and compete at this annual festival held towards the middle of November, at a different location each year. Call (727) 893-7734 for more information.; Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair; Historic Roser Park Annual Art Festival; Historic Roser Park's two-day juried festival, with tasty food and cold drinks, showcases more than 100 area artists and their works under majestic oaks along Booker Creek. Call (727) 822-7582 for more information.; At the State Fairgrounds Tampa, Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair features one-of-a-kind gifts in silver, gold, home accessories, and food items for difficult to buy for friends and family. Call (386) 860-0092 for more information.; Beaujolais Nouveau; Sample the new Bojolais as it arrives in mid-November, accompanied by French appetizers and a buffet, at Buffalo Gourmet, 10525 U.S. Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park. Call (727) 592-0200 for more information.; Tampa Bay International Auto Show; In mid-November, the Tampa Convention Center hosts a kid-friendly exhibition of current model cars. 333 South Franklin Street. Call (415) 380-8390 for more information.; Roar n' Soar; A variety of classic land, sea, and air racing machines are exhibited and demonstrated by Fantasy of Flight at this annual weekend family event, featuring live entertainment and food. 1400 Broadway Boulevard Southeast, Polk City. Call (407) 332-5212 for more information.; Fall Boat Show; In mid to late November, the Vinoy Yacht Basin hosts the largest annual in-water exposition of boats and yachts on Florida's Gulf Coast, featuring a swimsuit fashion show, floating cocktail barge, live music and other festivities. Call (727) 892-5767 for more information.; Christmas Under The Oaks; Towards mid-November, Coachman Park in Clearwater hosts an arts and crafts exhibition to give you some ideas for Christmas shopping. Call (727) 562-4183 for more information.; Veterans Day Boat Parade; The American Legion Post 273 and the Elks Lodge 1912 sponsor this boat parade event honoring veterans. Call (727) 393-8230 for more information.
December: Holiday Boat Parade; Come out to the North Straub Park, the Vinoy Park or the Pier for a view of this annual illuminated festival which travels from Harborage Marina, through Bayboro Harbor and on to the Vinoy Yacht Basin. Live music and broadcasts by a local radio station. The first weekend in December. Call (727) 821-6443 for more information.; Santa Parade and SnowFest; High school bands and Santa parade down Bayshore Drive in front of the Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg. Several children's Activities will be located at Straub Park, including a children's petting zoo and a snowball target competition. Held on the first weekend in December. Call (727) 893-7441 for more information.; Christmas in the P.A.R.C.; Arts, crafts and many other exhibits will be on display at Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The proceeds benefit the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children. Held during the first week in December. Call (727) 536-7446 for more information.; Holiday Parade; Come out and enjoy an illuminated night parade and festivities all along Cleveland Street. Sponsored by the city of Clearwater in mid-December. Call (727) 562-4800 for more information.; FantaSea of Lights; Throughout the month of December, the Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach hosts holiday caroling, arts and crafts, a spectacular light show, street performers and live music . Call (727) 449-1036 for more information.; Christmas Village; St. John's Pass Village transforms into a Christmas scene for a month-long celebration with a tree lighting ceremony, Santa arriving via fire truck, a craft show and more than 125 shops for one-of-a-kind gifts. Call (727) 393-8230 for more information.; The Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency; Founded by Toby Perlman, Mrs. Itzhak Perlman, this intensive workshop and winter residency for 12 to 20 year old students of violin, viola, cello and bass, taught by Perlman and other well-known musicians, is held during the last week of December and first week of January on the campus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and presents a number of public recitals around and during the holidays. Call (941) 472-3755 for more information.

Related Links:	Tampa - St. Petersburg Events	Tampa - St. Petersburg Attractions
Other Links:	Orlando Events	Annual Orlando Events
Event Tickets:	Tampa Event Tickets Saint Petersburg Event Tickets Clearwater Event Tickets

MetroGuide.Network > EventGuide > Tampa - St. Petersburg Events

Top of Page

Greater Tampa - St. Petersburg Annual Events

Greater Tampa -
St. Petersburg
Annual Events