If every day feels the same, look no further than our top picks of things to do this week in Tampa Bay to spice up your week! From crafty workshops to fitness, theater shows, concerts, community events, and markets, there's so much to do in the area.
St. Patrick's Day is nearly one month away on March 17, and we've got all the details you'll need to know for Paddy Fest, St. Patrick's Day specials, Irish Pubs, River O' Green details, and more!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Easter is not far behind St. Patrick's Day, so be sure to check out our blogs as details for Easter events and Easter brunch, dinner, and great buffets are announced. If you want Easter meals to-go, we have that too. Be sure to visit our Easter holiday content often, as we will be updating it frequently!
Featured Events
2026 Florida Strawberry Festival
- Dates: February 26 through March 8
- Location: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce, and, of course, its strawberry shortcake.
The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival, where we’re “Still Growing,” will take place February 26 – March 8 in For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. #berryfest26
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Busch Gardens Food, Wine, and Garden Festival
- Date: March 6-May 10, 2026, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during park hours
- Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Cost: included with Park Admission
During this weekend's Food & Wine Festival, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish cuisine!
St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt & Events on the beach
- Date: Tuesday, March 17
- Scavenger Hunt: from 12 – 4 p.m.
- Special Poolside Menu at The Deep End: from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dinner Special at Latitude 28: from 6 – 10 p.m.
- Location: JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, 11th Floor Pool Deck
Kids can search for gold coins hidden around the lobby and pool area by Lucky the Leprechaun, and then turn them in to a pool staff member for a prize! Enjoy a special menu by The Deep End at the pool, or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style at Latitude 28 with a chef’s corned beef special that’s hearty, festive, and crafted for the holiday.
Telescope Tutoring at MOSI
- Date: Thursday, March 19, from 7-9 p.m.
- Register By: Friday, March 12
- Location: 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
Did you get a new telescope for the Holidays and want to learn how to use it? Join us at the MOSI’s Science Park for a two-hour telescope tutoring session. Bring your own telescope and learn how to set it up, align it, and explore the night sky like a pro. Our space experts will guide you through the basics, helping you unlock the wonders of astronomy from your own backyard. $37.50 for members, or $50 for non-members.
Inventors After Dark at MOSI
- Date: Friday, April 10, from 6-9 p.m.
- Location: 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa 33617
The ultimate adults-only event where couples can explore the wonders of science in a fun and engaging environment, try a variety of food & drink samples, and treat yourself to liquid nitrogen ice cream! Offering a range of hands-on science experiments that let you dive into the exciting world of discovery, whether you’re experimenting with new technologies, creating your own chemical reactions, or exploring scientific principles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Save $5 by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
Fashion Funds the Cure
- Date: April 18
- Location: The Motor Enclave
Get Your Ticket to Style, Stories, and Hope on the Runway and join the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation on April 18 at the stunning Motor Enclave in Tampa for Fashion Funds the Cure, an evening where glamour gives back. Enjoy delicious food and great company as you watch incredible pediatric cancer warriors steal the spotlight on the runway. Every ticket fuels life-saving research for better treatments. Come dressed to impress and ready to be moved.
Things to Do This Week Tampa Events March 9 – March 15, 2026
Don't forget that St. Patrick's Day is coming up on March 17, and we've got details on Paddy Fest, St. Patrick's Day events, and more!
Pickleball on the Pier
- Date: Now through April 10, Sunday-Thursday
- Location: St. Pete Pier
Participate in expert-guided pickleball sessions surrounded by the waters of the St. Pete Pier! Tickets are available for $10 for all-day play, which includes a paddle and balls. All levels are welcome, and no reservation is required.
Amber Brooke Farms Strawberry Festival
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, now-March 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Location: Amber Brooke Farms
Take a day trip and spend some time at Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis for their Strawberry Festival! Festival tickets include 20% off u-pick strawberries, $2 per sunflower, $1 Zinnias for 3 stems, face painting, live music, Strawberry crafts, wine tastings, and so much more!
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
Cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets!
Downtown's Backyard Market
- Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Location: Tampa City Center Esplanade
Shop from local businesses selling handcrafted goods, pastries, flowers, jewelry, and more!
St. Patrick's Weekend Presidents Dinner Cruise
- Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location: 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa
- Cost: $95 per person
Set sail aboard the Yacht StarShip with Lt. Col. Robin Conn for the ultimate dining and cocktails cruise! This cruise includes a dinner buffet with selections like Chicken Dijonnaise, Lemon Herb Salmon, Gorgonzola Flank Steak, Mediterranean Salad, and more.
Paddy Fest St. Pete
- Date: March 13-15, 2026
- Location: Williams Park, St. Pete
This year’s festival brings together live performances, a vendor market, traditional Irish food and drinks, like Corned Beef & Cabbage and whiskey, and activities for all ages! There will be a Walker Wealth Kids Zone, Guinness & Tullamore Dew tastings, mini golf, inflatables, raffles, and so much more.
Matt Rife, Stay Golden World Tour
- Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
River O' Green Happy Hour Cruise
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. sailings
- Location: 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa
- Tickets: $129.95-$139.95
Hop on board the CRAFT and sail the emerald green waters of Tampa Bay! Enjoy Irish appetizers, Irish cheese and charcuterie, dessert, specialty cocktails created by their CRAFT-ologist, and toast with Irish spirits. Ticket includes Brunch entrée, dessert & soda, coffee and tea.
Paddle the River O' Green
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: 310 W 7th Ave. #5404, Tampa
Paddle on the St. Patrick's Day green Hillsborough River with Urban Kai during the River O' Green Fest!
Armature Works Picklefest
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location: Armature Works
Calling all pickle lovers! Don't miss out on everything pickled at Armature Works' Picklefest with samples, specialty pickles, drinks, and exclusive merch!
River O' Green
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Don't miss out on a day of festive St. Patrick's Day fun with a bright green Hillsborough River and live music, food trucks, beer, and more at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!
The Brass Tap's 18th Annual St. Paddy's Day Street Party
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12 p.m.
- Location: The Brass Tap, 2000 Piazza Ave., Wesley Chapel
The fun will start at noon and won't stop until closing, come early and stay late! There will be live music from 4-10 p.m. at the outdoor stage. There will be deals on Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick's all day.
St. Petersburg Official St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1 p.m.
- Location: Welcome to the Farm
Grab your green garb and head over to downtown St. Pete for one of the best bar crawls of the day! This bar crawl starts at Welcome to the Farm and heads to several more venues. Regular tickets will get you free entry, drink specials, swag, and more.
Tampa St. Patrick's Day Weekend Bar Crawl
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1 p.m.
- Location: Bad Monkey Ybor
Celebrate like the Irish with the St. Patrick's Day Bar crawl with swag, drink specials, food specials, an after-party, and more included in your ticket!
Rough Riders St Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Tampa
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m.
- Location: : Downtown Tampa
- Cost: Free
The annual parade will march through Downtown Tampa this year to coincide with River O'Green Fest!
Rough Riders St. Patricks Day Parade After Party
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: 200 North Ashley Dr., Tampa
Enjoy an after-parade party with music by Swipe Right!
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
Sourdough Scones Workshop
- Date: Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa
Sourdough is all the rage lately, and you can take this two-hour class spent baking, learning, and enjoying tea together!
Dance Now Festival
- Date: Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Location: Water Works Park
Experience Dance Now, Tampa City Ballet’s Annual Multicultural Dance Festival, celebrating the diversity of dance styles within the region and aims to create meaningful interactions amongst artists and audiences.
Next Week Tampa Events March 16 – March 22, 2026
Yacht Starship St. Patrick's Day Lunch Cruise
- Date: Monday, March 17, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
- Location: 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa
- Cost: $59.95+ for adults, $44.95+ for children (no lunch cruise is $39.95+ per adult and $29.95 per child)
Top O’ the morning! Climb aboard the Yacht StarShip in your best green attire to celebrate the luck of the Irish on the water. Enjoy a festive lunch buffet with Irish fixings, a free house bar, and DJ entertainment that is sure to keep you moving! Boarding begins at 11:30 a.m., and the cruise will set sail at noon.
There is also a non-lunch option for those who just want to enjoy the afternoon on the water!
St. Patrick's Day at Grove Soho
- Date: March 17, 4 p.m.-3 a.m.
- Location: Grove Soho
- Cost: $7.72+
Bring your party crew and get ready for an open bar and St. Patrick's Day festive drink specials!
Almost St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
- Date: Saturday, March 17, 2026, 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location: Anchor Tavern
- Cost: $19.19+
Be sure to wear your green to enjoy games, contests, prizes, and Irish cheer! Use digital photo frames and unlock special geo-located charms as you crawl! Collect them all for a chance at special prizes.
Tampa Official St. Patrick's Day bar Crawl
- Date: Tuesday, March 17, 5 p.m.
- Location: Bad Monkey, Ybor
- Cost: $12.12-16.84 per person
Party like the Irish with access to the top bars in Tampa with exclusive drink specials, themed cocktails, food at select locations, and more! Must be 21+ to participate.
The Emerald Lounge Green Party: St. Patrick's Day Happy Hour
- Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: Pour Decision
- Cost: Free
Green attire is highly suggested for this emerald escape! There will be plenty of drink specials throughout the night.
Diamond Art Open Workshop
- Date: Friday, March 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa
Create your own diamond art masterpiece with a relaxing session at your own pace!
2026 Chisellers Market
- Date: Friday, March 20-21
- Location: Historic Plant Hall, University of Tampa
Shop market treasures featuring vintage goods, jewelry, plants, art, collectables, and more! Ticketed preview takes place on Friday, March 20, for those who purchased early preview tickets.
Rides by the River
- Date: Saturday, March 21, 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Location: Armature Works
Hundreds of Tampa Bay’s hottest and most exotic cars will be on display with local dealers, and automotive vendors will show off some of their latest vehicles, products and more!
Rock the Bay Dinner Dance Party
- Date: Saturday, March 21, 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Location: Yacht StarShip
Set sail on this two-hour dance party cruise featuring a live DJ, free bar, and a delicious buffet dinner!
Looking Ahead, March 23, and beyond
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Seattle Kraken
- Date: Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
45th Annual Driscoll's Strawberry Classic
- Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7 a.m.
- Location: Temple Terrace Elementary School, Tampa
Hosted by Tampa Bay Runners, this family-friendly race benefits Meals on Wheels and Children's Dream Fund. The 15K, 10K, and 5K races are broken into two groups each —adults 18+ and students 17 and under. There will also be a one-mile fun run for all ages and a virtual run option.
Mat Pilates with Rare Body
- Date: Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Location: Armature Works
Join in on an energizing outdoor Mat Pilates class hosted by Rare Body Studio for a full-body workout that blends classical Pilates principles with a modern flow to strengthen your core, improve posture, and enhance flexibility.
Tampa Fire 5K
- Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8 a.m.
- Location: Tampa Firefighters Museum, Tampa
Run with the firefighters for a great cause! 100% of the proceeds of this annual Pediatric Burn Survivor 5K/1 mile Fun/Walk benefit Camp Hopetake, a week-long, free-of-charge summer camp hosted in Tampa for previously burned children of all ages.
This non-threatening atmosphere allows them to enjoy activities including going to Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Disneyworld, Adventure Island, Tampa Bay Rays game, swimming, bowling, fishing, games, crafts, movies, and more.
Ongoing Things to Do in Tampa Bay
happy hour at J.W. Marriott clearwater beach
- Date: Sunday – Thursday, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Location: J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach Lobby Bar: 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Unwind at the luxurious Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa during our weekly Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a variety of featured cocktails each evening, including Monday’s classic Gin & Tonic, Tuesday’s refreshing Rum & Coke, Wednesday’s crisp Vodka Soda, and Thursday’s vibrant Ranch Water.
Plus, savor $5 domestic beers and $8 house wines, with a delightful selection of bar bites available to complement your drinks. No need to stick to just one—our full cocktail menu is always at your fingertips. Join us for a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence!
TASTING TUESDAYS at J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach
- Date: Every Tuesday, at 5 p.m.
- Location: J.W. Marriott Clearwater Beach Lobby Bar: 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Spice up your week with Tasting Tuesday! Each week, explore a rotating selection of bourbon, tequila, or rum flights—perfectly curated to expand your palate. Which spirit will you choose this time?
Line Dancing with Simone
- Date: Every 1st and 4th Wednesday of the month
- Location: 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Get your boots on for Line Dancing with Simone. Lessons start at 7:00, followed by dancing! Arrive early for dinner and Boneless Wing Specials.
Wine Wednesdays
- Date: Every Wednesday
- Location: The Library
Enjoy half price on all bottles under $110!
Trivia Night at CHeeky's
- Date: Every Thursday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location: 2823 Central Ave, St. Pete
Join in on a family-friendly trivia night with four rounds, including music, pop culture, history, and more! Prizes are given for first, second, and third place, and a grand prize will be given at the end of the eight-week season.
Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa
- Date: Every Thursday, 2 p.m.
- Location: Tampa Bay History Center
Explore Tampa’s historic cigar industry, where skilled artisans crafted hand-rolled cigars in bustling factories, shaping the city’s cultural identity!
Happy Hour Sunset Paddle
- Date: Every Friday
- Location: Urban Kai, Armature Works
Enjoy special pricing for a sunset paddleboard or kayak!
INest in Funk | All vynl rare & classic grooves dj set by aj hall
- Date: Recurring every third Friday of the month for 2026, 8 p.m.
- Location: Hotel Haya's Flor Fina restaurant and lounge, 1412 E 7th Ave., Tampa
Bring it back to the old-school days with AJ Hall's Finest in Funk Rare & Classic Grooves DJ setlist at Flor Fina located in Hotel Haya.
SUNSET YOGA AT ST. PETE PIER
- Date: Occurs monthly on the first Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.
- Location: 600 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Unwind with Sunset Yoga at the St. Pete Pier, hosted by The Body Electric Yoga Company. It's a relaxing, all-levels class held under the Bending Arc sculpture with views of the bay as the sun sets. Free to join, just bring your mat!
The Market at Water Street Tampa
- Date: Recurring every third Sunday of the month
- Location: Water Street Tampa
Peruse more than 60 local vendors offering fresh produce, delicious snacks, and handcrafted or artisan goods!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS!
MudGirl Obstacle Race
- Dates: April 10 and 12, 2026, at 7:45 a.m.
- Location: Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City
- Cost: $47 (price increases on December 12)
Enter into this uniting and empowering experience with over 17 obstacles. There is only one goal—run together to remember it forever. Participants will face mud, obstacles, and inflatables in an amazing atmosphere surrounded by women of all ages, all fitness levels!
TPA's 5K on The Runway
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 8 a.m.
- Location: Tampa International Airport
Going into its 12th year, the proceeds of the race benefit United Way Suncoast, a nonprofit organization that focuses its efforts on community assistance, early learning, and financial stability in the Tampa Bay region.
Participants will have the rare opportunity to complete a 3.1-mile race on a real airport runway alongside Fixed Base Operators and dormant aircraft.
For more details on registration, visit here.
MacDill's Paws 4 Heros 5K
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Location: 6901 S MacDill Ave., Tampa
- Cost: $30-35 (price increases after January 31)
The Southeastern Guide Dogs MacDill's Paws for Heroes 5K promises to be a fun event with all funds raised benefitting the Paws for Patriots Program.
The cost to provide a guide dog for a veteran with a visual impairment or a service dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder is tens of thousands of dollars, yet veterans receive these extraordinary dogs at no cost.