Best of September: Top Date Night Events in Tampa Bay this Month

Whether you’re ready to venture beyond the house for date night or want to stay in, there are loads of virtual and in-person events to choose from. From food truck meet ups and local maker markers to open mic comedy and the return of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, here are our top picks for date night-worthy events in Tampa Bay this September.

Note: The City of Tampa as well as Hillsborough County have issued emergency executive orders requiring face coverings when out and about, which you can read more about here and here. As always, we urge you to keep your distance, wear a mask, and sanitize/wash hands as often as possible!

September 1 – 6

Megha Majumdar: Virtual New & Noteworthy Book Club
Virtual event
Tuesday, September 1, 6-7:30pm
Join Oxford Exchange for a virtual book club highlighting new and noteworthy books! September’s New & Noteworthy Book Club features ‘A Burning’ by Megha Majumdar. Buy the book here.
FREE

Virtual Coffee with a Curator: TPA’s Public Art Program
Virtual event
Wednesday, September 2, 10:30am
Join the Dali Museum and Kelly Figley, Manager of Tampa International Airport’s Public Art Program, to learn more about the Airport’s diverse collection and newest commissions.
FREE

Hyde Park Sweat with Pure Barre
Wednesday, September 2, 6-7pm
Hyde Park Village
Each week, we’re bringing you FREE outdoor group workout classes, led by instructors from our local fitness community. All Hyde Park Sweat sessions will take place in Village Circle and will follow social distancing and other safety measures.
FREE

Netflix Watch Party: Frida
Thursday, September 3, 6-8:30pm
Virtual event hosted by The Dalí
Netflix, chill, and join the conversation while streaming Julie Taymor’s biopic Frida, prior to the public opening of the special exhibition Diego & Frida: A Visual History. At the end of the movie, Curator of Education, Peter Tush, will be available for Q&A.
FREE; must have Netflix account and Netflix Party extension

Rock the Park Livestream w/ Geri X, Jon Ditty, Cody
Thursday, September 3, 7 – 10pm
Virtual Event
For 10 years RTP has produced a free monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. In these changing times, we’ve decided to continue to bring a live musical experience via a LIVESTREAM to your best seat in the house!
FREE

Riverview Food Truck Rally
Friday, September 4, 6-9pm
Summerfield Crossings Golf Club
Food trucks, bars, music, vendors, and free parking.
FREE Admission, food and drink prices extra.

American Stage Presents The Living Room Plays
Virtual event
Friday, September 4, 8-9:30pm
Spanning four decades, American Stage has performed over 400 powerful stories for Tampa Bay audiences. Now, we proudly present Living Room Plays, featuring selected scenes and favorite artists from over 40 years of beloved American Stage productions – all performed on our Virtual Stage, while you watch from the comfort of your home!
$10 – $44/person (choose your donation level)

Busch Gardens Summer Nights
Weekends; July 17 – September 6
Busch Gardens
Feel the spark after dark at Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights, featuring a NEW laser and fireworks show, tasty seasonal eats, and extended park hours to coast through the night on Florida’s best thrill rides every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Included with park admission. Food and beverages available for an additional charge.

Diego & Frida: A Visual History
New exhibit opening September 5, 2020 – January 3, 2021
The Dali Museum
Explore the rich and harrowing journey of one of the most fascinating couples in art history – Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Through their individual artistic talents, their powerful union and their imposing presence, they became one of the most provocative and recognized couples in the world of art. With over 60 reproductions of rare historical photographs, Diego & Frida: A Visual History, captures key moments of their lives together, through the discerning eyes of their close family and friends.
Date night tip: Enjoy reduced admission prices and extended hours Thursday and Friday evenings after 5pm!
$25/person museum admission ($12.50 reduced admission during Evenings at The Dali)

The Essentials Market
Sunday, September 6, 10am-3pm
Hyde Park Village – Village Circle
Missing your locally sourced favorites? Good news — we’ve reimagined Fresh Market with a socially distant spin. Join us for The Essentials Market, an appointment-only monthly event featuring a selection of the vendors you love, with plenty of space to shop and stroll.
FREE; vendor prices vary

Sunday Yoga in the Park
Sunday, September 6, 10:30am
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park
Weekly outdoor yoga flow (weather permitting) in the beautiful Julian B Lane Park. Meeting between the Hillsborough River and the splash pad area, under the shade of the oak trees. All levels welcome. Bring a yoga mat, towel, water and sunscreen.
$5/person suggested donation

September 7 – 13

OE Book Club: Lord of All the Dead
Tuesday, September 8, 6:30-8pm
Oxford Exchange
September’s OE Book Club features: ‘Lord of All the Dead’ by Javier Cercas. Wine, beer and light bites are included with your ticket.
$28/person

Comedian JB Ball
September 10 – 13; multiple showtimes
Side Splitters Comedy Club
Tampa’s own JB Ball is back at Side Splitters Comedy Club September 10-13th.

Free Movies Pier 60: Pirates of the Caribbean
Friday, September 11, 8 – 10:30pm
Sunsets at Pier 60 – Pier 60 Park
Enjoy free family-friendly movies in Pier 60 Park during Sunsets at Pier 60 Summer Movie Series!
FREE

North Tampa Market
Saturday, September 12, 10am-2pm
Carrollwood Cultural Center
This market supports 70+ vendors selling what’s made in Tampa Bay. Find a vast variety of fresh produce, plants, farmed eggs & meats, baked goods, artisan products, lunch bites, local art, hand crafts and more. Fun for all ages, dog friendly, free parking, bike valet and local live music.
FREE

Camp Wordier: a 1980s Slasher Murder Mystery
September 12 – 13
St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA Holiday
Attendees of this 1980s slasher-inspired murder mystery game will try to figure out the killer’s identity. We’ll provide you a character to portray – possibly even the murderer – and a series of clues over the weekend.
$70/person

September 14 – 20

Meet the Makers Pop-Up
Wednesday, September 16, 5-9pm
Armature Works
Pop-up shopping event hosted in Armature Works’ Show + Tell space featuring 5 local vendors showcasing everything from handmade jewelry, bamboo watches, textiles, plants and more. Limited capacity; face masks required.
FREE admission

3rd Thursday Tampa
Thursday, September 17, 6-10pm
Grand Central at Kennedy
Downtown Tampa’s monthly gourmet food truck event featuring cocktails provided by the Pour House Tampa. This event is free to attend as the trucks and bars offer their products for sale. Free 2 hour parking is located on site and dogs are welcome. Social distancing rules are in place and masks are highly encouraged.
FREE admission

Welcome to Dragwarts: a Harry Potter Drag Show
Thursday, September 17, 7-9pm
St. Pete Shuffle
Drag performers from throughout the Tampa Bay area will interpret this beloved, magical series. Local authors and storytellers will also share original works inspired by the Harry Potter series. Plus, enjoy Harry Potter Bingo and trivia, a raffle drawing and more.
$20 – $80/person

Friday Nite Swing at Zydeco Brew Werks
Friday, September 18, 7-10pm
Zydeco Brew Werks
Jumping on 7th Avenue, Roots, Rocking, Jump and Swing with the best small plates, top shelf cocktails and award winning craft beer.
FREE admission

Comic’s Night Out Open Mic
Friday, September 18, 10:15pm
Side Splitters Comedy Club
Creative Loafing’s 2016, 2017, and 2018 Best Comedy Open Mic! All tickets include your first drink.
$10/person

Williams Park Summer Market
Saturday, September 19, 9am-1pm
St. Pete
From 9am-1pm every Saturday, you can shop with over 40 favorite vendors selling local farm products (natural meats, pastured eggs, tropical fruit), produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat food, beverages, plants & herbs, artisan food and a variety of distinctive clothing and crafts. Safety practices are being carefully observed including face masks for all vendors and customers, hand sanitizing stations and more.
FREE admission

The Market on Gandy
Saturday, September 19, 1-6pm
81Bay Brewing Company
The market is filled with one-of-a-kind artists bringing you unique, handmade items from home decor to jewelry, baked goods and so much more!
FREE Admission

September 21 – 27

Pints & Pixels
Tuesday, September 22, 7-11pm
Yard of Ale SoHo
Grab a pint, kick back, relax, and enjoy some prime gaming time with your friends. This weekly event includes party games, board games, co-op games for nearly ANY retro system or the Nintendo Switch, every Jackbox Party Pack, prize raffles and awesome food, drink specials, and more.

HOB Brewing Co. & Fenway Present a Dinner & Beer Tasting
Thursday, September 24, 6:30pm
Fenway Hotel
HOB Brewing Co. & Fenway Hotel have partnered up to create an authentic Dunedin Dinner. Enjoyed in Fenway’s ballroom, with a fabulous view of the sunset, you will be lead through a 5 course dinner with the HOB & Fenway experts.
$50/person

Jazz with Jim
Friday, September 25, 7:30-9pm
Carrollwood Cultural Center
Jazz with Jim is a monthly concert hosted by Jim Burge and The Jazz Directions. The concert is best known for fusing personal stories by the musicians with popular jazz tunes suited for that month’s theme.
$13-$18/person

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Weekends September 26 – November 1
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This year’s modified production will include significantly enhanced safety and health measures, open-air scare zones, limited-capacity admission with reservations required, and physical distancing. Masks required. This is a separately ticketed event not included with park admission.
$29.99 – $44.99/person (prices vary by date)

Yoga in the Wild
Saturday, September 26, 8:30-10am
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Ommm in the morning and then namast’ay at the Zoo after your practice! Enjoy an all-levels yoga session in the zoo led by an instructor from Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation. Class includes animal mingles and enrichment plus admission to the zoo.
$20 for members; $40 for non members

September 28 – 30

Fiction, Fantasies & Epics: ‘Fable’ by Adrienne Young
Tuesday, September 29, 6-7:30pm
Oxford Exchange
Join booksellers Cat and Kassie, as well as author Adrienne Young as they discuss Young’s latest book, ‘Fable.’
FREE

Virtual Poetry Open Mic
Virtual event
Wednesday, September 30, 7-8pm
The Studio@620 and Keep St. Pete Lit are keeping poetry open mic happening virtually on the last Wednesday of each month via ZOOM.
$5 contribution

Ongoing Events

Tampa Theatre Virtual Cinema
While the historic auditorium remains dark in the face of COVID-19, Tampa Theatre continues to look for ways to provide unique cinematic experiences for our fans and friends. Tampa Theatre Virtual Cinema is a collection of new, first-run and curated classic movies released via streaming platforms by our film distribution partners exclusively for art-house audiences.
Virtual ticket: $12

Downtown St. Pete Sightseeing/Scavenger Hunt Tour
Weekends in September
Grab a buggy or scooter (rented separately for additional cost) and get ready to have some fun! The Self Guided Tours and Scavenger Hunts will take you and your travelers throughout your choice of Downtown St Pete or St Pete Beach and Treasure Island.
$39 per group, $19 with additional buggy or scooter rental

Shine Mural Festival Virtual Tour
Explore St. Pete’s multitude of murals from the comfort of your home via the SHINE Mural Festival Virtual Tour. The virtual tour allows you to see photos, watch videos and find out about the artist and the artwork.
FREE

Tampa Museum of Art – Museum From Home
Tune in and learn new insights from artists, curators, and educators about the artwork at the Tampa Museum of Art. Through these engaging online educational activities, we present new ways to experience, connect, and create with TMA.
FREE

Save the date! October events in Tampa Bay

Howl at the Moon Drive-In
Friday, October 1 beginning at 8:30pm
Silvermoon Drive In (Lakeland)
5-movie marathon of classic monster films. Choose from Monsters (Dracula 1931, Frankenstein 1931, The Wolfman 1941, Frankenstein Meets Wolfman, Creatures from the Black Lagoon) or Thrills and Chills (The Thing, An American Werewolf in London, Us, Get Out, The Purge).
$25/car (for up to 6 guests per car)

Broadway Ball at Home
Saturday, October 17
Virtual Event
Join from home as the Straz Center takes Broadway Ball to the virtual stage. This annual fundraiser, hosted by the Board of Trustees, will elevate your spirits through the magic of the arts. The virtual experience will still feature exciting auction items and showcase unique entertainment.
$100 (viewing patron ticket)

Want more date ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

• Enjoy Live Music at Home with Rock The Park Tampa Virtual Concerts
• Chase the Sun on a Sunrise to Sunset Road Trip
• Daycation: Day Passes to Tampa Bay Hotels with ResortPass
• Magical Dining in Orlando

Feature image credit: Rock The Park Tampa