Looking for something epic to do in Tampa Bay? Search no further than our top picks of things to do this week in Tampa Bay! From crafty workshops to fitness, theater shows, concerts, community events, and markets, there's so much to do in the area.
The fall season is nearly here! Don't miss out on all kinds of hauntingly cute date night ideas in our ULTIMATE Tampa Bay Fall Guide. From fall festivals to haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and more, we'll have it all!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Stay tuned and check back in our guide often as we roll out updates as events are announced!
Featured Events
Laser Light Show: Rush + Phil Collins
- Dates: August 28, and select Fridays, showtimes at 6:30 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.
- Location: MOSI – Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre
Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid lasers, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects for an exciting mix of science, music, and light! Designed for all ages, each performance pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks – from Taylor Swift to Pink Floyd! Before the lasers hit the dome, our astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. Tickets are limited, snag yours today before they sell out!
- August 28: Rush + Phil Collins
- September 25: Country + U2
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life
- Dates: Wed-Sat, at 5:30 pm and 8 pm, & Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Location: Disney Springs
Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life, a love letter to the art of Disney animation. In this first-ever creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, journey into a whimsical world of animation where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. It’s the magic of Walt Disney Animation interpreted through dazzling performances and the acrobatic mastery of Cirque du Soleil. Live on stage, only at Disney Springs.
A Summer Story Worth Telling: Florida Residents Save up to 30%!
- Dates: Summer Sale Going on Now!
- Location: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando
Start your summer story in the heart of the magic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Splash across six pools, choose your favorite flavors with 23 dining options, and soak up the energy with live summer concert series. Walk to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® or take complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks. Let your summer story come to life.
The perks of living this close to the magic just got better! Exclusive savings of up to 30% for Florida residents await at our award-winning resort. Use corporate code L9Z when booking. Valid ID required upon check-in.
Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival
- Dates: Labor Day Weekend: Sep. 4-5
- Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Making its first-ever Labor Day Weekend appearance, the Tampa Bay Rodeo is returning after a sold-out show in July! Featuring two action-packed nights of FULL RODEO competition, where the region's top cowboys and cowgirls will battle it out in bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping and more, and continuing its yearlong celebration of America's 250th. The Tampa Bay Rodeo is proud to work with Wounded Warrior Project® to create a memorable Labor Day weekend for wounded veterans and their families.
This Week Tampa Events August 10-August 16, 2026
NOW OPEN: Pinniped Pier at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Date: Now open!
- Location: Clearwater
Meet CMA's newest residents–Wahoo and Tuna, the sea lions, in their new home at Pinniped Pier! Be among the first to meet these sweet animals in their new habitat, along with more new animals that have recently joined the CMA family!
The Art of Banksy
- Date: Now through September 27, 2026
- Location: Straz Center
Featuring more than 160 original works, The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest authenticated collection of privately owned Banksy art worth $35 million. This globally acclaimed showcase features original and authenticated works associated with, arguably, the most intriguing and talked-about artist in modern history.
reality TV Watch Party
- Date: August, 13, 9 p.m.
- Location: Armature Works at the Heights
Watch all the drama unfold at the Reality TV Watch party!
Dolphin Yoga at CMA
- Date: August 14, from 5:45-7 p.m.
- Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a relaxing Yoga session with incredible underwater dolphin views! Dive into zen with 60 minutes of self-care relaxation as you practice yoga with breathtaking views of dolphins gracefully swimming at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles
- Date: August 14, 15, 16 and 17
- Location: Tropicana Field
Cheer on the Rays during multiple home games this weekend!
Fitfest Tampa Bay
- Date: August 15-16
- Location: Florida State Fairgrounds
Don't miss Florida’s ultimate sports festival and fitness expo with thousands of athletes and endless energy! Experience fitness reimagined through live competitions, wellness vendors, special guests, and family fun.
Rides by the River
- Date: August 15, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: Armature Works
Bring your favorite collector car, hot rod, import, or exotic to Armature Works for the Rides by the River car show with hundreds of Tampa Bays’ hottest and most exotic cars on display.
Tea at the Manor
- Date: August 15, 2026, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Location: Jekyll, Hyde Park
Take your place among the season's most distinguished guests as our culinary court presents an afternoon of refined indulgence. From delicate finger sandwiches and pillowy scones adorned with clotted cream to exquisitely blended teas and signature royal libations, guests will bask in the grandeur of an era where elegance was everything.
Friday Fun Day
- Date: August 15
- Location: Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
Jumpstart your weekend with Friday Fun Day at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay for a thrilling outdoor adventure!
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
- Date: August 15, 6 p.m.
- Location: Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons played by a live orchestra.
Candlelight: Queen vs. Abba
- Date: August 15, 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Enjoy the tunes of Queen and Abba performed by a live orchestra!
Coaster 5k
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
trade your sneakers for lap bars and take on the Coaster 5K Challenge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Ride Cheetah Hunt four times to complete the challenge, earn punches along the way, and finish with an exclusive commemorative medal.
Events Next Week in Tampa Bay, August 17-23, 2026
Penelope: An Epic New Musical
- Dates: August 19-September 6, 2026
- Location: Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center
Penelope has been waiting … and waiting … and waiting for her husband, Odysseus, to return from a decade-long war. Given the rest of the soldiers came home years ago — forgive her, but she’s going to need a drink while she tells you about it.
The Gods of Comedy
- Dates: August 21-23
- Location: Carrollwood Players Theatre
Daphne and Ralph are young classics professors who have just made a discovery that's sure to turn them into academic superstars. But something goes disastrously wrong, and Daphne cries out in a panic, “Save me, gods of ancient Greece!”…and the gods actually appear!
Monthly Movies at Sparkman Wharf:
- August 23: Wicked (2024)
- June 28: High School Musical (2006)
- July 26: The Little Mermaid (2023)
Tampa Theatre's FREE Summer Sing-Along Screenings
- Dates: August 23, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Sparkman Wharf
With Tampa Theatre’s historic auditorium closed for restoration ahead of its 100th anniversary in October, the majestic movie palace is taking the show on the road with a series of FREE Summer Sing-Along Screenings on select Sundays at Sparkman Wharf and other locations throughout Tampa Bay, presented by QC! This week's movie is Wicked (2024).
Looking Ahead, August 24, 2026, and Beyond
The Art of Tea
- Date: August 25, 2026, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Location: The Tampa EDITION
Join tea savant Tural Hasanov at Market for an interactive evening celebrating the art of tea. Guests will sip, socialize, and discover the artful brewing of tea. As part of the experience, guests will create their own custom loose-leaf tea blend to take home and enjoy!
Nashville Night in Tampa
- Date: August 29
- Location: Jaeb Theater, Straz Center
Nashville Night In Tampa is back and better than ever! A true Nashville experience, created to showcase Nashville's best hit songwriters right here in Tampa. Much like the legendary Bluebird Café, the show gives you an inside look at the stories behind some of country music’s biggest hits!
DFAC Con
- Date: Saturday, September 12, from 2-8 p.m., or 1-8 p.m. (V.I.P.)
- Location: Dunedin Fine Arts Center
DFAC Con returns on Saturday, September 12, for an action-packed celebration of art, cosplay, gaming, comics, anime, and pop culture! Explore Artist Alley, shop unique vendors, meet special guests, enjoy interactive panels and gaming, and show off your creativity in the cosplay contest. Fun for all ages at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS!
Buena Vista Social Club™
- Dates: October 6-11, 2026
- Location: Morsani Hall, Straz Center
It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba – until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past.
Hokus Pokus Live!
- Date: November 3, 2026
- Location: Tampa Theatre
The witches are back and confused about what is happening in this new world of 2026! Hokus Pokus Live! is a hilarious, high-camp parody of everyone’s favorite Halloween cult classic, brought to life by drag royalty.
With the power of Magica Mystica, Salem’s most infamous and glamorous trio is resurrected from the grave for one night only. This all-live singing, fully scripted theatrical experience is unlike any other show you've ever seen!
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 17th Annual Food and Wine Classic
- Dates: November 20-21, 2026
- Location: 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista 32830
Savor 40 inspired dishes paired with over 170 beer, wine, and spirits across two days, featuring returning favorites and bold new flavors for a truly memorable culinary experience. Savor more with 10% off when you attend both nights!
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.
Lower Deck Bingo Night
- Date: Every Monday, 8 p.m.
- Location: Lower Deck, Tampa
Join in on Bingo night with coastal cocktails and some great, friendly competition!
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.
Jazz Thursday's
- Date: Every Thursday
- Location: Bouzy
Enjoy live Jazz music and a full menu with specials available!
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!