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Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend and Beyond!

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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.

HalloWEEK is here! Don’t miss out on your last chance for a 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!

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Featured Events

  • Dates: Daily November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  • Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr.
  • Cost: Included with admission

Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping.

  • Dates: Select Dates, now through November 19, showtime at 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: 1211 1st Aven N., Suite 101, St. Petersburg 33705

Step aboard the Moonlight Express, an adults only immersive magic experience unlike anything else. Departing from Zubrick Station, this 70 minute journey aboard a private 1940s style train car combines sophisticated sleight-of-hand magic, champagne, a curated confection, and an atmosphere inspired by the golden age of rail travel. Close up magician Neil Fama guides your journey as every moment unfolds just inches away, and sometimes in your own hands. Space is limited to 22 passengers. Visit www.moonlightexpress.com for departure dates and boarding passes.

Zubrick Magic's Moonlight Express is showing now on select nights in St. Petersburg, FL
  • Dates: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL

Christmas at Gaylord Palms transforms the 65-acre resort into a sparkling holiday destination filled with festive wonder and family fun. The yuletide celebration is anchored by the return of “ice! featuring The Polar Expressâ„¢,” where more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice bring the beloved holiday story to life in a dozen larger-than-life scenes inside a 9-degree environment. Guests also can enjoy the award-winning POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance show, snow tubing down Snow Flow Mountain, photos with Santa, snowball throwing, a dazzling atrium light display and hundreds of Christmas trees.

Use code DATENIGHT to save up to 25%* on ice! and POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance tickets!

*Valid Online Only. Maximum 8 tickets per order. Taxes and fees may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Discount not valid on previously purchased tickets. Blackout dates may apply.

A woman posing as her date takes her picture at ice! Christmas at Gaylord Palms in Orlando
Use code DATENIGHT to save up to 25%* on ice! and POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance tickets!

Events This Week in Tampa Bay, November 2 – November 8, 2026

Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

  • Date: Now Open!
  • Location: Tampa

Get ready to come face to face with two of Africa’s most legendary predators at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Lion & Hyena Ridge is an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in North America. Included with general admission.

Craft River Cruises

  • Date: Various dates and times
  • Location: 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa

Enjoy brunch or dinner on a Craft River Cruise! Each cruise is two hours. The dinner cruise includes a 3-course meal, as well as soda, coffee, and tea. Brunch includes your choice of entree and dessert, as well as soda, coffee, and tea.

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!

Holiday Lights and Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park

  • Dates: November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026, from 5 pm-10 pm
  • Location: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr.

The annual family-friendly tradition at Largo Central Park will feature a spectacular holiday light display of over two million dazzling LED lights. Guests can also enjoy a stunning carousel and a seven-story Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the lighted park. Rides are $6 each or 10 for $50.  It is free to park and stroll among the sparkly Christmas lights. Minimum height for the carousel is 36″ and 56″ for the Ferris wheel.


Events Next Week in Tampa Bay, November 9-15, 2026

Happy November! Thanksgiving is coming up fast; be sure to make your reservations for Thanksgiving buffets and Thanksgiving dinner in Tampa before it’s too late. Don’t forget about the annual Turkey Trots before the big feast!

10th annual Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot Celebration

  • Date: November 9-14
  • Location: Bern’s Steakhouse

This year, Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot returns with an especially impressive lineup, bringing together some of the most respected names in American whiskey for six consecutive nights of intimate dining experiences throughout Bern’s Steak House. The 2026 series will feature Booker’s, Willett, Rare Character, Garrison Bros., with WhistlePig taking over the final two evenings for dedicated Boss Hog and Bern’s Private Selects dinners.

Season Spectacular

  • Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5-9 p.m.
  • Location: 971 Water St Tampa, FL 33602 United States

Step into the magic of the holidays at the 5th Annual Season Spectacular. A night where twinkling lights, joyful music, and festive cheer fill the air!

Looking Ahead, November 16, 2026, and Beyond

Check out some great spots to view Christmas lights and more in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village

  • Dates: November 26-December 27. 2026
  • Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover

Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village returns with over 1.5 million lights across a 2-mile drive-thru. In Santa’s Village, enjoy Tiny the Tanker, festive shows, kids’ crafts, games, Santa visits, camel rides, holiday rides, movies, firepits, and shopping in the Holiday Market and Historical Village. Celebrate hometown holiday magic with family and friends!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS!

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!

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale

  • Dates: Select nights from December 3-26, 2026
  • Location: 1052 US-92, Auburndale

This is a drive-through Christmas lights event! First, you and your family will drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights! New this year are Holiday Igloo Experiences and Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides. After seeing the drive-through Christmas lights, you can visit Santa’s Village featuring rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, and Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages! Visitors are also encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots. 

Yuletide on the Range

Cowboy Santa invites you to kick off the holiday season at The James Museum in downtown St. Pete for a festive and fun celebration. Come see the 12-foot Yule Cactus, enjoy art making for all ages, photos with Cowboy Santa, live music from Tampa Bay band Local Honey, and more! This event is FREE to attend.

nnual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration

  • Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and participate in the events at Treasure Bay. A DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions will be available. The best viewing areas are Treasure Bay, Treasure Island Causeway, John’s Pass Bridge, Isle of Palms along 115th Ave., and St. James Bridge.


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!