It's a busy time of year with local events, fall festivals, and more, and we've got them all on our top picks of things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay. From crafty workshops to fitness, theater shows, concerts, community events, and markets, there's so much to do in the area!

Thanksgiving is coming quickly, and we've got all kinds of ways to celebrate! Whether you're looking for the perfect pie, places open on Thanksgiving day, or great places to see holiday lights, we've got it all!

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Couples looking for free holiday activities can find a fantastic list of free and cheap holiday date ideas as well!

Featured Events

Science After Dark

Friday, November 14, from 6-9 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry

Save the date for MOSI’s next Science After Dark! The perfect opportunity to check out the all-new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theare, you can enjoy beer and wine samples and delicious appetizers including liquid nitrogen ice cream! Offering a range of hands-on science experiments, it’s an exciting and interactive date night experience. $25 in advance or $30 at the door but don’t take your chances – tickets sell-out to this 18+ event.

MOËT HENNESSY Holiday Tasting at Renaissance Tampa

November 21, from 6-8 p.m.
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
$49 per person

Head to Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel for a MOËT HENNESSY Holiday Tasting. This exclusive celebration will showcase a curated selection of world-class wines and spirits from the iconic MOËT HENNESSY portfolio, including champagne and cognac. Guests will enjoy gourmet bites, live music to set the festive mood, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for holiday cheer and connection. Make a night of it in one of our comfortable guest rooms & enjoy a special rate when you book by 11/14!

MOËT HENNESSY Holiday Tasting at Renaissance Tampa

Laser Light Shows at MOSI

November 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Tribute Collection) & 8:15 p.m. (Elton John)
December 19, at 6:30 p.m. (Holiday Music) & 8:15 p.m. (Pink Floyd)
$10-$13 per person

Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Designed for all ages, Laser Light Shows have something for everyone. Before the lasers hit the dome, MOSI’s astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. Then, sit back and enjoy the performance, which pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks – from Prince’s iconic favorites to Pink Floyd’s legendary albums!

Tampa Bay Events Things to Do This Week November 10- November 16, 2025

Brian Adams Roll with the Punches 2025 Tour

Date: Monday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Benchmark International Arena

With special guests, The Sheepdogs, Pat Benatar, and Neil Giraldo.

Veteran's Day at The Dali Museum

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: The Dali Museum

Military and Veterans can enjoy free admission for themselves and one guest to The Dali Museum in honor of Veterans Day!

Double Feature: The Jekyll Film Society Presents The Wizard of OZ

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Jekyll Hyde Park

Enjoy a double feature of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked for one night only at Jekyll!

Trey Kennedy The Relatable Tour

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 8 p.m.
Location: 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa

Trey Kennedy's “The Relatable Tour” is heading to Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa!

Vinyl Nights

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Location: 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa

Enjoy a curated blend of downtempo, instrumental Hip-Hop, and deep House spun exclusively on vinyl at The EDITION in Tampa!

Mannheim Steamroller

Dates: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Celebrate the holiday magic of Mannheim Steamroller for a show filled with holiday classics and original, award-winning songs!

Season Spectacular & Wonder Wharf

Date: Friday, November 14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Water Street Tampa

Celebrate the annual tradition featuring the unveiling of festive neighborhood décor, tree lighting, Rockettes-style dancers, cocktails, bites, a hot chocolate bar, live entertainment, kids' activities, and photos with Santa! This event is free to attend.

16th Annual Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Date: Friday, November 14 AND Saturday, November 15, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Get ready to sip, savor, and stroll under the stars at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! Indulge in a world-class celebration of global flavors, fine wines, and craft beers—all just steps from EPCOT. With unlimited tastings, live entertainment, and breathtaking ambiance, it’s the ultimate evening escape for foodies and fun-seekers alike. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable culinary event. Tickets are limited—get yours now at FoodAndWineClassic.com!

Science After Dark

Date: Friday, November 14, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: MOSI

Kick off your MOSI adventure with Science After Dark, the ultimate adults-only event! Enjoy an exciting night out while exploring the wonders of science in a fun and engaging environment with a curated selection of beer and wine samples! Indulge in a variety of delicious appetizers throughout the event, and play like a kid!

The 2025 Tampa Bay History Center Annual Gala

Date: Friday, November 14, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Location: 801 Water St. Tampa

The Tampa Bay History Center will host its Annual Gala with the “Something in the Air: Celebrating our Civilian and Military Aviation History” as its theme. Attire is black tie! At the event, guests will enjoy live music, open bars, terrace views, and buffets from the Columbia Café, all within the museum.

Cru Cellars 15 Year Celebration Wine Party

Date: Sunday, November 16, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Cru Cellars

Celebrate 15 years and taste more than 50 wines, enjoy food, a pop-up cocktail bars, and live music!

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 7 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

A cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists is pushing the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits during A Magical Cirque Christmas!

Next Week Tampa Events November 17- November 23, 2025

We're now steadily making our way toward Thanksgiving! If you're looking for Thanksgiving day dinner plans, check out our blog featuring plenty of restaurants open on that day.

There are also some great holiday light displays in Tampa Bay, along with turkey trots, and relaxing things to do Thanksgiving weekend!

Rooster & the Till Guest Chef Series

Date: Tuesday, November 18
Location: 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa

The Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and Proper House Group concept will hand over its kitchen and bar to Otto's High Dive (Orlando). Guests can expect high-energy takeovers, bold flavors, and cocktails that showcase the warm, approachable spirit Rooster is known for. Reservations are required.

Kimberly Akimbo

Date: November 18-23, multiple showtimes available
Location: The Straz Center

A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), Kimberly Akimbo is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges.

Big Picture: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 7 p.m.
Location: Tampa Theatre

Hyde Park's Annual Holiday Happening

Date: November 20, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Hyde Park Village

Come join Great Day Live's Janelle Martinez at the Holiday Happening in Hyde Park! This kickoff event will feature live music performances, family activities, Nutcracker performances by The Tampa City Ballet, seasonal treats, and local vendors! A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit The Children’s Dream Fund, helping fulfill dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses across West Central Florida.

Also at the event, Buddy Brew will be launching 5 new seasonal holiday drinks, and Downtown Dogs will be offering complimentary “Puppermint Pup Cups.” Greyson will have “Cocoa for Koko”, a hot cocoa-inspired cocktail + 20% off Koko sweaters, Palihouse will be offering specialty holiday cocktails, and Peter Millar will have complimentary sips in their store. There will be so many more offerings at the event, so don't miss out!

3rd Thursday Tampa

Date: Thursday, November 20, 6 p.m.
Location: 1208 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

3rd Thursday Tampa is Downtown Tampa's Monthly Street Food Fest! Don't miss all kinds of gourmet food trucks, cocktails and more!

Holidays at The Village

Date: November 20-December 20, 2025
Location: Hyde Park Village

The magic of the season returns to Hyde Park Village with festive fun, family traditions, and picture-perfect memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Holiday Happening

Date: November 20, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Hyde Park Village

Celebrate the season during Hyde Park's annual Enchanted Tree Lighting! Enjoy live music, a Nutcracker-inspired dance performance by the Tampa City Ballet, a special visit from Santa, and a tree lighting at 8 p.m.! All event proceeds will benefit the Children’s Dream Fund, supporting dreams come true for local children in need.

Centro Ybor Winter Spectacular

Date: Thursday, November 20, 6 p.m.
Location: 1600 E 8th Ave., Tampa

Enjoy live music from Lexie Hayden, meet Santa, and watch as snow falls from the balconies. Stroll through the holiday night market, discover holiday treasures, and be serenaded by roaming carolers to kick off the season in true Ybor style!

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Dates: November 21, 2025-January 4, 2026
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa
Cost: $17 including skate rental and 75 minutes of skate time

The ice-skating rink at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is one of everybody's favorite holiday events. It allows you to skate while enjoying beautiful views of the Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River. If you don’t have your own ice skates, don't worry, skate rental is included in the ticket price.

If skating isn't your thing, peruse the local vendor holiday market!

Asian Mega Night Street Food Market

Date: November 21-23
Location: Win Derby

Don't miss the Asian mega Night Market and concert all weekend long in St. Pete! This even will future some of the top Asian singers, DJs, and cultural performances, along with delicious street food and drinks from all around the country!

Holiday Wine & Dine Market

Date: Friday, November 21, 6 p.m.
Location: 1731 E 7th Ave., Tampa

This social event will offer the opportunity to sample a curated selection of more than 50 holiday-inspired wines alongside a grazing table and a delicious buffet courtesy of Casa Santo Stefano! There will be a variety of market items available for sampling and purchase directly from the vendors!

Rain — A Beatles Christmas Tribute

Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute brings the spirit of the season to life with holiday favorites alongside the legendary and timeless sounds of The Beatles.

Fishing For Hope

Date: Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.
Location: 2609 N Rome Ave., Tampa

It's all hands on deck to tackle hunger at Fishing For Hope as part of Metropolitan Ministries' mission! Anglers will be on-hand to collect donations for families in need this holiday season.

Tampa Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2025

Date: November 22-23
Location Florida State Fairgrounds

Calling all lovers of the bizarre, creepy, and unusual! You won't want to miss the Tampa Oddities and Curiosities Expo featuring taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls/bones, funeral collectibles, and SO much more.

Looking Ahead, November 24, and beyond

Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz Holiday Tour

Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour delivers a magical holiday experience with whimsical and daring choreography, stunning visuals, during genre-defying arrangements of holiday classics and originals!

Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre

Sundays, showtimes at 3 p.m.
Beginning Sunday, November 30
Location: Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Tampa Theatre! Enjoy timeless Holiday Classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life every Sunday afternoon. Choose “naughty or nice” with late-night Friday REWIND hits like Die Hard and Gremlins, or Wednesday night Big Pictures like The Muppet Christmas Carol. And all are welcome for a FREE community screening of Saint Nick of Bethlehem on December 6! For tickets, ornaments, gift ideas and more, visit TampaTheatre.org/holidays

Waterfront Lights and Santa Parade in St. Petersburg

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in North Straub park with the Mayor and Santa with a Santa Parade and Tree Lighting! Stand along the pedestrian walkways at North and South Straub Parks in St Petersburg for this free light show on the water. There will also be a Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and the new St. Pete Pier.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Saxophonist Dave Koz returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall this holiday season for the 28th Anniversary of his show, featuring Jonathan Butler and Special Guests Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters!

Holiday Spectacular on the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Works Park

Date: November 30, 2025, to January 2, 2026
Location: 1710 N Highland Ave., Tampa

Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a holiday selfie station, a floating pirate ship display, a gingerbread lighted display, a lighted pine tree forest, and so much more!

Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays!

Live Carolers

Dates: December 3, 10, and 17, 2025, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Water Street

Don't miss your opportunity to get into the festive spirit by listening to live carolers!

Skywatch at MOSI

Date: Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: MOSI

Join MOSI astronomers for our recurring evening stargazing event, SkyWatch! This event features telescope viewing under the stars as well as space-themed demos. Chat with one of their astronomers as they bring the galaxy into view with telescopes.

St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park

Date: December 6-20, 2025, select nights, 7 p.m.
Location: varies

Enjoy a first-come, first-served, FREE holiday movie in various parks around the St. Pete area!

City of Tampa Santa Fest

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1 p.m.
Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Morgan Street and Madison Street. It travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turns north, and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. The best place to view the parade is along Madison Street.

Stay for the Tampa Tree Lighting entertainment starting 6 p.m. See Mayor Castor and Santa Claus light up the tree before a holiday movie plays in the park to end the day!

Christmas on Main — Tree Lighting and Festival

Date: Saturday, December 6, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: 20 N Main St., Brooksville

Come join us for an enchanting day brimming with festive music, heartwarming moments, a Christmas Craft Market, photos with Santa, live performances, and more!

The Holiday Promenade

Date: Thursday, December 11, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Water Street Tampa

Discover unique gifts from local vendors and delight in entertainment and performances set amongst festive holiday décor at this seasonal night market!

Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 8 p.m.
Location: Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

This fun-filled contemporary jazz concert features Peter White, saxophonist Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala for the annual holiday show!

St. Petersburg City Theater presents A Christmas Carol

Date: December 12-21, 2025
Location: 4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg

Join the St. Petersburg City Theater for Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by spirits of the past, present, and future! This play features heartwarming music, dazzling costumes, and a powerful message of compassion and generosity.

THE FAB FOUR BEATLES TRIBUTE — “HELP!” TOUR

Date: Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Tampa, FL at Tampa Theatre

Rooster & the Till Guest Chef Series

Date: Sunday, December 14
Location: 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa

The Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and Proper House Group concept will hand over its kitchen and bar to Chef Brian Baxter. Guests can expect high-energy takeovers, bold flavors, and cocktails that showcase the warm, approachable spirit Rooster is known for. Reservations are required.

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Centennial Park

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 1800 E. 8th Ave, Tampa

The Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar is a fun, festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City featuring live music, performances, holiday vendors, photos with Santa, food trucks, and more! Join the fun in Centennial Park.

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 7 p.m.
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Experience the magic of Cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, featuring a thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music!

Next Generations Ballet's Nutcracker at The Straz Center

Date: December 19-23, 2025, multiple show times available
Location: 1010 NW C MacInnes Pl., Tampa

Enter Clara and Drosselmeyer's fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet's most famous music during Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker!

Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 6:15 p.m.
Location: Tampa Riverwalk

The parade begins near the lighthouse off Davis Islands and travels past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. The small parade boats will continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, finishing near Water Works Park and Armature Works.

Spectators can enjoy free viewing at multiple locations along the Riverwalk! Check out this year's parade map here.

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

Date: December 22-23, 2025, multiple showtimes available
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall

Celebrate the holidays with a new take on a classic with Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton! This is a heartwarming reinvention of Dickens' Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee from the 1930s.

Ongoing Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Jukebox Bingo

Date: Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Keel Farms, Plant City

Crank up the tunes and don't forget to yell BINGO! Enjoy jukebox bingo presented by Timeless Entertainment with prizes for the Bingo winners.

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.

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 2025, 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.

Hello Sunset

Date: Recurring every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 .a.m.
Location: Lower Deck, Tampa

Dance the night away every Saturday with awesome DJs, a stunning waterfront view, and delicious drinks!

Live Music Brunch

Date: Every Sunday
Location: The Library

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 our luxurious Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa during our weekly Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 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!

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!

Drag Queen Christmas

Date: Monday, December 22, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete

This over-the-top, 18+ holiday extravaganza features Drag Queens from RuPaul's Drace, All Stars, and more! This year's show cast includes Onya Nerve (Winner of Drag Race Season 17), Jewels Sparkles (Runner-up, Drag Race Season 17), Suzie Toot (Drag Race Season 17), Lydia B. Kollins (Drag Race Season 17 and All Stars Season 10), plus drag legends Shea Couleé, Crystal Methyd, and host of Canada’s Drag Race, Brooke Lynn Hytes.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Date: February 26-March 8, 2026
Location: Plant City, FL