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'll have that too. Be sure to visit our Easter holiday content often, as we will be updating it frequently!
Featured Events
2026 Florida State Fair
- Dates: February 5-16
- Weekday Times: Monday – Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Weekend Times: Friday – Sunday & President’s Day. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa FL 33610
Celebrate America at the Florida State Fair—America’s Sunniest Celebration—shining bright February 5–16 in Tampa! Enjoy 12 days of rides, classic fair food, live entertainment, creative competitions, agricultural showcases, and hands-on exhibits that highlight Florida’s talent and traditions. With red, white, and blue moments, photoworthy spots, and fun for every age and vibe, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and celebrate it all.
Tampa Theatre Black Love Classics Series
- Dates: February 22, 2026
- Location: Tampa Theatre
Head to Tampa Theatre with your significant other to enjoy a film from their Black Love Classics Series. This series was created in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department to celebrate the intersection of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month with big-screen stories of romance as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.
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
Youth Environmental Action Summit
- Dates: Saturday, February 28, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Plant Hall at the University of Tampa
Honor the legacy of the late primatologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall at the Youth Environmental Action Summit on Saturday, February 28, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Plant Hall at the University of Tampa. Explore our local ecosystems and learn how to protect them through a keynote address by mother-daughter co-authors Julie C. Henry and Tasman Henry, hands-on activities, and an environmental expo featuring 40+ Tampa Bay-area organizations. Keynote and activities are $10 per child (parents/chaperones free); the environmental expo is free to all.
Things to Do This Week Tampa Events February 16 – February 22, 2026
Presidents' Day is this week, and there are a lot of Mardi Gras celebrations that have already kicked off! 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!
Busch Gardens Mardi Gras
- Dates: Now through March 1, 2026 (select dates)
Head on over to Busch Gardens Tampa for a Mardi Gras event like no other in the bay! Inspired by the vibrant colors and delectable flavors of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will transport guests to a festive realm of bayou-inspired fanfare.
Enjoy Cajun-inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, multicolored beads, an authentic brass band playing live, and spirited entertainment offerings for the entire family.
MOSI: SkyWatch
- Date: Select Fridays now through March 6, 2026
- 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 expert astronomers as they bring the galaxy into view with telescopes set up from the ground level of our outdoor Science Park, all the way up to the top of the MOSI Dome. This event is open to all ages.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Florida State Fair
- Date: Feb 5-16, 2026
- Location: Florida State Fairgrounds
Don't miss out on all the fun at the Florida State Fair with yummy fair food, animals, games, and of course, rides!
Magic Moments
- Dates: Monday-Friday, 16-20, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Busch Gardens' Stanleyville Theater
Performing the songs of The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Platters, and The Drifters, you can expect hits like “My Girl,” “This Magic Moment,” and “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” from Magic Moments.
MARDI GRAS NOLA NITE AT TIBBY'S
- Date: February 17, 2026, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: Tibby's
Celebrate Mardi Gras with different events at Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen in Brandon!
Fat Tuesday: February 17, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Brunch on Bourbon: Every Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mardi Gras Dunedin Parade & FESTIVAL
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Head over to downtown Dunedin for a Mardi Gras Experience! Enjoy beads and a parade featuring colorful floats and dazzling costumes, and endless entertainment as the parade winds through Dunedin’s lively streets!
Lunar New Year Day 4: K-Pop Karaoke
- Date: Thursday, February 19
- Location: Armature Works
Join in on the continuing Lunar New Year celebration with K-Pop Karaoke at Armature Works from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
High Rollers Handicapping Contest
- Date: February 20-21
- Location: Tampa Bay Downs
ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo
- Date: Friday and Saturday, February 20-21
- Location: Tampa Convention Center
The Expo at the Tampa Convention Center is free and open to the public and is also where runners will pick up their race packets. In addition, it will also feature vendors offering the latest in running shoes, apparel, and medical breakthroughs and info to help you take charge of your health.
Visitors can also purchase 2025 PGDC gear.
15K/5K/5K Stroller Roll/5K Walk
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 6:40 a.m.
- Location: Brorein St. and Franklin St. in Downtown Tampa
The PGDC 15K will feature rolling wave starts beginning at 6:40 a.m. with the 15K Wheelchair race followed by the first and second waves of the 15K.
The 5K will begin at 9:15am and will feature five wave starts (each participant's race number will be color-coded to the assigned wave start). There will also be a designated start for the Kellogg's 5K Stroller Roll and Kashi 5K Walk.
Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil at Bayboro Brewing
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- Location: Bayboro Brewing
Enjoy live music and all you can eat crawfish in the gorgeous, shaded beer garden at Bayboro Brewing! The first drop kicks off at 4 p.m., and each round will take about 45 minutes to an hour. But don’t worry, they've got craft brews to keep you refreshed and live music in the Biergarten to enjoy while you wait.
Heading to Orlando? Be sure to check out How to Have an Epic Date at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026.
Tampa Theatre Black Love Classics Series
- Dates: February 22, 2026
- Location: Tampa Theatre
Head to Tampa Theatre with your significant other to enjoy a film from their Black Love Classics Series. This series was created in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department to celebrate the intersection of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month with big-screen stories of romance as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.
Carmen Jones – Sunday, February 22, 3 p.m.
Gasparilla Half Marathon/8K
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 6 a.m.
- Location: Downtown Tampa
The 8K will feature a rolling wave start. The half-marathon will begin at 6 a.m. and will include two staging areas (2 hours and under and 2+ hours), and the 8K will start at 9:15 a.m.
For more information on any of the PGDC races, visit rungasparilla.com.
Next Week Tampa Events February 23 – March 1, 2026
Cigar City Tattoo Fest
- Dates: February 20-22
- Location: The Cuban Club
The Cigar City Tattoo Fest is back again, with over 100 of the top tattoo artists from around the world, bringing the best in tattooing to historic Ybor City!
79th Annual Fiesta Day
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 11 a.m.
- Location: Ybor City 7th Ave.
Ybor Chamber’s Fiesta Day is a family-friendly, FREE “street festival” celebration that commemorates the Cuban, Italian, Spanish, Jewish, and German immigrants who settled in Ybor City in the late 1800’s!
Florida Strawberry Festival
- Date: February 26-March 8, 2026
- Location: Plant City, FL
For a true celebration of strawberries, there’s no better event than the 90th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival. Taking place in Plant City, just 30 minutes from Tampa, this annual fair combines every strawberry treat imaginable with everything you love about state and county fairs. This year's festival kicks off on February 26 through March 8.
Paranormal Cirque IV
- Date: February 27-March 2
- Location: Wesley Chapel
The Paranormal Cirque Nightmare is coming to The Grove Wesley Chapel with an adults-only haunting circus experience!
Gasparilla Festival of The Arts
- Date: February 28-March 1, 2026
- Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
It's Gasparilla season, which means the return of some of Tampa's favorite annual events. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) returns with some of Florida's best artists, creators, painters, and even a kid-friendly market!
Looking Ahead, March 2, and beyond
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.