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 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
Laser Light Shows – The Beatles & Queen
- Date: Friday, February 27, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: MOSI
Laser Light Shows are taking over MOSI’s Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre! Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects.
Youth Environmental Action Summit & Action Days
- Youth Summit Date: Saturday, February 28, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Environmental Action Days: March 7-8
- Location: Plant Hall at the University of Tampa
Honor the legacy of late scientist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall at the Youth Environmental Action Summit on Saturday, February 28. Hosted at Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, the event includes a private screening of Disney and Pixar’s upcoming release, “Hoppers.” You can also 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 and participate in hands-on workshops and an environmental expo featuring 40 Tampa Bay-area organizations. Keynote and workshops are $10 per child (parents/chaperones free); environmental expo and film screening are free.
Youth Environmental Action Days, happening March 7-8, will include numerous service projects for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to help make Tampa Bay a cleaner, more beautiful place.
Things to Do This Week Tampa Events February 23 – March 1, 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.
Wizardfest at Raprager Farm
- Date: Now through March 8
- Location Raprager Farms
Pickleball on the Pier
- Date: Now through April 10, Sunday-Thursday
- Location: St. Pete Pier
Participate in expert-guided pickleball sessions surrounded by the waters of the St. Pete Pier! Tickets are available for $10 for all-day play, which includes a paddle and balls. All levels are welcome, and no reservation is required.
Big Picture: Grey Gardens (1975)
- Date: Wednesday, February 25, 7 p.m.
- Location: Tampa Theatre
Watch Grey Gardens as part of the Tampa Theatre's Big Picture series lineup!
Rhythm on Water
- Date: Thursday, February 26, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location: Water Street
Rhythm on Water turns Water Street Tampa into one big, open-air dance floor! From pop-up classes to surprise performances, jump in and learn new moves, or simply freestyle with the crowd.
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.
National Strawberry Day Celebration
- Date: February 27, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Location: Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center
Join in on National Strawberry Day with all things strawberry! Stop by for giveaways, sweet treats, and more with some local favorites.
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!
SCARADISE!
- Date: February 27-March 1
- Location: Florida State Farigrounds
Horror junkies unite for the ultimate horror con in Tampa!
2026 Gasparilla Outbound Voyage
- Date: February 28, 2 p.m.
- Location: Sparkman Wharf
Ye Mystic Krewe sets sail for its outbound voyage!
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!
Amber Brooke Farms Strawberry Festival
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, February 28-March 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Location: Amber Brooke Farms
Take a day trip and spend some time at Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis for their Strawberry Festival! Festival tickets include 20% off u-pick strawberries, $2 per sunflower, $1 Zinnias for 3 stems, face painting, live music, Strawberry crafts, wine tastings, and so much more!
Fishhawk Ranch Market
- Date: Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Location: Cross Park, Lithia
Enjoy high-quality, locally grown and produced handmade items from local growers and artisans!
The Oz Experience in Tampa: Escape The Wicked Glitch!
- Date: Sunday, March 1
- Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza
Outsmart the witch by solving immersive puzzles across our city with your phone as the guide!
Attack on Titan: Beyond the Walls World Tour The Official Concert
- Date: Sunday, March 1
- Location: Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy the music of Attack on Titan in concert with vocals and visuals, creating an incredibly immersive concert experience.
Fresh Market
- Date: Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Location: Hyde Park Village
This monthly farmers market features more than 80 vendors selling produce, baked goods, and handmade items!
Next Week Tampa Events March 2 – March 8, 2026
The Naked Magicians
- Date: Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Straz Center
This ages 18+ only show is a wild experience with a magic performance in their birthday suit!
She is Football Market & Festival
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Location: Advent Health Training Center
She is Football Market & Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration packed with small business vendors from across Tampa Bay, food trucks, music, kids' combine activities, a cheer clinic, and more.
Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
Explore the dazzling world of Disney On Ice with beloved characters, aerial stunts, and more!
Sunday Harvest Market at The Grove
- Date: Sunday, March 8, 11 .a.m-3 p.m.
- Location: The Grove
Shop from more that 100+ local sellers with a huge variety of handcrafted items, baked goods, crafts, and more!
The 20th Annual Taste of South Tampa
- Date: Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m.
- Location: Tampa Garden Club
Prepare for an extraordinary outdoor festival featuring live entertainment, delectable food samplings from local restaurants, a delightful beer garden, and chances to win exciting prizes!
Looking Ahead, March 9, 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.