This weekend's forecast is for beautiful weather, lower humidity and cooler climes. Take advantage of all Tampa Bay has to offer by planning a spectacular weekend now! Use our list of things to do in Tampa Bay to find events perfect for you and your friends or family. Let us know in comments below how you like to spend your time off. Do you enjoy events, or simply lazing at the beach? Are craft brews your thing, do you love theater and the arts. We love hearing from you and learning what things you like to do in and around Tampa Bay.
Friday, April 7th
Festival ~ Festa Italiana Weekend: 20th Anniversary Friday at 6 pm, 11 am - 5:30 Sat and Sunday (Food stops st 4:30 Sunday)
This four-day annual event begins with a wine tasting party on Thursday evening and ends Sunday. In between, you will find plenty of fun, great Italian foods, desserts and delicacies, music and more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and plan to stay for the day, you are sure to see plenty of folks you know and bound to meet new friends. $5 Admission (Advance), $10 Admission (Day Of), Limited $75 VIP Admission available (ages 21+) | Free for children under 12
College Nightlife ~ USF Bullstock 2017 5 pm - Midnight
Join in one of Tampa's largest college traditions of the Spring semester at the University of South Florida in the Sundome Parking Lot for #Bullstock2017! This annual event includes live music, food trucks live music and more! The winners of the Battle of the Bands competition open the show. Free to join in, food and drinks are additional.
Foodie Fun ~ Riverview Food Truck Rally 5 - 9 pm
Find the rally at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club Food provided by fourteen local food trucks, with beer and liquor sold by Summerfield, with soda and water available as well. his event is free to attend, food and drinks are additional.
Cigars and Charity ~ Cigar City Nights to support UT at Sono Cafe 5:30 - 8 pm
This will be the 11th Annual Cigar City Nights (Formerly Cigars & Mojitos) and features two live bands, a silent auction, and indoor/outdoor event space, and an exclusive VIP area, with all proceeds benefitting the UT Scholarship Fund. 21+ only, tickets must be purchased in advance and range from $60 to $125. Follow the event link and click TICKETS to purchase.
Family Friendly FREE ~ Friday Concerts in the Park at Water Works Park 7 pm - 9 pm
Formerly known as the Friday Extra Concert Series at Lowry Park Bandshell, spring signals the return of Tampa's longest running concert series – Friday Concerts in the Park. The venue has moved to Water Works Park, this event is ongoing and as always, FREE. Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic if you like, this is a great way to spend a night together, #DeviceFree
Live Music ~ Drake White And The Big Fire at Dallas Bull 7 pm - 3 am
Grab those boots and head to East Tampa's famous Dallas Bull to experience this up-and-coming band LIVE. Doors open at 7 pm, tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. This show is for ages 18 and up only.
Meet the Stars ~ An Intimate Evening with Kristen Chenoweth at Ruth Eckerd Hall 8 pm
After a smash performance in 2016, Emmy and Tony award-winner Kristen Chenoweth comes back to Ruth Eckerd Hall tonight at 8:00 PM. She will be performing songs from her roles on Glee, Wicked, and On the Twentieth Century as well as other popular hits from Broadway. Tickets start at $45, and there is a $150 Dinner Package which includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Tickets can be purchased at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s website.
Comic Theatre ~ Bianca Del Rio - Not Today Satan Tour 8 - 10 pm
This hilarious comic is known for her foul mouth and caustic humor. The NY Times calls her “The Joan Rivers of the Drag World,” and Joan herself called Bianca’s humor “So funny! So sharp!” Bianca's set is scheduled for Ferguson Hall
Tickets start at $41.00, American Express cardholders, use promo code AXPEVENT when ordering. VIP and Packages are available...Use promo code FABULOUS. Click the event then the Tickets button to secure your seats today.
Party ~ Ska Spring Fling at Skipper's Smokehouse 7 pm Doors, 8 pm show
Florida Ska Events Presents: Ska Spring Fling! (SKA) Victims The New Rulers Control This! Pressure Dem Help Police Tickets are $7-$10.
All things Beer! ~ National Beer Day
Select your destination from this guide to National Beer Day specials from several of our local breweries, Celebrate National Beer Day Friday, April 7 with Local Brew Specials
Filipino Festival ~ PhilFest 2017 Fri, Sat. Sun. Times Vary begins Friday at 5 pm
Now on its 22nd year, PhilFest 2017 will be held from Friday to Sunday, April 7-9, 2017! Mark your calendars and join the Philippine Cultural Foundation as they bring you the biggest Filipino-American festival in the Tampa Bay Area – non-stop entertainment, food and merchandise, all in a weekend of fun, Filipino style! I've been many times, this is a lot of fun and the food....wow! PhilFest 2017 Advance Gate Tickets can be purchased at only $5.00 online and at the gate, for $7.00. Food and drinks are additional.
Pinellas
The Blues ~ 2017 Tampa Bay Blues Festival Gates times vary for this 3-day event.
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is known as one of the world’s finest blues music events, staged in the tropical setting of Vinoy Park where you can enjoy the blues and the breeze of old Tampa Bay. Join the fun one, or all three days of blues by the bay! BUY your Tickets and VIP passes NOW! Tickets run from $20 to $450.
Foodie and Shopping Fun ~ First Friday at Locale 6 - 9 pm
Enjoy "A Taste of Spring" with fresh, local flavors brought to you from Locale, Downtown St. Pete's gourmet market. Choose from 2 Servings: 6:00 or 7:30 p.m. for this fun, interactive culinary experience. Online ticket sales close at 3 p.m. April 7th Tickets available at the door for $24.99.
#RoadTripWorthy
Lakeland
SUN 'n FUN 2017 Fly-In and Expo April 4th - 9th Times Vary
Founded in 1992 with the intention of bringing "a brighter future through aviation" to the area SUN 'n FUN has brings an interesting, family-friendly perspective to the world of aviation. Shop more than 500 commercial exhibitors showcasing the newest products in the industry as Sun N Fun meets their mission 'to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages!' There's something for everyone at SUN 'n FUN!
Saturday, April 8th (if not mentioned above)
Car Show ~ Cars, Coffee, and Karting 8 am to 10 am
Have a car you want to show? Each show car receives a free membership to the go-kart track, 1 free race, 1 free Kahwa coffee, and a free pastry when you join other automobile enthusiasts at this event at Tampa Bay Grand Prix.
Family Friendly and FREE in Brandon ~ Easter Egg Hunt 9 am - 11 am
Local children and pediatric patients from the hospital can participate in an egg hunt, pose for photos with the Easter bunny, get face paintings, play in bounce houses and more. There will also be an art contest judged by members of the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Board. The winning artwork will be hung in the hospital’s new pediatric emergency room, slated to be complete by the end of 2017. This event is FREE to attend, you do need to register.
Fresh Market ~ Ybor City Saturday Market 9 am - 3 pm (Every Saturday)
Centered in Tampa's Historic Ybor District, the market is one of the most popular things to do in Tampa Bay for local shoppers and foodies. Find locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area at this fun weekly market! Well-behaved DOGS on leashes are welcome to this event! The event is FREE to attend, food, drinks and artwork extra.
Go Retro Reggae, Soca and more ~ This Saturday is...Retro Saturday Jamaica Tropicale Grill 10 pm to 3 pm
If you love Old Skool Reggae, Soca and R&B music Jerk Hut Jamaican Grille & Rhum Bar in Downtown Tampa is the place to be. Music by DJ Spice along With Baby Sam and DJ Steel. This event is for a mature crowd so please come dressed to impress. Jerk Hut's amazing food will be available all night with a $5 Rum punch and other drink specials all night. For more info call 727.385.3274
Pub Fun ~ James Joyce Celebrates 20 Years Apr 8-9 11am - 3am
James Joyce Irish Pub has been in Ybor since 1997, this year they celebrate 20yrs in Ybor City! Read more about this timeless throwback in Get Your Jollies with James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor Celebrate with Live entertainment all day with Lorelai On the Rocks Band, Mac Gilliossa Celtic Band, Captain Kirk and DJ Christian. Dine on Irish fare, drink specialty drinks, take home some cool swag and a great memory.
Coffee and Art ~ Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival 2017 11 am to 9 pm
The Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival at The Noise Box is the first craft coffee event of its kind in the Tampa Bay Area! This, the 3rd gathering will include more activities, more panels, and more fun. This event features craft coffee roasters from around Tampa Bay and Florida. Take part in tastings, samples, demonstrations, and more! Find more than 25 local artists selling their artwork, food trucks, gourmet pastries, and desserts! This event is the perfect opportunity to discover the wonderful coffee culture and art community brewing in the Tampa Bay Area and all of Florida.Free to attend samples, food and drink are extra.
Craft Beer and Foodie Fun ~ Tater Tots & Beer Festival - Tampa 1 - 4 pm
Sample dozens of domestic, imported and crafted beers at Perry Harvey, Sr. Park in Downtown Tampa while sampling delicious tater tot creations for your guilty dining pleasure. Live music and funtimes… tickets are limited. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets are $37 - $75
New Age Meditative Fun ~ Artfully Aware at The Keep 2pm - 3:30 pm
Use paint and guided mediation to better connect to your body. Body awaresness is believed by some to also help with grounding, and moving through your everyday life activities. This is a partner workshop so feel free to bring a friend, but if you fly solo, no worries they will connect you with a fellow Yogi. Please make sure your arms and legs are exposed, and that you wear clothing that you do not mind if washable paint gets on it. The workshop will be located at The Keep Yoga and Circus Arts
1703 North 24th Street Tampa.
Gamer of Age? ~ Lowry Parcade & Tavern 1 Year Anniversary Party 8th and 9th from 3 pm - 3 am
Take part in a night of games, great beer, music, prizes, and community. The first 20 to step through the doors will get a FREE PARCADE PINT GLASS to take home and Credit: 0, will help provide tunes for this memorable event. They rocked eveyone away proper Nintendo style last time! Drink tasty brews to get in the mood then play at this unique Tavern. Everything will be only 1 quarter per play, and a lot of machines will be FREE TO PLAY. They will raffle merch, gift cards, brewery swag, and gaming trinkets. Raffle tix will be given away at certain times during the festivities, be sure to arrive as early as possible.
Charity Gala ~ St. Jude Around the World Gala at Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina with Lissette Campos 6 pm to 10 pm
This the fifth annual Around the World with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Gala is presented by the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation and the Malouf Family. Started by a Tampa Bay family who wanted to continue their family legacy of support for St. Jude this signature Tampa gala celebrates St. Jude and its International Outreach Program (IOP). Come to this special international night of celebration and hear from a courageous local St. Jude patient and support the mission with live and silent auction bidding, dancing and live entertainment. ABC Action News Anchor Wendy Ryan and ABC Action News' Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips will serve as masters of ceremony.Tickets are $200 per person, you can also make donations online.
Social Event ~ Chillounge Night 6 pm - 11 pm
The all new “Taste Edition” of Tampa's Chillounge Night at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park showcases over 20 area restaurants and a dozen fine food trucks providing signature dishes and tasty, diverse cuisines. Combine great food with a chic ambiance in a new layout and beautiful setting and you have a recipe for another magical night. “Chillounge Night Never Tasted so Good!” Enjoy 3 live bands and an LED interactive experience in Tampa this Saturday night! Chillounge remains one of our favorite Things to Do in Tampa.
Girls Nite Out ~ Rock Hard Revue | The Magic Mike Experience Returns To The Stage Door open at 7:30 show at 8:00 pm
Club Skye is bringing the boys back to town! Always a fun thing to do for a memorable girls nite out, this is Florida’s #1 male revue show. The Magic Mike Experience recreates the atmosphere of Club Xquisite from the original “Magic Mike” movie with a fun and interactive pre-show, along with familiar production numbers. Plus, in support of Autism Awareness Month, Rock Hard Revue will feature a special bonus portion of the show where guests can gain on-stage access ($10) for a special moment with the fellas, 100% of proceeds with benefit Abels Academy for Autism. Tickets are $25 - $60 / 18 and over only.
Live Music/Dancing ~Darude – Free Guest List – Amp!d Saturdays at The RITZ Ybor 10 pm - 2:45 am
This is a FREE customer appreciation show with a FREE Guest List until 11:30 pm for the guys and midnight for the girls. Doors open at 10 pm, ages 18+ Welcome. For tables call (813) 690-0938
Pinellas
Kid Friendly ~ Wildlife Safari! at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center 9 am - 2 pm
Join this fun and educational adventure for children through 12 years old! Kids begin with a blank Wildlife Passport, then walk along a one-mile loop of adventure with LIVE owls, snakes, baby raccoons, hawks and more! As kids visit each Wildlife Station, their Passport gets stamped. At the end of their educational journey they receive a special prize for completing the trek. Cost is $5 per child.This event is sponsored by Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve. Questions? Call 727-934-2680 or Email: fobcp@tampabay.rr.com
Craft Brews ~ St. Pete Brewing Company 3yr Anniversary Party 11 am Sat Noon Sunday to close
One of our favorite breweries is turning 3! Time flies when you are sloshing down well-crafted brews! Stop in for live music all day and a few cold ones to congratulate the crew and take in special festivities planned for the day like Brunch at 11 am and Live Music w/ Seve Maestas, then the 1 pm release of Mayor Kriseman's Milk Stout. The Mayor himself will be pouring the 1st pint!! Tthrough the day. additional releases will include.. St. Pete Sunner Kolsch, Guava Daddy Saison, BA Barleywine, also last but definitely not least, a new Barrel aged(HeavenHill) Bottle. Entry is Free, food and beers are additional.
Live Music ~ Latin Music Festival by the Bay Gulfport, Florida 1-9 pm
Always a fun thing to do and a great place to visit! Plan to spend a glorious Gulfport afternoon and eventful evening of Latin Music on the waterfront. A portion of the proceeds benefit the MY Foundation (The Michael J. Yakes Foundation), a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization located in Gulfport, Florida. The mission of the MY Foundation is to help underprivileged children and seniors in the Gulfport, FL area. Purchase tickets at Domain Home Accessories & Gallery BoTiki and Gulfport Beach Bazaar or online. General admission is only $15 pp.
Art Show ~ NASTY WOMEN ART SHOW 6 pm - 10 pm
A group exhibition where 100% of the proceeds support Planned Parenthood. This exhibit expresses solidarity among artists who identify with being a Nasty Woman in the face of threats to roll back women’s rights, individual rights, and abortion rights.If you have questions please email: nastywomenstpete@gmail.com Location: St. Pete Women's Collective, 2800 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg.
Concert ~ Little River Band and Firefall at Ruth Eckerd Hall 7:30 pm
Known for their hits like “Lonesome Loser,” Australian-based Little River Band will be performing at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall April 8 at 7:30. They will also be joined by Firefall. Tickets start at $35, and and there is a $125 Dinner Package which includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Tickets can be purchased at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s website.
Sunday, April 9th (If not mentioned above)
Live Music ~ Live & Local - Amy Morgan at Straz Center for the Performing Arts 11:45 - 1:45
Live and Local is a free concert series taking place in the Jaeb Courtyard before select events. Amy is of the best singer-songwriters in Tampa so arrive early for thes FREE event in Tampa Bay. Ms.Morgan is a jazz vocalist performing professionally in the Tampa Bay area for over eight years. She is a classically trained vocalist who began singing opera in high school and college but later found her niche in jazz. Amy's sound is influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Julie London but her unique styling of these vintage songs is what makes audiences return again and again to hear her sing!
Pet Adoption ~ Adoption Day at Downtown Dogs Hyde Park Humane Society of Tampa Bay Noon - 2 pm
Stop by Downtown Dogs in Hyde Park Village to stock up on posh pet supplies and visit with some adorable pets looking for forever homes! This event is FREE to attend, pets and supplies are extra.
Wellness ~ Meditation In the Park - Ybor (Monthly) 12:30 pm to 2 pm
Meditation In The Park is a monthly event designed to assist in bringing awareness to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through (basic to advanced) exercises in both Meditation and Yoga. Each course can be expected to last approximately one-hour, and will be led by Instructor Ashley Hinds, of Flower Child Yoga. Join Project No Labels in Tampa's Centennial Park at 12:30 pm for this month's Meditation lesson. A Yoga or cushioned mat will be NECESSARY for this month's location. The focus in April is: "Invigorate" - Link ingmovement with breath in an energizing practice to activate the mind. Note, they move through a complete asana practice before quiet meditation and a 5$ donation is suggested for this event.
Pet Photos With The Easter Bunny at Westfield Citrus Park mall 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Pamper your pup with photos taken with the Easter Bunny this year. The event is FREE to attend, photos are additional cost.
Pinellas
Compete ~ 2017 Iron Girl Clearwater 6:30 am to Noon
The 14th annual Iron Girl aspires to bring women of all ages together as a community by offering a supportive, energetic and empowering environment for females pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. Amenities include: a post-race café, professional timing, personalized race bibs, finishers medals, age group awards, and more. New for 2017, race participants will receive a beach towel! Registration and the race begins at the Harborview Center near Coachman Park. Cost varies per race, follow the Iron Girl link above and click Tickets for additional information!
Each week we strive to bring you a comprehensive list of the BEST things to do in Tampa Bay over the weekend. Let us know if you plan to attend an event by clicking over to the event page where you have access to the event website and ticket box. You can also leave a review and let us know what you think! Interested in what's happening in Tampa this Easter, follow this link to our Easter Page and read Eddie V’s Serving Elegant Easter Jazz Brunch. Have a spectacular weekend #my813
