Tampa, Florida a gigantic diverse city only matched by the presence of its gigantic and diverse live music scene. From the multimillion-dollar summer tours filling arenas like the St. Petersburg Times Forum to the aged bluesmen crooning from the stage at Skipper’s Smokehouse, the live music scene in Tampa, especially during these summer months, is a great accessory to Tampa living. Here are some summer concerts we’re looking forward to as well as some great things to do in Tampa before and after the show.
April
Lady Gaga – April 16th, 8:00 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
On April 16th, Lady Gaga will play her first Tampa show as a part of her globe-spanning Monster Ball Tour. Sure to be a concert of tripped-out, theatrical proportions, Gaga’s Monster Ball is sure to be overload for the senses. Expect loads of laser lights, head-scratchingly ridiculous clothing, and opulent stage props. Would Gaga have it any other way? Get your Lady Gaga Tickets today!
Jimmy Buffett - April 16th, 8:00 p.m.
1-800-Ask-Gary-Ampitheatre
The mayor of Margaritaville is back in sunny Tampa to dish out another dose of his signature, laid back, island hits. From "Cheeseburger in Paradise" to "Margaritaville", Parrotheads know just what to expect at a Buffet concert and surely won't be disapppointed this time around. Get your Jimmy Buffet Tickets today!
Iron Maiden - April 17th, 8:00 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
Metal godfathers Iron Maiden return to Tampa with their Final Frontier World Tour in support of their most recent, and best-selling album to date, The Final Frontier. Likely packed with classic numbers like "Run to the Hills", "The Trooper", and "The Mark of the Beast", this Iron Maiden show will surely melt the faces of fans young and old. They may be over 35 years old, but you'd never know by the way Iron Maiden plays. Get your Iron Maiden Tickets today!
Charlie Sheen - April 22nd, 8:00 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
Well, this is sure to be an....interesting one. America's most lovable ex- TV Star/cocaine addict/Denise Richards husband is on the road with his My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is not an Option Tour. The reviews have been atrocious but steadily improving, which means you may just get your money's worth in Tampa. It's a huge risk, but that's part of the fun when you're winning with the tiger-blooded Sheen man. Get your Charlie Sheen Tickets today!
Tim McGraw - April 29th, 7:00 p.m.
1-800-Ask-Gary-Ampitheatre
Country chart-topper, Tim Mcgraw is returning for another round at our beloved ampitheatre. Hubby of country mega-star, Faith Hill, McGraw has sold over 40 million albums throughout his career and has made country hits like "I like it, I love it" and "Live Like You Were Dying". Get your Tim McGraw Tickets today!
June
Katy Perry - June 10th, 7:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
Katy Perry returns to Tampa in huge fashion with her California Dreams Tour. The arbiter of mega-hits such as "California Gurls", "Firework", and "I Kissed a Girl", Perry is sure to provide a visual and audible feast for young and older fans alike. And, boyfriends, husbands, she ain't to bad on the eyes either. Get your Katy Perry Tickets today!
Def Leppard and Heart - June 18th, 7:30 p.m.
1-800-Ask-Gary Ampitheatre
Well, this is quite the combination; British hair metal from Def Leppard and classic American lady rock from Heart. Regardless of who you like, both these bands are legends amongst their modern rock compatriots. Fans of these bands, and their respective eras of music, will surely have a rockin' time. Get your Def Leppard and Heart Tickets today!
Keith Urban - June 18th, 7:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
One of the biggest country stars in the world, Keith Urban, returns to Tampa with his Get Closer 2011 World Tour. A skilled and energetic force ostage, Urban is not to be missed. Get your Keith Urban Tickets today!
July
Motley Crue, Poison, and New York Dolls - July 6th, 7:00 p.m.
St. Petersburg Times Forum
Get the hair crimpers and acid-washed jeans ready. Two of the biggest hair metal bands in 80's are back, and together, for the first time in who knows when. This is sure to be a night of glam, rock, and memories. Punk pioneers and legends themselves, the New York Dolls are set to open. Get your Motley Crue, Poison, and New York Dolls Tickets today!
August
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival - July 6th, 7:00 p.m.
1-800-Ask-Gary-Ampitheatre
Tampa metal heads can get a healthy dose of their favorite genre here at the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Disturbed, Godsmack, and Megadeath are set to headline alongside Machinehead, In Flames, and Trivium. Get your horns ready and get your Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival Tickets today!
Brad Paisley - September 9th, TBA.
1-800-Ask-Gary-Ampitheatre
Finishing out the ampitheatre's summer series of country superstars, Brad Paisley returns to Tampa with his H20 World Tour. Responsible for such hits as "Mud on the Tires", "I'm Still a Guy", and "Then", Paisley is a force in the American country scene and an act not to be missed this summer. Get your Brad Paisley Tickets today!
What to do Before and After Concerts in Tampa
Lucky for Bay Area live music fans, there's so many things to do in Tampa around these venues before and after the shows you might have a hard time deciding on just one. Channelside provides tons of hoppin' nightlife with clubs like Aja and Howl at the Moon. Right next door to the St. Petersburg Times Forum, Channelside's got its share of great restaurant options as well, playing host to establishments like Margarita Mamma's, MJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Splitsville.
Historic Ybor City is a great option if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience in Tampa. The clubs are a-plenty and it might be the most popular area for night owls and club lovers around the Tampa area.
Where to Stay in Tampa
If you're traveling to see your favorite artist and staying over, hotels in Tampa can be some of the best money can buy and many are quite close to these concert venues. The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Embassy Suites of Dowtown Tampa are both located with comfortable walking distance of the Forum.
The famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is right across the street from the 1-800-Ask-Gary Ampitheatre and a great place for lodging, nightlife, eating, and entertainment all in one building. Affordable options like a Red Roof Inn and Holiday Inn Express are also right across the street from the Ampitheatre.
Even if you opt for a motel or condo rental on the beach, the places to stay in Tampa are plentiful and never more than an hour away from any big, live music venue in the area. Utilize 813area.com's comprehensive hotel section to find great deals on Tampa hotels.
