We compiled this list of fun things to see, taste, experience and enjoy this Memorial Day in Tampa Bay to assist you in finding the perfect things to do in Tampa! Many of the ideas you will find below are fun things you can do year-round in Tampa Bay. Check out, Fun Things To Do Memorial Weekend in Tampa and plan to spend each day of the long weekend doing something you love, or by challenging yourself to experience something new, something great. Make memories this Memorial Day as we remember those who sacrificed for us!
Fun Things To Do Memorial Weekend 2017
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival 2017 Featuring Bare Naked Ladies
Tampa's best and biggest festival celebrating the most beloved tequila drink, the Margarita! Spend Memorial Day weekend enjoying over 50 kinds of margaritas, 6+ live bands, games, pop-up food concepts, a tequila tasting, a margarita run, and the biggest fireworks show! Celebrating their 5th-year Barenaked Ladies will bring their fun high energy rock show to Tampa as a part of their 2017 Spring Tour, performing some of the multi-platinum band’s biggest hits. BNL’s 14 studio albums have collectively sold more than 14 million copies, won eight Juno Awards, earned multiple Grammy nominations, a U.S. chart-topping single and they sing the theme song to one of TV’s most popular shows, The Big Bang Theory. The Getbye, The Whole Damn Mess, The Dives, and Ries Brothers have also been confirmed to perform!
A limited amount of Presale General Admission Tickets will be available for $15. After presale, GA Tickets range from $20 to $30 at the gate. VIP Packages, Reserved Seats, and VIP Cabanas are also available. Tickets are available online, click the link above and head to their website! Get your tickets today.
Are you a runner? if so kick the day off burning calories BEFORE the fest at the Margarita Festival Run. Must be 21 Years old and up to run! Check-In Starts at 10 am, the race is from 11 - noon, the price is $50 and space is limited. There is no day of registration, you must enter online. Click the link in the title to pre-register. Registration includes the Run, GA entry to the fest, a T-shirt, medal, bottle opener and 1 free Margarita!
Related Content: What's New at The 5th Annual Margarita Festival Memorial Weekend Bash
Tour Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site inside Hillsborough River State Park is a fully reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. Take a Ranger led tour of Historic Fort Foster Site the first and third Saturday of each month @ 2 pm and the first and third Sunday of each month @ 11 am; the cost is extremely reasonable at only $2.00 per person. Found on the East Side of US 301 from the park Fort Foster is reconstructed on the same grounds from December 1836 developed by Col. William S. Foster and his 430 soldiers. During the war, Fort Foster defended a bridge the Hillsborough River and functioned as a resupply point for battle-weary soldiers. Garrisoned on and off from December 1836 to April 1838 the worst attack came when a small group of Seminole Indians tried to set fire to the bridge in 1836. Heavy musket and cannon fire from the 70 men within the fort rained down around the river. Today, re-enactors demonstrate life at Fort Foster for visitors twice a year, sadly this does not include Memorial Day, but the Fort is a great place to explore, learn local history and examine artifacts found on the site. Explore history at this historic Fort.
Beach Volleyball Series | Memorial Day Weekend Tournament
Blue Chair Bay Rum presents the 2017 Beach Volleyball Series Memorial Day Weekend Tournament at Beach Bar & Restaurant ~ Divisions: KOB Men's AA; KOB Men's A; KOB Women's AA; KOB Women's A; Coed 2's AA Late; Coed 2's A Late; Men's AA Late; Men's A Late; Women's AA Late; Women's A Late - Friday and Saturday - cost is $30 - $60 per team. Sign up by clicking Tickets on their event page (Click the title above).
Memorial Day Military Appreciation at Lowry Park Zoo
The Zoo show its appreciation of military personnel year-round with discounted tickets. You can pre-purchase tickets at MacDill AFB in Tampa or at the Zoo ticket windows with a military I.D.Five-time winner of TripAdvisor awards, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S. Originally a small municipal department with a tiny collection of Florida native species, the zoo grew as the decades passed. It was 1982 when local leaders created the Lowry Park Zoo Association taking over management of the Zoo for the City in hopes of creating a world-class zoo through a public-private partnership. This led to the creation of the modern facility we know and love today. Their mission is to connect people with the living earth. Connect recreationally this weekend with a trip to the zoo! How long has it been? Now 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush garden see why Lowry Park Zoo is a favorite destination in Tampa.
Rooftop Festival - 2nd Annual ALL WHITE Party
The Ybor City Jazz House Presents 'RoofTop Festival', their 2nd Annual All White Affair. Partying in all white attire is recommended at this Memorial day bash but not required. The party starts Sunday, May 28th at 4 pm. Ladies must be 23+, Gentlemen 25+
Veterans Memorial Park Celebration & Serenity
In addition to a solemn wreath presentation, the May 28 event will feature:
- Maj. General Gene A. Deegan, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
- Stacy White, Chairman, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
- Singer Charles Haugabrooks
- 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion color guard
- Scottish American Military Society
- Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment, Marine Corps League rifle salute and playing of taps
- Refreshments courtesy of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8108
Sunset Music Festival 2017
Sunset Music Festival The area's premier EDM event takes place May 27th & 28th at Raymond James Stadium in the North Lot from 2 pm to 12 am, you must be 18 or older. A totally digital experience, you buy your tickets online setting up a cashless account. Purchase SMF Dollars adding them to your account. You receive a Wristband as part of your cashless system. The band includes your ticket as well and is valid the entire weekend. Simply Tap and Go to get in and spend money, leaving your wallet and purse at home! Your wristband is your ticket and your wallet! A pre-party takes place Friday, May 26th, you can join The Official Sunset Music Festival 2017 Pre-Party at The Ritz.
Related Content: Sunset Music Festival “Lazers” on for a Sixth Year of Creating an Experience
Light Up Tampa Bay Memorial Day Fireworks at Channelside Bay Plaza
Tampa Bay's LARGEST Memorial Day Weekend Celebration is at Channelside Bay Plaza, Tampa. Celebrate our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend with live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities and a festive waterfront fireworks display on Sunday, May 28th. The party starts at 6:00 pm with fireworks at 8:45 pm. This is a standing room only event so please leave your chairs and blankets at home.
MOSI's Cardboard Space Adventures
Be one of the first to explore this enormous, one-of-a-kind summer experience, Cardboard Space Adventures! Help create a huge outpost in outer space, experience hands-on creativity, employ engineering, and create art—all from cardboard. This brand new exploration runs daily from May 27–Sept. 5, 2017. Just in time for those times when if you hear, "I'm bored!" one more time you are going to scream! Head to MOSI, stay sane! Beginning Memorial Day Military families get in free all summer and KIDS are in Free if they complete a few tasks!
Related Content: The Out-of-This-World Exhibit and Military Deal at MOSI Summer 2017
Memorial Sunday 2017 Recess Summer Season
Recess Sunday at Beach Bar & Restaurant at Bay Harbor Hotel is back for a Summer 2017 Season with a whole new vibe! Check out the line-up Memorial day in Tampa,
- 2pm-6pm Top 40 EDM mix by Beach Residents
- -6 pm,-9 pm House, Tech House, Deep House by Pedro M & Friends
Be ready for fun in the sun with music, drinks, food, boat docks, jet ski's, volleyball, all new cabanas and more. VIP guests receive special perks, the party starts at 2 and goes until 9 pm. Hotel rooms ar discounted to $99 with the code: Sunday
Watch the Indy 500 and the Coca Cola 600 at your Fave Sports Bar
May 28th commemorates the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500! Do you feel the need, the need for speed? Where will you watch the historic race Memorial Weekend? Want to see Simon Pagenaud pull off another one? Or perhaps you are more of a Nascar fan looking to see who survives on of the biggest NASCAR races of the year. Who will prevail at Charlotte Motor Speedway? Click the title link to see a list of local sports bars and settle in with like-minded fans to cheer on your favorite driver!
Fun Lan Drive In Theatre
Always a fun and cool place Fun'Lan is both a drive-in and an outdoor flea market! Take a step back in time and watch movies the old-fashioned way. Fun-Lan has 4 drive-in movie screens and offers hot food at the concession. It's inexpensive, and the movies are great. Stay in your car or take lawn chairs to catch a movie, perhaps Guardians of the Galaxy 2, under the stars.
Rock the Yacht Live Music Party Cruises
Are you ready to Rock the Yacht? Head to the bay and crusie in style this Memorial Day weekend on Yacht Starship during their summertime live music series and dance the night away under the summer sky. Click their name above and head over to the website for all dates, the details, and band schedule.
Vertical Flight
Experience Vertical Flight! Yes, when we said out of the box we meant it! Vertical Flight allows you to soar high above as you complete a unique flight experience around Clearwater in style. Isn't it time you climbed out of your box and into the cockpit of a helicopter? Call vertical Flight for availability and pricing.
Staycation at Aloft during the Aloft Memorial Weekend Pool Party
Aloft Tampa Downtown is located on the waterfront at Kennedy and Ashley, steps from the Tampa Convention Center, the Florida Aquarium, University of Tampa, Tampa Riverwalk, and more. Using the Downtowner Tampa Free Ride Service you can explore Channelside, historic hotels, museums and so much more. Aloft is a hip and energetic hotel with an outdoor pool, and patio, overlooking the Hillsborough river. On the Riverwalk, you can explore or relax at the hotel listening to live music while sipping signature cocktails, enjoy tasty bites from the W XYZ bar or go for a stroll. Always a great deal, local residents can check last minute availability and save. Known for their off-the-chain weekend pool parties, a big one is planned May 28th, beginning at 2:00. You do not need to be a guest at the hotel to attend their Pool Parties.
Related Content: Spotlight Tampa | Aloft Hotel's W XYZ Bar is a Local Hotspot
Spend the day at Historic Saddlebrook Spa
The Spa at Saddlebrook is a European-Style Spa & Salon designed to help you clear your mind and rejuvenate your senses. Why not treat yourself to a day of well-deserved pampering, you work hard! If you have not been this 7,000-square-foot European-style spa is stunning with over 10,000 sq. ft. of gorgeous cool marble, with separate men's and women's dressing and steam rooms, a Sauna, whirlpools, spa and salon services, a hydro-massage tub, and a courtyard terrace for lounging, sunbathing and dining. The staff is professionally trained, licensed practitioners skilled in traditional Ashiatsu, sports recovery to reflexology and hot stone treatments. Enjoy skincare treatments, body wraps, aromatherapy, scrubs, and hydrotherapy. They also have hair and nail care services, make-up application and waxing treatments in the full-service Salon. Choose from one of 12 private treatment rooms or reserve a couple's treatment room featuring a luxury soaking tub where you can recharge with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and your special someone. If you want to involve your teens, they offer a special menu for family members ages 12 - 17. After treatment dine on a light and healthy entrée from the Spa Cuisine Menu. Call today!
Memorial Day Sunsplash Bash & All You Can Eat Beachside BBQ at Beach Bar
You don't want to miss out on the fun and games so wear your best beach attire and make your way over to Courtney Campbell Causeway this Sunday for Beach's All You Can Eat Beachside BBQ Party!
Related Content: Memorial Day All You Can Eat Beachside BBQ in Tampa
Coast Bike Share
This is a fun outdoor recreation activity to enjoy in Tampa this Memorial Day in Tampa, it's super easy, book a bike online and receive a 4-digit pin code. To unlock a bike, enter the code and ride away enjoying a 'green' Memorial Weekend holiday experiencing Tampa from a bike! Want to stop for coffee or a bite to eat? No worries, press the HOLD button and lock the bike to a rack, then use the same pin code to keep riding. To end you trip simply lock your bike back at one of the convenient hub locations or lock up to a regular rack for a small additional fee! Explore Tampa the green way, take a picnic, plan stops at restaurants, bars, breweries, and clubs along the corridor and make it memorable!
Segway Experience
At Segway Tour of Tampa, you can sight see and take historical tours. A fun new way to explore Tampa and the Hillsborough River's waterfront, gliding through gleaming skyscrapers, along the river, and through the woods. Well, maybe not the woods part though there are lots of trees along the Straz run. Segwaying is a great way to see everything Tampa offers. Tours are offered 5 times daily, 7 days per week, year-round. Call friends and make a day of it. Explore, then revisit places you learned about along the way. Find the Segway experience behind the downtown Tampa Embassy Suites Hotel at the corner of Franklin and Channelside Dr at 215 Channelside Dr. Book online or call for a reservation.
Old Town BBQ Throwdown
Memorial Day everywhere, not just in Tampa requires BBQ, does it not? Let master BBQ chefs put a smile on your face at Old Town 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy in Kissimmee. Savor championship barbecue teams as they descend upon one of Kissimmee’s favorite family attractions for an unparalleled experience. Considered one of the Sunshine State’s richest contests with guaranteed prizes totaling $10,000, the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned Old Town BBQ Throwdown a state championship. Judges are certified, this event is not to be missed by anyone who loves BBQ. The event and competition is open to the public from May 27-28.
Chill out at the Beach
With some of the purest white sugar sand in the world, the beaches in Hillsborough and Pinellas County often end up on nationwide Top Ten lists. Plan a trip today, start by deciding which beach! The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is a great place to begin. In Hillsborough Ben. T. Davis is a popular place, with local small businesses like Beach Bar & Restaurant you are guaranteed a good time. Check their sites to see what is happening this Memorial Day! Rent jet-skis and plan to play the day away in the sun and the surf of Tampa Bay.
Camp overnight or canoe/kayak at Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's first state parks; opened in 1938 this original CCC Park is divided by the Hillsborough River, providing great opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. If you have your own canoe or kayak, launch from parking lot #4. If you need to rent, the concession stand provides canoes, bikes and golf cart rentals. They also serve breakfast and lunch, sell camping and picnic supplies. Hikers can walk more than seven miles of nature trials within the park. When the weather calls for it, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the park's ADA accessible swimming pool. Swimming pool hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park also offers full-facility camping, reservations are recommended.
Go Hiking in a Local Park or on a Wilderness Tour
- Lettuce Lake Park features among many things BBQ grills if you want to cook out after bird watching on the 3,500 ft. boardwalk, hiking trails and observation tower. The 240-acre site offers wooded picnic areas, playgrounds a bicycle path and trail with a fitness course allowing you to wander the park at your pace. Stop by the interpretive center, or rent a canoe to expand your experience. More than half of the park’s property is hardwood swamp forest, acting as a biological filter to remove excess nutrients from the water. The remainder of the park is hardwood hammock and pine Flatwoods. In a word it is peaceful and interesting, OK we could not stop at one!
- Morris Bridge Park A smaller, easy to pass by, rustic park with easy hiking on flat terrain with boardwalks. This is a great place to commune with nature viewing otters, hawks, buzzards, gators, water birds and few humans. If you want to spend time with your parents or grandparents this is a good place to take them to walk and talk awhile.
- Lithia Springs Park A long-time favorite, and best-kept secret, there is a natural fresh water spring at Lithia! Shallow for the most part you can take young children. It gets deeper as you near the center of the 'boil'. Lifeguards are on duty in the park. Hike the trails, then take a swim. If you are hungry food trucks frequent the park or pack a picnic. A perfect family outing and one we can assure you is memorable.
- Hillsborough River State Park Plan a hiking day walking over seven miles of nature trails at this grand old park. We love the the Wetlands Restoration Trail, it accommodates both bicyclists and hikers. After your hike, if the pool is open go for a swim, rent a canoe or dine in the cafe. We like to pack a meal and paint, grabbing watercolors, paper and brushes as we don our backpacks for a day of fun, walking and talking, as we watch wildlife fly, swim and glide by.
Beach Party Memorial Day Weekend at Southern Nights Tampa
#SwankSaturdays presents BEACH PARTY "A Memorial Day Weekend Party" May 27th at 9 pm where beach attire is encouraged. The drag show starts at midnight with Jade Embers & Roxxxy Andrews!
10th Annual Memorial DAY POOL PARTY at The Castle
Sunday, May 28th, 2017 grab your swim fins and head to the 10th Annual Memorial Day Pool Party at The Castle. DJ Sean will be spinning in the main ballroom (dry zone)...the Bikini Contest takes place upstairs at 1 AM.
Unleash the Outdoors with iTrekkers Fishing / SUP & More
Enjoy a fishing experience like no other, iTrekkers Captains are approved and know the local hot spots, they guide you every step of the way! Let iTrekkers customize an adventure to fit your needs, budget, time, and experience. They offer a 100% guarantee. Your boat will be as advertised, and your guide qualified! You will feel safe and secure on the water with a passionate captain who loves the outdoors. Should you not absolutely LOVE your trip it is on them. Go ahead, get outside, get a rod in your hand and unleash the outdoors with iTrekkers!
Go on a Sunrise or Sunset Hot Air Balloon Flight
Celebration Aviation is the largest full-service hot air balloon company in the southeastern US. Specializing in hot air balloon rides, corporate hot air & cold air balloon promotions they fly seven days a week with a reservation. Call today to fly over Lutz, Land ‘O’ Lakes, New Tampa, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, Ehren and Zephyrhills. With more than 30 years experience, you are in competent hands. Celebrate in the sky, fly like and eagle this Memorial Day and experience hot air ballooning.
Visit a U-Pick Farm
Some of the more popular U-pick crops in Florida include blueberries, strawberries, grapes, peaches, citrus, sweet corn, and tomatoes. But there are also opportunities to pick more unusual items, everything from persimmons and chestnuts to star fruit and avocados. A trip to a local U-pick farm is something the entire family can enjoy together. Reconnect with nature, and support local farmers by visiting a local U-pick farm this weekend. Dress comfortably and bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet, and bring your own containers for picking in case the farm does not provide them. Read Veg Out at the Best Fresh Markets and U-Pick Farms in Tampa Bay for additional details.
Sip a cocktail Waterside and explore the Riverwalk
This classic high-rise hotel on the Riverwalk along Tampa Bay's waterfront is a 15-minute walk from downtown Tampa and dozens of adventures. Sit at the hotel and sip cocktails, enjoying first class appetizers on the outdoor deck or stop into Champions Sports Bar & Grille for a cold craft brew and some of the BEST food in the bay. Their Cuban is a MUST TRY, the hotel's bread is made fresh daily, in-house by two Cuban gentleman, and is unlike any Cuban bread we have had the pleasure to consume. Into craft beer? We truly love the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina Digital Pour system. Read more about it in Marriott Waterside Craft Beer Happy Hour Has Gone Digital . Go for drinks and a walk, explore the Tampa Bay History Center or The Sail Pavilion nearby, rent an eBoat or reserve a Coast Bike and ride to your favorite bars and restaurants in Downtown Tampa. Better yet, why not Staycation at this premier Downtown hotel? Rooms are furnished in a laid-back style, feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and WiFi access. Suites add balconies and separate living areas with pull-out beds if you want to bring the family. And the view, well, it's priceless!
Sail the Bay with NoShooz sailing charters
The NoShooz group is a Tampa Bay sailing tour group providing custom yacht charters, sailing from Downtown Tampa aboard a 36' sailing catamaran known to locals as NoShooz. You may choose from four different trips every day including, Half Day, Full Day, Sunset, and Custom Charters. The 'cat' carries a maximum of six passengers plus the Captain and First Mate. This is an intimate experience for guests designed to relax and refresh you. All trips include food and soft drinks, feel free to bring your own music and allow the NoShooz crew to serve you on your own custom voyage.
American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
The mission of the American Victory Museum & Ship is to "provide an unforgettable voyage of discovery through American Maritime History via a world-class, shipboard, maritime museum dedicated to honoring the men and women who built, sailed, protected and provided services worldwide through the American Merchant Fleet since 1775 during times of both peace and war." Preserving and interpreting maritime culture, the ship allows visitors to board a fully-functioning 1940's era steamship. Visitors experience a voyage of discovery reliving history by visiting cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, the hospital, galley, weapons room, flying bridge, wheelhouse, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, lifeboats and more as they view photos and artifacts, uniforms, medals, documents and naval equipment. If learning is something you want to do this weekend, check out this amazing piece of maritime history, docked right here in Tampa Bay!
Rock Climbing at Vertical Ventures
Go solo or consider taking a class this weekend at Vertical Ventures. Their 'Intro to Belay Class' allows you access to additional climbing areas in the gym, includes all of your equipment and a 2 Week Membership, it's a great deal at only $25.00. If you have climbing experience climb in The Pit! If fitness is your goal try the Movement Class, Yoga or venture into on of the Bootcamps and get you into your "flow state." Student Summer Memberships are available to Students ages 25 and under between May 16 and August 15. Hang on, rise and climb at Vertical Ventures!
Go Hang Gliding
OK, so yes, we do not have mountains or even high hills to launch from, but you can still hang-glide in Tampa Bay on a powered hang glider, also known as an ultra-light aircraft. Ultra-Lights feature seating for two and their engines are reliable. It is even possible to turn the engine off and glide! If you are experienced, you will be pleased to know that with the engine turned off, these vehicles function exactly like conventional hang gliders, providing hours of breathtaking enjoyment. Get a whole new perspective and make memories this Memorial Day hang-gliding Tampa Bay!
We hope you found fun, unique and interesting things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Tampa! Stay safe and make some memories this weekend as we reflect and remember those who serve. (Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
