Tampa Events & Things to Do: Busch Gardens, Riverwalk, Ybor City, Sports & Concerts

Quick answer: The best things to do in Tampa include riding coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, walking the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, exploring historic Ybor City, visiting the Florida Aquarium, and catching the Buccaneers and Lightning. Coming up: Howl-O-Scream (select nights through October 31), the Lightning home opener (October 3), and Gasparilla Pirate Fest (January 30, 2027).

Looking for things to do in Tampa today, this weekend, or with kids? Tampa mixes coasters at Busch Gardens, a 2.6-mile Riverwalk lined with parks and restaurants, cigars and Cuban sandwiches in historic Ybor City, and a packed sports calendar with the Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays. Winter brings Gasparilla, one of the country's biggest pirate festivals, and St. Pete and Clearwater beaches are a short drive across the bay.

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Upcoming Tampa Events in 2026 and 2027

• Howl-O-Scream: Busch Gardens' Halloween event runs select nights through October 31, 2026.
• Lightning home opener: The Bolts host the Washington Capitals at Benchmark International Arena on October 3, 2026.
• Buccaneers home games: The Bucs host the Packers on October 4 and the Steelers on October 18 at Raymond James Stadium.
• Gasparilla Pirate Fest: Tampa's famous pirate invasion and parade is Saturday, January 30, 2027.

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What Are the Must-See Attractions in Tampa?

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Roller coasters, an animal safari, and seasonal events.
• Tampa Riverwalk: A 2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River connecting Armature Works, museums, parks, and Sparkman Wharf.
• The Florida Aquarium: Sea turtles, sharks, and a coral reef gallery on the Channel District waterfront.
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Manatees, giraffes, and Florida wildlife.
• Adventure Island: Busch Gardens' water park next door.

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What Is Ybor City Known For?

Ybor City is Tampa's historic Latin quarter, once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World." Today it's famous for brick-lined streets, hand-rolled cigars, Cuban sandwiches, the Columbia Restaurant, free-roaming chickens, and lively nightlife on 7th Avenue.

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Tampa Sports Events & Game Day

Tampa Bay is known as a championship sports town:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL football at Raymond James Stadium.
• Tampa Bay Lightning: NHL hockey at Benchmark International Arena downtown.
• Tampa Bay Rays: MLB baseball at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, which reopened in April 2026.
• College football: USF Bulls games and bowl games at Raymond James Stadium.

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Day Trips From Tampa

• St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach: Beaches, the St. Pete Pier, and The Dalí Museum.
• Clearwater Beach: White sand and Pier 60 sunsets.
• Orlando: Disney, Universal, and Epic Universe.
• Crystal River and Homosassa Springs: Swim with manatees in the winter.

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Where Should You Eat in Tampa?

Tampa is the home of the Cuban sandwich and has a great food scene. Try Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf food halls, Ybor City's Cuban and Spanish restaurants, fresh Gulf seafood, and Bern's Steak House.

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Things to Do in Tampa With Kids

Traveling with kids? Tampa has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities, including Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, the Glazer Children's Museum, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), and Riverwalk bike rides.

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Free Things to Do in Tampa

• Tampa Riverwalk: Walk or bike past Curtis Hixon Park, museums, and waterfront bars.
• Bayshore Boulevard: About 4.5 miles of waterfront sidewalk with views of Hillsborough Bay.
• Ybor City Historic District: Brick streets, wandering roosters, and cigar rollers in shop windows.
• Armature Works and Water Works Park: Browse the historic food hall and splash pad on the river.

Things to Do in Tampa for Adults & Couples

• Ybor City nightlife: 7th Avenue is Tampa's late-night strip for bars and clubs.
• Food hall dinner at Armature Works: Dozens of vendors and a rooftop bar in a restored streetcar barn.
• Straz Center shows: Broadway tours, opera, and concerts downtown.
• Sunset cruise on Tampa Bay: Dolphin sightings and skyline views from the water.

Things to Do in Tampa This Weekend & Today

Tampa weekends often center on game day, whether it's the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium or the Lightning at Benchmark International Arena, plus a Riverwalk brunch and an evening in Ybor. Check the dates for Howl-O-Scream in the fall and Gasparilla in January before you plan.

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Popular Tampa Questions

What are the best free things to do in Tampa?

Free favorites in Tampa include Tampa Riverwalk, Bayshore Boulevard, Ybor City Historic District, and Armature Works and Water Works Park. See the free things to do section above for details.

What are the best things to do in Tampa for adults and couples?

Popular picks for adults and couples in Tampa include Ybor City nightlife, food hall dinner at Armature Works, Straz Center shows, and sunset cruise on Tampa Bay.

When is Gasparilla 2027?

Gasparilla Pirate Fest is Saturday, January 30, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

When is Howl-O-Scream 2026 at Busch Gardens?

Howl-O-Scream runs select nights through October 31, 2026.

When is the Lightning home opener?

The Lightning host the Capitals on October 3, 2026.

How long is the Tampa Riverwalk?

The Riverwalk is 2.6 miles long, stretching from Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf.

Where do the Rays play?

The Rays play at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, which reopened in April 2026 after Hurricane Milton repairs.

When is the best time to visit Tampa?

October through April brings warm, drier weather, football season, and Gasparilla. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.

What is there to do in Tampa this weekend?

Browse Tampa tours and activities for attraction tickets, boat tours, and experiences you can book for your dates.

Explore Nearby

• St. Petersburg Events & Things to Do
• Clearwater Beach Events & Things to Do
• Sarasota Events & Things to Do
• Orlando Events & Things to Do

Plan Your Tampa Trip

Ride Busch Gardens' coasters, walk the Riverwalk, eat a Cuban sandwich in Ybor City, cheer on the Bucs and Lightning, and celebrate Gasparilla.

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