Things to Do in Tampa This Weekend: Top Festivals & Events

by Cory White
0 comments 6 minutes read

Looking for Things to do in Tampa this weekend? The Tampa Bay region is alive with vibrant festivals, unforgettable events, and fun‑filled experiences that turn the city into your go‑to weekend destination. From high‑energy races to magical holiday evenings, here’s a guide to everything happening. Explore the official sites and social links to get your plans set.

Season Spectacular

📍 Water Street Tampa, Tampa, FL
⏰ Friday, November 14, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Water Street lights up for the holidays with an evening of twinkling lights, festive sights, and a contagious sense of cheer. It’s a standout moment where Tampa’s waterfront gets a glow‑up, the crowds gather, and your camera fills up with holiday shots before the weekend even kicks fully into motion. St Pete Run Fest

Winter Wonder Wharf

📍 Sparkman Wharf, Tampa, FL
⏰ Friday, November 14, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Imagine a Hallmark‑style night by the water: faux snow, a towering 30‑foot Christmas tree lighting, Nutcracker‑inspired performances and enough photo ops to fill your Instagram feed. Here’s your chance to step into the holiday mood while enjoying the waterfront scene, live entertainment and Santa himself.

Pawliday Portraits & Holiday Market

📍 Hotel Haya, Tampa, FL
⏰ Friday, November 14, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Pets and humans alike get treated to a festive evening where adorable meets elegant: pro pet portraits, a cocoa bar you build yourself, artisanal market booths, and holiday cheer with your four‑legged best friend in tow. If shopping, sipping, snapping pics and pet love are your vibes, this one delivers.

St. Pete Run Fest

📍 Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg, FL
⏰ All Weekend, November 14‑16, Various Times
This three‑day running festival is a serious mix of athletic energy, coastal scenery, and festival‑style street life. Whether you’re tackling the half‑marathon, 10K, 5K, or just cheering friends on, you’ll sprint through downtown St. Pete, along winding waterfronts, and past colorful street art. There’s a lively post‑race party, live music, and plenty of local flavor for everyone—even non‑runners.

The Wizard of Oz

📍 TECO Theater / Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, Tampa, FL
⏰ All Weekend, November 14‑16, Various Times
Get ready to click your heels in Tampa as Dorothy, Toto, and the entire Emerald City crew hit the stage. This theatrical adaptation brings the classic story to life with song, sparkle, and flying monkeys in a production full of nostalgia, spectacular sets, and day‑out‑with‑the‑family vibes. A great pick if you’re after culture, fun, and showtime magic.

The Tampa Bay History Center Annual Gala

📍 Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa, FL
⏰ Friday, November 14, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.
Dress to impress for a night of history, glamour and live music. The gala blends aviation heritage with museum elegance, terrace views and a buffet that’ll test your tie’s patience. It’s a refined, engaging evening where culture meets party—perfect for those who want something a little elevated.

Tampa Bloody Mary Fest

📍 Water Works Park, Tampa, FL
⏰ Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Brunch lovers, this one is for you. Unlimited samples of bold, creative Bloody Marys (yes, construct‐a‐salad garnish style), live music, food vendors and a fun crowd make this Saturday morning event feel like a victory lap for your weekend. Think flavor explosion meets relaxed waterfront vibe.

Mezzo Market

📍 1700 W Fig St, Tampa, FL
⏰ Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
A treasure trove for the indie lovers: vintage finds, handmade goods, craft vibes and local flavor. Shop, snack and explore among creatives and makers who turn this market into more than just transactions—it’s a community experience. If you love discovering unique pieces and local stories, this is your stop.

Afrofuturism Festival

📍 Shuffle, Tampa, FL
⏰ Saturday, November 15, 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Art, music, fashion and futuristic vision collide in this immersive cultural celebration. Expect bold style, community flair, boundary‑pushing performances and a dance floor full of energy. It’s not just an event—it’s an experience that invites you to express, connect and groove.

Enchanted Gardens Fantasy Ball

📍 Metals and Nature, Plant City, FL
⏰ Saturday, November 15, 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
Step into a dreamscape of fairy‑tale cocktails, acrobats, costumed characters and starry garden lights. Whether you channel your inner elf or just come for the desserts and DJ, this event offers whimsical magic, vibrant ambiance and a night of elevated fun set in lush surroundings.

Wickedly Popular Themed Skate

📍 AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel, FL
⏰ Saturday, November 15, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Get ready to skate, sing and celebrate under the spotlight. This Broadway‑inspired themed skate event invites costumes, performance vibes and playful drama on the rink. Bring your best show tunes, your friends and your sense of adventure—glide into fun with flair.

Intro to Track Driving

📍 The Motor Enclave, Tampa, FL
⏰ Sunday, November 16, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Here’s your chance to live the high‑octane dream: you bring your own car, they bring the circuit, and professionals lead you through corners and speed like you’re in your own action scene. If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to segue from daily drive to track star, this is it.

Chicken Yoga with Yoga Loft Tampa & Ybor Misfits

📍 Tampa, FL
⏰ Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Stretch, breathe and try not to laugh while chickens wander through your downward‑dog. This playful wellness event blends animal antics, movement and even a champagne chaser. Bring your mat, ditch the jewelry and get ready for quirky, mindful fun with a feathery twist.

Kids Market at Yuengling Family Days

📍 Yuengling Draft Haus, Tampa, FL
⏰ Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Small vendors, big dreams. Young entrepreneurs—ages maybe five and up—sell crafts, cookies, lemonade and more in a lively, family‑friendly setting filled with giggles, hustle and proud parents. Support the next gen of creators while enjoying food, fun and community spirit.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vancouver Canucks

📍 Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
⏰ Sunday, November 16, 5 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
It’s game time. The Bolts versus the Canucks means fast skating, cheering fans and full‑throttle hockey action. Grab your jersey, find your chant and be part of a stadium‑vibe evening that wraps up the weekend with energy, adrenaline and Tampa pride.

Want More Weekend Adventures? This lineup is just the beginning. Tampa’s events calendar stays stacked, so bookmark this guide, revisit each Thursday and make sure you never miss your next unforgettable weekend.

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