Tampa Bay is about to ignite with an electric mix of festivals, concerts, and cultural events that will leave you breathless—and maybe even a little sun-kissed. If you’ve been craving excitement, you’re in the right place. From the roaring sounds of Country Thunder to the whimsical glow of Riverfest, this week is brimming with moments you won’t want to miss. So grab your calendar—this is your survival guide to the top things to do in Tampa Bay this week.
Riverfest: Where Magic Floats Over the Water
Imagine standing at the edge of the Tampa Riverwalk as twilight wraps the city in a soft purple haze. Suddenly, the sky bursts alive with glowing hot air balloons, dancing lanterns, and the mouthwatering scent of local cuisine curling through the air. Welcome to Riverfest.
This two-day extravaganza (May 2–3) stretches across the Riverwalk, threading through Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where live music echoes against the riverbanks. Friday night kicks off with the delectable Taste of Riverwalk, followed by Taco Fest on Saturday (grab 3 samples for $20 or go wild with 5 for $25). Expect wiener dog derbies, yoga by the river, a surreal lantern parade, a water ski show, and even a “paddle invasion.” It’s free to enter—but the memories you make? Priceless.
Country Thunder: A Storm of Sound at Raymond James Stadium
A low rumble stirs the ground. It’s not thunder—at least, not the kind you’re used to. It’s the traveling spectacle known as Country Thunder, and it’s rolling into Raymond James Stadium from May 2–4.
Headliners like Riley Green, Jelly Roll, and Blake Shelton will be there to blow the roof off Tampa (figuratively… we hope). Alongside them: Ella Langley, Jake Owen, and Ashley McBryde, guaranteeing three days of boot-stomping, beer-raising, and heart-thumping country music energy. Tickets start at $275.88, but the emotional ride you’ll take? That’s something money can’t buy.
2 Bears 5K: Comedy Meets Cardio
You lace up your sneakers. The sun is just peeking over the stadium’s edge. Suddenly, a booming laugh cuts through the still morning air—this is no ordinary 5K.
At the 2 Bears 5K (May 4 at Raymond James Stadium), comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura, joined by country sensation Jelly Roll, blur the line between fitness and absolute hilarity. No timers, no pressure—just a morning jog turned after-party featuring DJs, food, drinks, and medals for all. Register early ($59 for spectators, $89 for runners) at 2bears5k.com, and prepare to sweat… from running and laughing.
Derby at The Pier 2025: Betting on Glamour
Dust off your biggest hat and sharpest bowtie—Derby Day is galloping to the St. Pete Pier on May 3.
The 13 Ugly Men Foundation knows how to throw a party with a cause, offering casino games, a best-dressed contest, mint juleps, and craft bourbon cocktails, all under the warm Florida sky. The best part? Every dollar raised will benefit charity, making your splurges feel a little more noble. Admission is just $29—an absolute steal for an evening of style, stakes, and stellar sunsets.
Cynthia Erivo: An Enchanting Night with a Star
She steps onto the stage, her presence so magnetic that even the restless Florida night seems to hush. Cynthia Erivo—Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner—will enchant audiences at the Mahaffey Theater on May 2, accompanied by the breathtaking Florida Orchestra under conductor Michael Francis.
Tickets begin at $350, but seeing Cynthia weave her magic live? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, etched in your memory like a beautiful scar.
Star Wars Day Celebration: May the Fourth Be With You
At the historic Tampa Theatre, nostalgia crackles in the air like static electricity.
On May 4, the theater will screen the original Star Wars trilogy. From Luke’s heroic beginnings in “A New Hope” to the emotional redemption of Darth Vader in “Return of the Jedi,” you’ll relive every pulse-pounding moment for just $10 ($7 for members). It’s not just a movie marathon—it’s a portal back to a time when galaxies far, far away felt just an arm’s reach beyond the stars.
Family Adventures: From Rugby Battles to Art Gardens
- U.S. Wheelchair Rugby National Championship: Watch titans clash as 150 athletes battle for the title at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, May 2–4. Admission is free—and so are the memories of fierce, unstoppable human spirit.
- Kids Day at the Chihuly Garden: On May 3, the Morean Arts Center opens the gates to a morning of live music, art-making, and a vibrant celebration of Florida’s wildlife—all nestled within the dazzling Chihuly Garden in St. Petersburg. It’s a colorful dreamscape, perfect for little (and not-so-little) explorers.
Other Must-See Events: Tampa’s Hidden Gems
- Dial M for Murder at West Coast Players Theater—A classic tale of greed and betrayal running until May 11.
- Flip Flop Opera—Experience the greatest arias from Carmen at Tarpon Springs Cultural Center.
- Founder’s Day at J.C. Newman—Celebrate Tampa’s rich cigar-making history on May 3 with factory tours, live music, and games.
- The Florida Orchestra’s “The French Revelation”—Morning matinees featuring masterful trumpet performances.
- Classic Albums Live: Queen’s “News of the World”—A rock-solid night that will have you singing your soul out.
Final Thought: Tampa Bay Is Just Getting Started…
As dusk creeps over the bay and the week winds down, you’ll feel it—that electric hum in the air. It’s Tampa whispering, “Just wait. There’s more.”
Because here, magic isn’t just for storybooks—it’s stitched into every sunset, every concert echo, and every footstep along the Riverwalk.
Stay curious. Stay wild. And whatever you do, don’t blink—you might just miss something extraordinary.
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