Tampa Special Events

In Tampa Bay, any excuse to celebrate will do and locals break out the fireworks, parade floats, food vendors and live entertainment nearly every month for the area's fantastic line-up of festivals and events.

While the cool and breezy days of spring draw the largest concentration of festivals, Tampa's wild and wacky cast of characters are showcased year-round through unusual events. During the course of the year, Tampa Bay is invaded by rowdy swashbucklers on a fully-rigged pirate ship at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.

People devour strawberries by the truck-load at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. And Mama Guava and her parade of devoted followers take the "bore" out of Ybor City for Guavaween in October.

Tampa Bay also hosts an array of arts and multicultural events throughout the year. And don't forget Tampa Bay's baseball, hockey and football events that are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat! Or see your favorite celebrity take a swing on the golf course at the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.

12th Annual Southern Equipment
September
Location: The Inn at Little Harbor, Bahia Beach
Phone: Herb Gold : 813-250-3256
Bryan Berry, President of Southern Equipment Corporation announced today that the 12th Annual Southern Equipment In-Shore Fishing Tournament to Benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Tampa and Sarasota would be held at The Inn at Little Harbor, Bahia Beach on Saturday, September 6th. In making the announcement Berry noted that over $110,000 have been raised for the foundation during past tournaments with last year's tournament raising over $21,000. The foundation fulfills wishes of children with terminal diseases. Be sure to mark your calendars now for this year's tournament, Captain's meeting Friday night, September 5th and in-shore fishing tournament Saturday, September 6th. For more information about sponsorship and fishing in this year's tournament please call Herb Gold 813-250-3256

Conga Caliente
November
Location: Al Lopez Park 4810 N Himes Ave
Phone: 813.353.8151
Admission: Free admission
5th year anniversary!"Conga Caliente" will be held on Sunday, November 09, 2008 at Al Lopez Park. The festival celebrates Tampa's diverse culture and focuses on the creative arts, the traditions, music, and food of our Latin heritage. The festival will feature a main stage with national and international performers, tasty food, colorful crafts, timeless traditions, a Health Village, Youth area, Visual Arts Village, Corporate Village Domino Tournament, Cigar rolling exhibits, Beer Garden and festival fun for all ages. Expect over 30,000 to join you at the Festival!

2008 ACC Football Championship Game
December
Location: Raymond James Stadium
Admission: TDB
The 2008 Dr. Pepper ACC Football Championship Game will feature the top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference's Atlantic and Coastal Divisions. Teams will face each other December 6, 2008 at Raymond James Stadium for an automatic BCS Bowl bid and possibly hopes of a national championship.