Celebrate 813 Day: Tampa’s Unique Community Spirit Shines on August 13th!
Tampa Celebrates 813 Day: A Community Tradition of Pride and Unity
TAMPA, Fla. – August 13 marks a vibrant celebration in Tampa as residents come together to honor “813 Day,” a tribute to the city’s beloved area code. This annual event showcases the unique spirit of the Bay Area, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in a day filled with festivities, food, and fun.
From the bustling waterfront at Sparkman Wharf to the charming streets of Hyde Park Village, businesses and organizations are rolling out the red carpet with live entertainment, giveaways, and enticing $8.13 specials on food and drinks.
A Day of Celebration
The festivities kick off at Sparkman Wharf, where a social media campaign is set to benefit the historic Tampa Theatre. For every photo taken in front of the iconic TAMPA sign and shared on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #SparkmanWharf and #813Day from August 11 to 17, $5 will be donated to the theatre, up to a total of $1,000.
Wednesday night’s celebration runs from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to officially launch the festivities. Attendees can enjoy live DJs, local vendors, and special deals from popular spots like Hampton Chocolate Factory and LightHaus Beer Garden, extending all the way to Water Street.
Activities for Everyone
At Hyde Park Village, the day begins with a free community workout led by Barry’s and [solidcore] at 9 a.m., complete with delicious donuts from The Salty Donut. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will also host a pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to noon, coinciding with Storytime in the Snow Circle.
As the sun sets, the Bayshore Breakfast Club invites participants to join a sunset walk and social for $20, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Dream Fund. Additionally, an all-day school supply drive at the Capital One Café will collect donations for the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Shoppers can look forward to live music, in-store discounts, and surprise pop-up events throughout the day.
For those interested in exploring more activities at Hyde Park Village, a detailed schedule can be found here.
Citywide Celebrations
Beyond the main hubs, 813 Day specials are popping up across Tampa. Residents can enjoy discounted admission at the Tampa Museum of Art and lagoon entry deals at Epperson, Mirada, and Southshore Bay, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Historical Perspective
Rodney Kite-Powell, Director of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center, reflects on the significance of the 813 area code. “813 didn’t come around until 1950, when the area code for the entire state was 305,” he explains. “With the influx of people moving to Florida, a second area code was necessary, and that was established on the west coast of Florida.”
As Tampa embraces its roots and celebrates its community spirit, 813 Day serves as a reminder of the pride that residents take in their city. Whether through food, fun, or philanthropy, this day is a testament to the vibrant culture and unity that defines Tampa.
For more information on the history of the 813 area code, check out this article.
Join the Celebration!
With a plethora of events and activities planned, Tampa’s 813 Day promises to be a memorable occasion for all. So grab your friends and family, and join in the festivities that make this city truly special!