Tampa Unveils Exciting 2025 Festival Calendar: A Season of Fun Awaits!

Tampa Unveils Thrilling 2025 Festival Calendar: A Season of Fun Awaits!

TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – Get ready to mark your calendars! Tampa has officially launched its vibrant 2025 event calendar, featuring 12 spectacular festivals that promise to entertain both locals and visitors from winter through spring. With a lineup that includes everything from pirate parades to culinary delights, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine City.

Kick Off the New Year with Gasparilla

Tampa’s festival season kicks off with the iconic Gasparilla Festival on January 25. This beloved event, which has been a city tradition since 1904, sees pirates storming Bayshore Boulevard in a lively celebration. Daniel Carpenter from the Henry B. Plant Museum notes that the festival began as a May Day celebration before evolving into the grand spectacle it is today.

Families can join in the fun a week earlier at the Children’s Gasparilla on January 18, featuring bike races, airshows, and a dazzling fireworks finale.

February Brings Music, Lights, and Flavor

February is packed with unmissable events:

• Florida State Fair (Feb. 6–17): Thrilling carnival rides, unique exhibits, and classic fair food await along US Hwy. 301 N.

• Knight Parade (Feb. 8): Ybor City transforms into a vibrant celebration with music, colorful floats, and lively nightlife.

• Gasparilla Music Festival (Feb. 14–16): Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park will be alive with performances from local and national artists.

• Taco Festival (Feb. 22): Al Lopez Park turns into a taco lover’s paradise, featuring over 30 vendors serving their best creations.

March Showcases Arts, Films, and Pride

March kicks off with the Festival of the Arts, where local artists and food trucks take center stage during the first weekend. Later in the month, don’t miss:

• River O’ Green Festival (Date TBD): Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as Tampa dyes the Hillsborough River green, a festive tradition that draws crowds annually.

• Gasparilla International Film Festival (March 27–30): A must for cinephiles, this festival showcases films from around the globe.

• Tampa Pride (March 29): Celebrate diversity and inclusion with parades, parties, and community events near 15th Street.

April & May: Food, Wine, and Riverfront Fun

As spring blossoms, foodies rejoice at the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival (April 8–12), hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine. This event features six mouthwatering experiences, including a thrilling Chef Showdown.

Tampa wraps up its festival season with Riverfest (May 2–3), a free event that takes over the Tampa Riverwalk, offering live music, delicious food vendors, and whimsical floating balloons that add a splash of color to the waterfront.

Don’t Miss Out!

From iconic parades to culinary celebrations, Tampa’s 2025 festival lineup is bursting with excitement. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun as the city comes alive with music, art, food, and unforgettable memories.

Plan your year of fun now and explore more at Visit Tampa Bay.