Not to fear, the best things to do in Tampa Bay are here! With the holidays right around the corner, there are so many festivities popping up! From a winter village to a sandwich festival, we have a list of amazing events right here!
Don’t forget to check out our dog friendly sections to find things to do with your pup this weekend!
Table of Contents
Events
Downtown Tampa's Winter Village
The most wonderful time of the year is coming to Downtown Tampa! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will transform into a winter wonderland from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3 and you won’t want to miss it.
There will be an ice rink, café with seasonal treats, boutiques from local makers, and so many more holiday activities. This event is for all ages so it’s the perfect night out for families or a date night. Share in this holiday tradition with a view of the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River.
Event Details
🗓 NOV 20 – JAN 3
📍 Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Emerge
We love supporting local businesses which is why we want to talk about this awesome event. Emerge is a post-pandemic series of art and music events in Tampa Bay, supporting local businesses, artists, and musicians.
This experience features 8 local artists, 2 local DJs, and other unique live performances at Social House in Seminole Heights. You don’t want to miss out on this night of music and art so make sure to get your tickets now before it’s too late! Be sure to check out our blog for more information.
Event Details
🗓 NOV 21 | 830PM-1AM
📍 Social House
International Cuban Sandwich Festival
The annual Cuban Sandwich Festival is back! Enjoy the delicious flavors of Latin food at this free family festival. With live music, entertainment, and over 20 Cuban sandwich vendors, it’s a guaranteed good time. There will also be a Cuban sandwich contest with contestants from all over the world. This is dog friendly so you don’t have to leave your pup at home. Your taste buds will definitely thank you for attending this event.
Event Details NOV 22 | 11AM–6PM
Centro Asturiano

Sparkman Wharf's Wheels to Water: Drive-In & Boat-In
Celebrate Sparkman Wharf’s 2nd anniversary with their first ever drive-in AND boat-in experience. Watch the classic flick, Overboard, from the comfort of your car or boat. Registration is required for the drive-in portion but the water doesn’t require registration. Just pull your boat up to the wharf, toss your anchor, and enjoy!
Sparkman Wharf will be celebrating their anniversary all weekend long so make sure to check out their other events here.
Event Details
🗓 NOV 21 | 7PM-9PM
📍 Sparkman Wharf
Local Business Spotlight
EA Smiles
If you still don’t feel comfortable leaving your home and want straight teeth, or you’re just too busy for appointments, we recommend EA Smiles. You can start the process from the comfort of your home or wherever you are! They are the first orthodontist in the state to have this dental monitoring system that allow checkups to be done without getting in the way of your busy day. Check out their website and get the smile you deserve today!
Pet Friendly Stuff To Do
Petzey
There’s no debate, we love our pets. But in today’s world, access to pet healthcare can be tougher than ever, especially when you do not have an urgent reason to see the vet.
As we continue to stay at home, we tend to be hyperfocused on our pet’s behavior and overall health, leading us to ask ourselves (or the internet) a lot of questions. When it comes to our pet’s health, we want answers right away. Luckily, Petzey is here to make it easier. Fill out the form below or click here for a free wellness checkup today!
Dog Friendly Restaurants
One of my favorite things to do in Tampa is to spend the day at Sparkman Wharf! There are so many places to choose from to eat and drink. My personal favorite is Flock & Stock! After getting my food, I don’t walk but run to the Fermented Reality Biergarten and get myself an ice cold craft beer! It’s time to spiral!!!
It’s really such a cool, chill place to hang with friends and family and just enjoy the day and the views! I love taking fashion photos and there are SO many photo ops at Sparkman Wharf. There is the huge Tampa sign when you arrive, the LOVE & PEACE mural painted by Adam Fu and of course, the huge Sparkman Wharf sign! It’s always a blast and a half at Sparkman Wharf but I always have a blast wherever I go!
You can follow along with all my spiraling, fashion moments at Gospel Of Patrick!!!
More Things to Do in Tampa Bay
What's New
Beans & Barlour hit the road with their brand new mobile dessert bar! It’s everything we love about this boozy dessert bar but on wheels!
The Paladium in St. Pete is back with some amazing concerts! Whethr you like jazz or the blues, they have some stuff already lined up this holiday season. Check out their schedule here.
We can never have too many food halls. Enjoy Taco Dirty, Sweet Soul, Fresh Kitchen, and Better Bird all in one convenient location in St. Pete. On the Fly Food Hall is a quick service food hall with the tastiest food! Check it out for your next lunch outing.
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