A fantastic weekend is coming our way! We have the Florida Strawberry Festival, Up up and away Balloon Festival, a Hard Rock pool party, and so many more fun things to do in Tampa Bay.
With so much going on, it was tough to choose the top 5 events, so make sure to scroll down to find 5 more great ones! To discover even more things, check out our Instagram or join our Facebook Group.
Now, let’s chat about this BERRY big event that begins on Thursday!
Have you ever tasted the world-famous strawberry shortcake at the Florida Strawberry Festival? Now’s your chance!
This 11-day event is one of the best things to do in Tampa Bay every year. From strawberry sandwiches, pizza, and tacos to strawberry milkshakes, cobblers, and crepes, the strawberry options are endless!
One of our favorite vendors, Peachey’s Baking Co., will serve up their famous Amish donut covered in hot fudge, topped with whipped cream, and Plant City strawberries, of course. Is your mouth watering yet?
In addition to the food, there are lots of rides, livestock shows, exhibits of commerce, and entertainment. Headliners this year include big names such as Rascal Flatts, 98 Degrees, Josh Turner, and more!
Be sure to check out their special days and discounts – for instance, on Saturday kids through high school are admitted free!
Event Details
FEB 27–MAR 8 | 10AM–10PM
Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
2. Tampa Taco Fest
If Taco Tuesdays are your thing, let’s taco’ bout what’s happening on Saturday. Eat all the tacos your heart desires at the 2nd Annual Tampa Taco Fest.
A ton of vendors will be there including Ichicoro, Nacho’s Tacos, Greek Yummies, and more! This is the largest taco festival in Tampa, after all, so there will be a lot of options (even vegan ones)! Non-taco foods, like elote (an ear of spicy corn), will be available too.
Tampa Taco Fest is not only family-friendly but it is also one of the dog-friendly things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend. Tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door, kids 12 and under are free!
Get there early to avoid long lines, it will be busy!
Event Details
🗓 FEB 29 | 10AM–6PM
📍 Al Lopez Park
Watch the Lakeland skyline transform into a mix of bright, brilliant colors as hot air balloons launch from the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. There is no doubt this is one of the most magical things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.
Between live and other non-stop family entertainment, vibrant balloons glows, delicious food options, arts and craft vendors, skydivers, helicopter rides, guests are sure to have a blast at this 3-day community event. You can even embark on a scenic balloon ride! Would you do it?
Another awesome thing about this event is that camping is available! They are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Find all the camping info here!
One day passes are available but the weekend pass is only $5 more. We suggest bringing cash as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
Event Details
🗓 FEB 28 | 2PM–9PM
🗓 FEB 29 | 7AM–9PM
🗓 MAR 1 | 7AM–8PM
📍 SUN ‘n FUN
4. Tampa Bay Daylife Pool Party with Cheat Codes | 21+
Pool parties are back in session! Slip into your swimsuit and dive into the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel’s pool that recently opened–it’s giving us major Vegas vibes!
It’s the perfect weekend to see what all the hype is about because the electronic trio, Cheat Codes, will be performing! Dip your toes in the water, sip on a cocktail, and sing along to No Promises ft. Demi Lovato. If you love good music and being in the sun this is one thing to do in Tampa Bay that you can’t miss out on!
It’s only $15 to get in! Dress code is swimwear so no athletic apparel, jerseys, basketball shorts, jeans, cargo shorts, and no images of drug representation or drug use are allowed. All swim attire must be worn prior to entry.
Event Details MAR 1 | 12PM–6PM Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
5. Game Night: Sip. Shop. Play.
Get your game on and let’s roll for Game Night at Westfield Countryside! Sip. Shop. Play is a great (and free!) thing to do in Tampa Bay with all your friends and family this Friday! Get your head in the game with special deals, one–of–a–kind photo ops, drink samples, bingo, trivia, mini golf, and a chance to win a $100 Westfield Gift Card!
Spend $100 or more at any Westfield Countryside retailer, and receive a $25 Westfield Gift Card. Receipts must be in between the duration of the event and must be redeemed by 9PM at the event’s registration table.
Event Details
🗓 FEB 28 | 6PM–9PM
📍 Westfield Countryside
But wait, there's more! Check out these 5 other things to do in Tampa Bay:
Gasparilla Outbound Voyage
Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Crawl
Leap with the Fishes
Gasparilla Festivals of the Arts 50th Anniversary
Florida Strawberry Restaurant Month
Upcoming Things to Do in Tampa Bay:
One of our favorite local music festivals is returning for its 9th year! Gasparilla Music Festival is back on March 7th and 8th and we couldn’t be more excited for all the national, regional, and local artists.
Check out the killer lineup and get your tickets before they sell out.
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
Kirsten Nye
Selena Perez
Todd Grasley