Heads up: Tampa Theatre’s main auditorium is closed March–September 2026 for restoration, though select events may still happen in other spaces.

Built in 1926, Tampa Theatre’s majestic movie palace hosts more than 600 events each year, including first-run films, classic movies, concerts, corporate events, educational programs, weddings, and tours. It is a passionately protected landmark and one of America’s best-preserved movie palaces.

The majestic building is owned by the City of Tampa and operated as a dynamic film and cultural center by the not-for-profit Tampa Theatre Foundation. Programming is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Tampa Theatre is a proud member of the League of Historic American Theatres and the Art House Convergence.

DOORS:

Doors open (1) one hour before the ticketed showtime.

PRO TIPS:

Check out these seat selection tips below to help craft the experience you’re looking for.

✨LONG LEGS: Seating on the orchestra (first-floor) level was recently expanded to include an additional six inches of legroom per row, whereas the mezzanine and balcony levels maintain their somewhat snug 1926 spacing.

LOTS OF SNACKS: Seats in the mezzanine section (the front part of the balcony) are now equipped with small bistro tables between every other seat with plenty of space to park your popcorn and tuck your Twizzlers.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: One of the new seating options added during the recent restoration is two plush banquettes mid-way up the balcony. Each of the couch-like benches spans an entire row, and a center divider marks what is intended to be seating for four adults. It’s the perfect spot for families with young kids who might want to stretch out and take a snooze while the grown-ups enjoy the rest of the movie. (Note: the banquettes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for general admission events, and must be purchased in blocks of four for reserved-seating events.)

DATE NIGHT: The back rows of the balcony have been the setting for stolen kisses and snuggling under the stars for more than 95 years. Just keep it PG, please…

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

In accordance with Florida state law, weapons of any kind (including but not limited to firearms, knives of any size, explosives, and pepper spray or mace containers) are prohibited at Tampa Theatre.

Prohibited items include oversized bags and backpacks, video cameras, laser pointers, noise makers, weapons, and illegal drugs. We do not allow any outside food or beverage.

Before you visit Tampa Theatre, please CLICK HERE for more Know Before You Go information.

PARKING:

On-Street Metered Spaces: Metered spaces near Tampa Theatre are available for a nominal hourly rate and are enforced from 8:00 am to midnight, seven days a week.

City of Tampa Parking Garages: The closest public parking garage is the William F. Poe Garage, located about three blocks west of Tampa Theatre at 800 N. Ashley Drive between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the John F. Germany Public Library. Hourly parking rates start at $2, with a daily maximum of $15.

Click HERE for more information about metered spots and city-owned garages.

Tampa Theatre

Venue info