Relax Boldly
SUMMER THINGS TO DO
Unlock a season of adventure in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Dive into culture, explore the outdoors, or indulge deliciously. There’s something for all treasure-seekers this summer in Tampa Bay with so much to see and do.
📍 Busch Gardens
Red, White & Brews
Experience the joy of summer with mouthwatering treats on the Festival Walkway, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6 p.m. from now until July 7. Delight in a range of new summer-inspired dishes such as Hushpuppy Dogs with spicy mustard, roasted corn on the cob, and Peach Pie cupcakes. Join us for a festive evening of seasonal culinary delights.
📍 BAY ROCKET
JET BOAT RIDE
Blast off on Tampa’s adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride. Experience the power of Bay Rocket’s 2,800 horsepower with thrilling 180-degree spins, turns, and bow dips. Feel the rush as the music is cranked up for a 45- to 55-minute blast off on the bay.
📍 URBAN KAI
SUNSET PADDLE HAPPY HOUR
Experience the perfect blend of exercise and relaxation with Urban Kai's Sunset Paddle Happy Hour by Armature Works. Urban Kai offers the opportunity to rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak at a discounted price of just $25. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner, this is a great chance to get out on the water and experience the magic of sunset.
📍 TAMPA THEATRE
SUMMER CLASSICS
Tampa Theatre’s 33rd-annual Summer Classics movie series will showcase films included in the National Film Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Visit the Tampa Theatre website for movie listings and showtimes.
📍 Fat Beet Farm
Guided Farm Tour
Take a guided tour for an exclusive peek at the inner workings and sustainability initiatives of Fat Beet Farm, which offers a 1-hour walking tour that includes the vegetable gardens, aquaponics system, farm animals, vermiculture, biodigester, bees, microgreens production, wetland and coastal preservation areas, and more.
📍 Busch Gardens
Summer Nights
As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay during Summer Nights. Enjoy world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment, and so much more during extended summer hours now through August 11. And, of course, don’t miss the Summer Nights fireworks extravaganza every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday plus Thursday, July 4 on the Festival Field.
📍 Steinbrenner Field
Tampa Tarpons
This summer, you can experience the fun of connecting with loved ones while enjoying America's beloved pastime by attending a Tampa Tarpons minor league baseball game. As the single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Tampa Tarpons play at George M. Steinbrenner Field, which is also the Yankees' spring training field.
📍 THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
SEATREK
Take an aquatic adventure with SeaTREK, a guided underwater walking tour! Designed for non-divers ten years or older, SeaTREK takes place in its 15-foot-deep Heart of the Sea habitat, where participants can explore coral caves alongside hundreds of fish, a loggerhead sea turtle, and more! This exciting underwater opportunity allows you to access the aquatic world's wonders.
📍 ZooTampa
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER
Create lasting memories and get up close and personal with the incredible animals at ZooTampa with a signature encounter. ZooTampa's exclusive encounters offer a unique opportunity to interact with beloved creatures in a safe and controlled environment. Availability is limited, so secure your spot to ensure you get this unforgettable experience.
📍 Adventure Island
Castaway Falls
Get ready to wash ashore at Castaway Falls, the brand-new interactive splash and play area at Adventure Island. With multiple levels and more than 100 distinct play elements, it’s an ideal spot for kids of all ages—even the littlest adventurers. Jump in and explore tons of exciting experiences, from three giant tipping buckets that dump over 1,300 gallons of water combined to four thrilling slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose and spray jets, water curtains, tipping troughs, and much more.
📍 St. James at Encore
Juneteenth Fashion Show
Fashion and Black history collide at the “Fabric of Freedom: Juneteenth Fashion Show” on June 19 at St. James at Encore, 1202 N. Governor St., Tampa. Explore iconic looks from the late 1800s to the present, vibe to the music of jazz saxophonist Javaris Gooding-Butts, savor bites and sips, and enter to win some swag.
📍 Raymond James Stadium
ROC THE BLOCK
The 4th annual Juneteenth Festival is back and inside Raymond James Stadium with another family-friendly cultural extravaganza featuring live DJs, a slingshot car show, artistic dance performances, musical guests, a KidsZone, retail vendors, community resource booths, a variety of food vendors, and so much more.
📍 Tampa Bay
SHOP A LOCAL MARKET
Tampa Bay's monthly markets showcase an array of local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Discover an abundance of fresh produce, handmade crafts, unique artwork, vintage wares, and delicious food offerings. Immerse yourself in the destination, support Tampa Bay's small businesses, and uncover one-of-a-kind treasures.
📍 Water Street
Pride Month Celebration
Kick off your Sundays with The Market at Water Street Tampa, where more than 60 local vendors bring you fresh, handmade, and eco-friendly products. This month, in celebration of Pride Month, enjoy special features like Pride-themed face painting, a live DJ, arts & crafts, and a live painting demonstration by a local LGBTQIA+ artist. Come for a family-friendly event that celebrates love, diversity, and inclusion, showcasing the vibrant creativity and spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community.
📍 Curtis Hixon Park
Summer Series
Summer Series is an annual community activation that brings summer fun to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from June 21 to July 21and begins with a kick-off bash. This year’s Summer Series Kick-Off Bash on June 21 from 12pm - 8pm will feature putt-putt golf, a family-friendly DJ, food trucks, and much more.
📍 Tampa International Airport
2024 Int'l Photography Exhibition
Head to Tampa International Airport from June 26 to August 25 for an exhibition of the winners of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts’ 2024 International Photography Competition. This year’s IPC is the Museum’s most successful to date with an impressive 2,557 photographs submitted by 593 photographers from 59 different countries. An opening reception unveiling the winners will take place on the exhibition’s opening day June 26 from 5:30 - 7:30pm.
More Fireworks
4th of JULY events
📍 Downtown Tampa
BOOM BY THE BAY
Boom by the Bay is the Tampa Downtown Partnership and City of Tampa's official annual July 4 event that brings festivities to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Downtown Tampa. Attendees can enjoy Independence Day activities and marvelous fireworks from this waterfront destination.
📍 Sparkman Wharf
JULY 4 BOAT PARADE
Head to Sparkman Wharf Thursday, July 4 from 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. for a spectacular Independence Day celebration hosted by Friends of the Riverwalk. Enjoy a day filled with festivities including a Water Ski Show, a patriotic Boat Parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, and a grand fireworks display. Register your boat to compete for prizes or simply come and enjoy the free entertainment; VIP tickets are available for an enhanced experience with seating, drinks, and food.
📍 Busch Gardens
July 4 Celebration
At Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, from June 30 to July 4, celebrate Independence Day with an extended patriotic fireworks finale nightly.
📍 Yacht StarShip
Firework Cruises
Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular 4th of July Fireworks Cruise! This 2-hour cruise includes an open bar, a buffet dinner, DJ entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale! Dress code is resort casual.