MONTHLY ROUND-UP

AUGUST EVENTS IN TAMPA BAY

Summer in Tampa Bay turns up the heat with the coolest things to do! Long, sun-soaked days roll into balmy nights filled with waterfront adventures, poolside lounging, sunset cruises, and live music under the stars. It’s the season for spontaneous boat days, icy cocktails, indoor escapes between splashes, and events that keep the energy high well after dark. Whether you’re chasing thrills, cooling off by the water, or embracing a slower summer rhythm, Tampa Bay knows how to do summer right.

📍 Tropicana Field

Tampa Bay Rays Games

Select dates during the summer

Experience the energy of Rays baseball at Tropicana Field. Bring the family, grab some ballpark snacks, and cheer on Tampa Bay as they battle it out on the diamond. With a lively atmosphere, great seats, and all the excitement of America's pastime, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. Grab your glove and your rally towel, and let's go Rays!

📍 Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay

Bier Fest Brews & BBQ

Every weekend July 25 – September 7

All month long, sip & savor delicious brews and soar on epic coasters during Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — a beer-inspired food festival packed with bold BBQ flavors, new beer-infused culinary creations and refreshing craft beers. Each weekend, guests can explore a wide selection of craft brews alongside mouthwatering beer-inspired dishes, offering a variety of flavors and styles. Bier Fest Brews & BBQ runs Saturdays and Sundays, July 25 – September 7. Enjoy bold BBQ flavors, refreshing craft brews, and lively entertainment in this festive atmosphere.

📍 Keel Farms

Keel Farms Summerfest

Select dates now - August 2

Beat the heat this summer every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM – 5 PM at Keel Farms. Enjoy water slides, bounce houses, food truck eats, and refreshing drinks. Just bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel, and they'll handle the fun. Entry is free for all, so gather the family and make it your new summer tradition.

📍 Adventure Island

AquaGlow

Select dates between May 22 - August 8

AquaGlow lights up Adventure Island as a family-friendly neon paradise after dark. Expect vibrant lights, music, glowing entertainment, and immersive surprises. Limited capacity means more space to dance and make memories. Don't miss the hottest summer event of the season.

📍 Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

Summer Nights

Select dates now - August 9

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens runs select dates from May 22 to August 9. After sundown, enjoy extended hours with world-class coasters, live entertainment, the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. During the day, cool off with the Rhythm of Nature ice show and Icons indoor performance. Plus, summer photo ops and seasonal food, all included with park admission.

📍 Straz Center for Performing Arts

AMERICAN IDIOT

July 15 - August 9

American Idiot brings Green Day's Grammy-winning, multi-platinum album to life in a high-energy rock opera packed with every hit from the iconic record. This two-time Tony Award-winning musical delivers an unforgettable Broadway experience—get your tickets now.

📍 Tampa Convention Center

METROCON 2026

July 31 - August 2

Florida's largest anime convention, METROCON boasts a number of exciting stage shows, unique vendors, exciting panelists, and interactive events throughout the weekend, including the world famous Anime Human Chess Match, where characters from your favorite anime and video games will battle it out for the fate of the world.

📍 Straz Center for Performing Arts

The Art of Banksy

August 1 - September 27

Experience The Art of Banksy, the world's largest authenticated collection of privately owned Banksy works, featuring more than 160 original pieces valued at $35 million. See iconic works like Girl with Balloon alongside rare highlights, including the original Flower Thrower and the U.S. debut of Banksy's transformed Mona Lisa. This globally acclaimed exhibition offers a rare look at one of modern art's most influential and mysterious artists.

📍 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Zeds Dead Pool Party

August 2

Zeds Dead has become one of electronic music's biggest independent acts, with hundreds of millions of streams, Billboard hits, and unforgettable live performances. Experience their signature bass-heavy sound live and grab your tickets before they're gone.

📍 Hyde Park Village

Fresh Market

August 2

Join us for Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village every first Sunday of the month from 10 AM -2 PM. Fresh Market is a pet-friendly monthly farmers market featuring over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music in Village Circle.

📍 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Derek Hough

August 4

Dancing with the Stars alum and Emmy award winner Derek Hough is bringing his Symphony of Dance: Encore tour to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on August 4. This is a 21+ event.

📍 Curtis Hixon Park

Rock the Park

August 6

Rock the Park is a free monthly concert series celebrating musical talent across every genre. Held at Tampa's Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the first Thursday of each month, the event is powered by a 15-plus-year collaboration between the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Brokenmold Entertainment.

📍 Tampa Theatre

CatVideoFest 2026

August 7 - 13

CatVideoFest returns to Tampa Theatre with a family-friendly compilation of the internet's funniest and cutest cat videos, all while supporting cats in need. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

📍 Snow Park

Blind Date with a Book

August 10

Love is in the air at Blind Date with a Book. From 4:30 - 7:30 PM, attendees can choose a mystery read wrapped to hide its cover, then unwrap their next favorite story and experience love at first page. Held four times a year in partnership with Oxford Exchange and TeBella Tea Company, with support from the Hillsborough County Public Library (Seminole Heights Branch), it's the perfect way to stay booked and busy.

📍 Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center

813 Day Bash

August 13

Join us for the second annual 813 Day Bash, the best way to celebrate Tampa Bay, proudly sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. Snap a picture with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams’ mascot as you enjoy bites, sips, and shopping from local Tampa Bay businesses. There will be giveaways and activities for all to enjoy. PLUS, the first 50 people to visit the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center table will receive this year’s EXCLUSIVE 813 Day T-shirt.

📍 Benchmark International Arena

Monster Jam Freestyle Mania

August 14 - 16

Get ready for the event that will change everything you thought you knew about freestyle – Monster Jam Freestyle Mania. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying skills and thrills.

📍 Keel Farms

Brew Run 5K

August 15

Lace up and raise a glass at the Keel Farms Brew Run 5K. Choose from a 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. start time and enjoy a scenic course that's perfect for runners, walkers, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. Registration includes a super-soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt, a chip-timed race bib, a souvenir pint cup, a unique finisher medal that doubles as a bottle opener and magnet, plus a celebratory pint of Keel Farms craft beer (or soda for participants under 21).

📍 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Mötley Crüe

August 15

Legendary band Mötley Crüe is confirmed to play Tampa as part of their 2026 “Return of the Carnival of Sins” tour August 15 at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. They’ll be joined by support acts Tesla and Extreme — promising a night full of heavy-hit ‘80s and ‘90s rock energy.

📍 Armature Works at the Heights

Rides by the River

August 15

Calling all automotive enthusiasts: Bring your favorite collector car, hot rod, import, or exotic to Armature Works for the Rides by the River car show. Hundreds of Tampa Bay's hottest and most exotic cars will be on display. Additionally, local dealers and automotive vendors will show off some of their latest vehicles and products. This free event is open to the public and fun for all ages.

📍 Jekyll

Tea at the Queen’s Palace

August 15

Step into the elegance of the Regency era at Tea at the Queen's Palace from 10 AM to 2 PM August 15. Inspired by Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte, this immersive high tea features delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, decadent pastries, specialty teas, and signature royal libations. Don your finest Regency-inspired attire and enjoy an afternoon of grandeur fit for the Queen.

📍 Florida State Fairgrounds

FitFest Tampa Bay

August 15 - 16

FitFest is a high-energy weekend celebrating strength, wellness, and community with something for every fitness level. Watch elite athletes compete in CrossFit, Strongman, Powerlifting, Jiu-Jitsu, Weightlifting, and more, then explore an expo packed with the latest fitness gear, wellness brands, and recovery technology. Round out your day with expert-led classes, special guest appearances, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy.

📍 Water Street

Water Street Sunday Market

August 16

The Water Street Sunday Market takes over downtown Tampa August 16 from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering a lively mix of fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts. The wide sidewalks and urban setting create a uniquely Tampa market vibe, with food vendors, pastries, and lunch options that evolve throughout the day.

📍 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Jack Johnson

August 19

Known for his laid-back acoustic sound and Hawaiian influence, Jack Johnson's concert promises to be an evening filled with heartfelt melodies and uplifting vibes, perfect for fans of folk and soft rock.

📍 Straz Center for the Performing Arts

PENELOPE

August 19 - September 6

This one-woman musical starring Artistic Associate Colleen Cherry is by turns aching, hilarious, haunting, and explosive. After successful productions at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Signature Theatre DC, and Joe’s Pub NYC, Jobsite is excited to offer the southern U.S. premiere of PENELOPE – we’ve been waiting over 2,500 years to hear her side of the story.

📍 Raymond James Stadium

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs. Kansas City Chiefs Pre-season game

August 22

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason showdown at Raymond James Stadium. Experience the energy of live NFL action, watch the team prepare for the upcoming season, and enjoy a night of football excitement with fans from across Tampa Bay.

📍 Sparkman Wharf

Summer Sing-Along: Wicked (2024)

August 23

Tampa Theatre is bringing the magic of the movies to Sparkman Wharf with free Summer Sing-Along Screenings as the historic theater undergoes restoration ahead of its 100th anniversary. Sing along with Wicked as Elphaba and Galinda’s unforgettable story comes to life on the big screen. Arrive early for complimentary popcorn and LED fans while supplies last, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience for all ages.

📍 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Goo Goo Dolls

August 24

Goo Goo Dolls bring their signature sound and timeless hits to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre for an unforgettable night of live music, joined by Neon Trees. Experience an evening filled with chart-topping favorites, high-energy performances, and the songs that have defined generations of fans.

📍 Armature Works at the Heights

Summerween Movie Drive-In Series: The Shining

August 26

Celebrate Summerween with a spooky outdoor screening of The Shining at Armature Works' drive-in movie series. Grab classic movie snacks from on-site pop-ups, park under the stars, and enjoy one of horror's most iconic films from the comfort of your vehicle.