As we begin a new year, here are a few ways to kick off 2026. January in Tampa Bay is anything but quiet, with a calendar full of festivals, cultural moments, sporting events, and outdoor experiences that set the tone for the year ahead.
Select dates in January
Catch all the action as the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice at Benchmark International Arena. From jaw-dropping goals to edge-of-your-seat overtime thrillers, every game is packed with electrifying energy and the roar of Bolts Nation. Don’t miss your chance to experience NHL hockey at its best right here in Tampa Bay.
January 5 - February 20
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series is back, bringing a fresh lineup of live music to the park. Enjoy all-new performances spanning a variety of genres, included with park admission, and experience your favorite rides and attractions between sets. With music, thrills, and an electric atmosphere, this seasonal series is a must-add to any visit.
January 7
Experience a classic of French cinema at this special screening of The 400 Blows at the Tampa Theatre. François Truffaut’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a young boy navigating life in Paris, balancing rebellion, longing, and the search for self-expression. Shown in French with English subtitles, this stark and unforgettable coming-of-age film is not to be missed. Grab your tickets now for a night of cinematic history!
January 8
This free, open-air event fills the streets with live music, local flavor, and a lively community vibe every second Thursday of the month. Stroll, listen, and soak in the sounds that make Tampa’s downtown pulse—perfect for friends, family, or a fun solo outing.
January 9
Explore the night sky with MOSI’s SkyWatch. Join expert astronomers for an evening of stargazing, from planets to distant galaxies, using telescopes across the Science Park and MOSI Dome. Perfect for all ages, this awe-inspiring event is just $5 for the public and free for MOSI members.
January 9
Experience YuleTides in a sensory-friendly way at The Florida Aquarium. Designed for individuals with sensory differences and their families, this special event features adapted lights, music, and effects for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Limited spots ensure a welcoming environment.
January 9
Experience the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks with Evren Ozel, Cleveland International Piano Competition prize winner, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. The program also features Wagner’s Siegfried’s Rhine Journey and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 15. Free pre-concert conversations begin one hour before the show.
January 10
Get ready for Tampa Oyster Fest, a one-of-a-kind community event benefiting Frameworks of Tampa Bay. Enjoy fresh oysters, low country boil, BBQ, live music, games, and more. This popular festival is a favorite for locals and visitors alike—don’t miss your chance for a shucking good time!
January 10
Winter Jam 2026 is back, showcasing top Christian music artists for an unforgettable evening. Catch performances by Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, Newsong, and a message from speaker Zane Black. Don’t miss the Pre-Jam Party with Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers, and Cliff Preston. No tickets needed—just a $15 donation at the door.
January 11
Day of Discovery at ZooTampa offers a low-sensory morning for individuals with Autism and their families. Enjoy up-close animal encounters, special programming, and learning opportunities from 8:00–9:15 AM.
January 11
Ahoy, dog lovers! Join us for the third annual Pirate Pup Parade and Costume Contest on Water Street Tampa. This fun-filled, free event gives pups of all shapes and sizes a chance to show off their swashbuckling style as they parade down the street. Enjoy adorable costumes, wagging tails, and friendly competition as we crown the best-dressed pirate pup.
January 14
Experience a landmark of French cinema with Hiroshima Mon Amour as part of this month’s Big Picture series. Directed by Alain Resnais, this 1959 masterpiece tells the haunting story of a French actress and a Japanese architect as they navigate love, memory, and the shadows of wartime trauma. Shown in French with English subtitles, it’s a thought-provoking, unforgettable film.
January 14
Step into 1960s San Francisco for The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s fast-paced farce brought to life with a beat-era twist! Mistaken identities, double trouble, and nonstop laughs make this a perfect night out for both Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike. Performed by Jobsite, a six-time NEA Shakespeare in American Communities finalist, this show promises clever humor, high energy, and unforgettable fun.
January 15 - February 1
Step into the glitz and charm of 1950s New York City with Guys & Dolls. This beloved musical follows high-roller Sky Masterson, straight-laced Sarah Brown, and the lovable duo Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide as they navigate love, luck, and life in the city that never sleeps. With unforgettable hits like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”, it’s an evening of romance, laughs, and show-stopping music.
January 16
Experience the music of Billy Joel like never before with the Raymond James Pops: The Billy Joel Songbook! Tony DeSare brings his signature piano and vocal style to classics like “Piano Man”, “Just the Way You Are”, “Only the Good Die Young”, and “Movin’ Out”, all performed with full orchestral arrangements. Sing along, tap your feet, and relive the hits that have defined generations.
January 16 - 17
Celebrate America’s 250th at Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival Jan. 16–17 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds for two nights of thrilling bull riding and star-studded country music. Justin Moore headlines Friday, Trace Adkins takes Saturday, with Lee Greenwood delivering a special tribute both nights, and local favorite Crossfire Creek Band also performing. Enjoy food, drinks, mechanical bull fun, and patriotic celebrations honoring military heroes and the Wounded Warrior Project.
January 17
Join the 41st Annual Plant City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Parade and Festival on Saturday, Jan. 17. The parade kicks off at Wheeler Street and MLK Blvd and proceeds east to the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy at this long-running community tradition!
January 17
Celebrate National Bird Day with ZooTampa’s Education team in Manatee Circle and kick off a new year of Conservation Connections. Explore the Zoo on a fun bird-spotting adventure, discover the amazing species that live here, and learn easy ways to help protect birds in your own backyard.
January 18
Explore The Market, a lively community event featuring over 60 local vendors. Browse fresh, locally grown produce, savor delicious bites from food artisans, and shop unique handcrafted goods from talented makers. Whether you’re hunting for farm-fresh ingredients, one-of-a-kind gifts, or just a fun outing, there’s something for everyone—and admission is free!
January 18
The Viva Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of the cultures that shape our city. Enjoy Latin food, live music, DJs, and cultural dance performances, while honoring influential Hispanic leaders through the Community Heroes Awards. With proceeds supporting disaster relief and student scholarships, it’s a feel-good festival that celebrates community and gives back.
January 21
Experience a cornerstone of French New Wave cinema with Breathless at the Tampa Theatre! This stylish, groundbreaking crime thriller follows a charismatic young criminal on the run and the American student he can’t resist, blending romance, danger, and unforgettable cinematic flair. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard with a raw, innovative approach that changed filmmaking forever, Breathless is a must-see for cinephiles and newcomers alike. Shown in French with English subtitles—grab your tickets for an evening of bold, daring cinema!
January 24
Ahoy, little pirates! Join the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla, presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, for a day packed with family fun. Enjoy a Preschooler’s Stroll, acrobatic air show, pirate-themed parade, dance performances, marching bands, and end the day with the Piratetechnic Fireworks Extravaganza!
January 24 - February 8
Meet Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and all your favorite Sesame Street® friends for interactive shows, playful meet-and-greets, and themed activities that will delight kids of all ages. Enjoy a fun-filled park experience with rides, attractions, and entertainment designed just for little adventurers—perfect for creating unforgettable family memories!
January 24 - March 1
Let the good times roll at this festive celebration, featuring delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and non-stop entertainment. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of Mardi Gras, with live music, colorful décor, and a lively atmosphere that promises fun for everyone. Dance, dine, and toast to a good time.
January 25
Art on the Spectrum is a monthly sensory-friendly event at the Tampa Museum of Art for individuals with developmental differences and their caregivers. Explore the museum in a calm, low-crowd setting with sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones available. Connect with others while enjoying the art, with free admission thanks to the Autism License Plate Fund and Autism Services Grants Council.
January 28
Tampa Theatre’s final Big Picture for January is Cléo from 5 to 7. The 1962 character drama written and directed by Agnès Varda spends its entire runtime from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on June 21 as the young singer Cléo anticipates receiving the results of her recent biopsy, which will confirm whether or not she has stomach cancer. Cléo from 5 to 7 is a meditation on death, a sensitive portrayal of our very human fear of it, and a clear-eyed reflection on its inevitability. In French with English subtitles.
January 29
The Friends of Flor Fina Dinner Series returns for its second installment with a cozy, winter-inspired evening focused on comfort, connection, and culinary craft. Set in the historic Las Novedades, this intimate, chef-led dinner blends live cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and elevated comfort food. Guests will enjoy a four-course menu highlighted by a slow-braised short rib entrée and a nostalgic, indulgent dessert. The night is perfectly paired with handcrafted cocktails and curated wines, all in a warm, limited-seating setting.
January 30
Experience the horror classic like never before with The Shining at Straz Center’s Opera Tampa. Conducted by Rolando Salazar and featuring The Florida Orchestra, this two-act opera brings Stephen King’s chilling story to life with music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec and libretto by Mark Campbell. Watch as Jack Torrance’s descent into madness unfolds at the remote Overlook Hotel, enhanced by stunning design, projections, and lighting.
January 31
Get ready for Tampa’s iconic Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest! Join thousands of revelers as Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla takes to Bayshore Boulevard in a thrilling Parade of Pirates to celebrate capturing the keys to the City. Batten down the hatches, it’s a festive adventure you won’t want to miss!
January 31
Get ready for Kings of Leon live at Benchmark International Arena on Jan. 31. Don’t miss your chance to see the Grammy‑winning rock icons deliver their high‑energy hits and unforgettable live show. Grab your tickets now for a night of electrifying music and incredible performances that will have you singing along all evening long.