Summer in Tampa Bay is in full swing. Late nights at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, fireworks shows on the Tampa Riverwalk, and family fun every weekend. Tampa Bay is always cranking up the heat in the best way possible. Check out our July events to make the most of your summer in Tampa Bay.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Now - July 19
Cigars! pairs historical photos from The Burns Collection with Zack Wittman's modern images to explore Ybor City's legacy as the cigar capital. The exhibition marks the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled there on April 13, 1885, highlighting how photography has preserved the immigrant traditions and community spirit that still define the city.
June 16 - August 2
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is spotlighting photographic talent from around the world with its 2026 International Photography Competition. The juried exhibition features standout work across seven categories—including portraiture, landscape, documentary, abstract, and conceptual photography—with winning entries displayed at FMoPA’s Ybor City museum and top honors including a $1,000 grand prize.
July 2
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.
July 4
The Tampa Bay History Center teams up with the City of Tampa to present Liberty by the Bay, a vibrant and free Fourth of July celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park transforms into a hub of excitement as Liberty by the Bay unites Tampa for a day packed with family fun, live music, delicious food trucks, a spirited Kids Liberty Procession, a dazzling 250-drone light show, and a spectacular fireworks finale by the water. The History Center will be there with an interactive exhibit that weaves Tampa’s rich history into the festivities. Visitors can also dive into the extended run of America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation, an exhibition that explores the nation’s journey through music, culture, and transformation.
July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday aboard the historic American Victory Ship with Freedom Fest, a dockside Independence Day celebration featuring live DJ entertainment, food trucks, kids’ activities, and patriotic photo ops. Guests can enjoy prime views of the July 4th Boat Parade and a spectacular fireworks display over the water. The family-friendly event runs in the evening with discounted tickets available for military, veterans, first responders, and groups.
July 4
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July in Tampa? Join MOSI for Stars, Stripes, & Science. You can enjoy live music, planetarium shows, food and drinks, science demonstrations, and more. Plus, by taking part, you help support MOSI’s mission to inspire curiosity and a love of science.
July 9
Tame Impala is bringing The Deadbeat Tour to Tampa Bay, with Djo as a special guest. Enjoy The Concert Club, a perfect addition to your ticket, offering an all-inclusive specialty food and drink menu, world-class service, and friendly staff.
July 14
R&B icons Ne-Yo and Akon are set to light up Tampa Bay as their co-headlining Nights Like This Tour makes its stop in the city. The show brings together chart-topping hits, smooth vocals, and high-energy performances for a summer concert fans won’t want to miss.
July 15
J. Cole is set to return to Tampa Bay with a stop on The Fall-Off Tour. The worldwide arena tour marks his first solo headlining run in five years, promising elevated production, fan-favorite tracks, and a powerful live experience that highlights his artistic evolution.
July 17
Country breakout artist Megan Moroney is bringing her Cloud 9 Tour to Tampa, taking over the Benchmark International Arena for a night of standout songwriting and emotionally charged performances. Known for her sharp storytelling and quickly growing catalog of fan favorites, Moroney delivers a set that blends vulnerability with big singalong moments in a full arena production.
July 19
The Water Street Sunday Market takes over downtown Tampa July 19 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. It's the perfect spot to browse, wander, and soak up that classic Sunday morning energy.
July 22
Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire is coming to Tampa, with tickets available now for the show at Benchmark International Arena. The event promises an evening built around timeless hits, crowd sing-alongs, and a high-energy live experience that keeps the music going from start to finish.
July 25
Welsh club Wrexham AFC and English side Leeds United FC will face off in Tampa Bay in a preseason friendly Saturday, July 25 as part of their U.S. summer tour following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Expect an exciting international showcase featuring competitive play and a lively atmosphere as both clubs continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
July 25
The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the ninth annual Bolts Brew Fest, presented by Publix, at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, July 25. The event will feature a curated lineup of craft beers from local breweries and spirits from regional distilleries, along with oversized games, appearances by ThunderBug, and additional entertainment throughout the venue for a lively, interactive experience.
July 26
With the Tampa Theatre undergoing restoration ahead of its 100th anniversary, the historic cinema is bringing its Summer Sing-Along Screenings to Sparkman Wharf. The free outdoor series features The Little Mermaid (animated and live-action versions), celebrating Ariel’s journey of adventure and self-discovery. Guests can also enjoy giveaways, such as LED fans and Tampa Theatre popcorn, for the first arrivals each night.
July 31 - August 2
Florida's largest anime convention, METROCON, offers many fun stage shows, unique vendors, exciting panelists, and hands-on events all weekend, including the famous Anime Human Chess Match, where characters from your favorite anime and video games fight for the fate of the world.