MONTHLY ROUND-UP

 SEPTEMBER EVENTS
IN TAMPA BAY 

Tampa Bay is showing up and showing out this September! Don’t miss nationally recognized artists like Chance the Rapper and Tim McGraw, release your inner artist at a paint & sip night with friends, or chill out at one of MOSI’s laser light shows. Get a taste of Fall at Plant City’s Oktoberfest and embrace the thrills of the annual Howl-O-Scream® at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. Take advantage of everything our incredible Tampa Bay community has to offer. 


SPORTS &
MUSIC EVENTS

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Bier Fest
📍 Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay 

Bier Fest Brews & BBQ

Every weekend July 25 – September 7 

Visitors can taste delicious brews, enjoy BBQ creations, and ride thrilling coasters at Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Guests can sample a wide selection of craft beers and tasty, beer-inspired food, with a variety of flavors and notes, new beer-inspired dishes, and refreshing craft beers. 

 

The Art of Banksy
📍 Straz Center for the 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.

 

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta
📍 Lykes Gaslight Square Park

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

September 2

Let’s fiesta! The Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta is back because so many people asked for it, and everyone’s hungry. Come to Lykes Gaslight Park on the first Wednesday of every month from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy plenty of local food favorites that really go the extra mile.

 

Comic Con
📍 Tampa Convention Center

Tampa Bay Comic Convention

September 4 - 6

The Tampa Bay Comic Convention, Florida's top fandom event, features a large vendor hall, excellent cosplay, meet-and-greets with globally recognized celebrities, and panels covering all aspects of comic books, anime, gaming, and sci-fi!

 

Tampa Bay Rodeo
📍 Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 

Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival 

September 4 - 5

The yearlong celebration of America's 250th continues Labor Day Weekend at the first Fall Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Enjoy two nights of full rodeo competition featuring bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, and more.

 

Fresh Market
📍 Hyde Park Village

Fresh Market

September 6

Stroll through Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village on the first Sunday of every month from 10 AM - 2 PM. Fresh Market is pet-friendly and features over 80 local vendors, including produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more! While you shop, enjoy live music in Village Circle.

 

Dali
📍 The Dalí Museum

Panel Discussion: Art, Conscience and the Public Square

September 8

Join the Dalí Museum for a panel discussion on how artists, institutions, and communities influence one another. Whether in the studio, on stage, or in a museum, the story of art is also the story of community, its values, and its responses to new ideas and challenges.

 

Ruskin Canvas and Wine – King of the Farm
📍 Ybor Grille Restaurant

Ruskin Canvas and Wine

September 8

Turn your Tuesday night into a colorful adventure at Ruskin Canvas and Wine at Ybor Grille Restaurant, where you can paint “King of the Farm!” Savor your favorite cocktail, share tasty bites, and laugh with friends and family as you create your own masterpiece. Our Wine and Canvas Instructor will guide you every step of the way, and all painting supplies are provided. Treat yourself to delicious Latin cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. It is the perfect recipe for relaxation, connection, and a celebration of creativity! 

 

Downtown's Backyard Market
📍 Poe Plaza

Downtown’s Backyard Market

September 10 

Come enjoy fresh finds and city vibes at Downtown’s Backyard Market! Every month, Poe Plaza comes alive as local businesses and vendors bring fresh produce and food right to the heart of Downtown. Whether you’re looking for flowers or pastries, you’ll find plenty of local flavors to try. Stop by on the second Thursday of each month to check out a changing lineup of local vendors. There’s always something new waiting for you.

 

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
📍 JW Marriott Water Street

Live Painters at Beacon Rooftop

September 11

In partnership with Art Fair Tampa, enjoy live artistic expression across the Tampa Marriott Water Street Collection. Featured artists create in real time while Beacon, Tampa Bay’s highest public rooftop bar, debuts an exclusive cocktail inspired by each showcase.

 

Howl-O-Scream
📍 Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

Howl-O-Scream®

September 11 - October 31

Experience horror at every turn at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream®. The whole park transforms into a nightmarish realm of horror, featuring haunted houses – immersive, high-intensity walk-through experiences – and scare zones – streets filled with roaming creatures and unexpected frights. Attend sinister live shows, dark entertainment with shocking performances, and world-class coasters and attractions transformed by terror. 

 

Straz
📍 Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Gauri B: Years in the Breaking

September 12

Gauri B is a comedian who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. With more than 100 million views on her online clips, she has built an international following with comedy that tackles everything from culture and politics to dating, relationships, and beyond. Her crowd work, especially her hilarious takes on dating and relationships, has become a fan favorite, but fair warning: her comedy may not be for the easily offended.

 

Running Mate
📍 Gadsden Park

Summer Sizzler - Tampa

September 13

Lace up and make this race your own adventure! Our lively, family-friendly event embraces every runner and walker, from record chasers to those just here for the good vibes. Pick your perfect distance—5K, 10K, 15K, 1 Mile, or Kids Dash—and dive into a morning packed with awesome swag, unique finisher medals, free race photos, live results and awards, plus a refreshing Kona Ice treat waiting at the finish. Rally your crew and create unforgettable memories at a race day you’ll be talking about long after the finish line!

 

Hotel Flor Tampa
📍 Hotel Flor

LIVE ARTIST PAINTING by Rachel Covello

September 18

Come to Hotel Flor for a complimentary lobby gallery event featuring a live artist painting while guests enjoy the beautiful historic lobby and Centennial Series Historic Happy Hour at The Dan. From 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Hotel Flor lobby gallery, enjoy live jazz music and live painting by local creator and artist Rachel Covello. 

 

Red Bull Dance Your Style
📍 The RITZ Ybor

Red Bull Dance Your Style Battle Day

September 18

The Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final weekend kicks off in Tampa Bay with an epic battle night celebrating the Southeast’s vibrant dance culture. Expect exhibition battles featuring local and international talent, a Battle Royale, the official Top 16 bracket reveal, and a high-energy after-party with Rhythm N’ Roots. With DJs, world-class dancers, and plenty of community energy, it’s the perfect prelude to the national final at the Tampa Convention Center.

 

JW Marriott
📍 JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

JW Art Market

September 19

In partnership with Art Fair Tampa, experience a lively open-air market celebrating local creativity with talented artists, live painting demonstrations, curated cocktails, seasonal bites, and live music. Set against the waterfront backdrop of the Sixth Floor Event Lawn at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, this vibrant gathering offers the perfect setting to discover art, enjoy local flavors, and soak in the Tampa Bay atmosphere.

 

The Portico Cafe
📍 The Portico

5th Annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo

September 19

Come together with the Tampa Bay community to celebrate the region’s Black and Brown independent authors, the storytellers, educators, and creative voices who are sharing their experiences, inspiring their communities, and bringing new worlds to life through their work. Join us in recognizing the power of local storytelling and supporting the authors who continue to make an impact through the written word. 

 

Jekyll
📍 Jekyll Hyde Park

Emerald City (Oz): High Tea at Jekyll Hyde Park

September 19

Step into the magical world of Oz for an afternoon of emerald elegance, whimsical treats, and wickedly good fun. This enchanting, Wicked-inspired high tea features specially curated teas, themed cocktails, and decadent desserts that are almost too magical to eat. Whether you’re Team Elphaba or Team Glinda, come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy an over-the-top experience filled with theatrical touches and delicious surprises. Costumes are encouraged, but not required!

 

Tampa Museum of Art
📍 Tampa Museum of Art

Pride & Passion – 20th Anniversary

September 19

Celebrate 20 years of Pride and Passion with an unforgettable evening inspired by the drama, beauty, and romance of classical mythology. Dress to embody your favorite god, goddess, hero, or muse, whether that means flowing drapery, striking armor, or full-on glamour. Raise a glass at the open bar, savor delicious bites from LGBTQ+-friendly local vendors, and enjoy captivating performances that bring ancient myths to life. Expect an evening filled with enchantment, intrigue, celebration, and plenty of divine flair.

 

Destinations International Annual Convention
📍 Tampa Convention Center 

Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final USA

September 19

Cheer on some of the nation’s top street dancers as they go head-to-head at the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final. With the audience deciding the winner through live voting, every battle is unpredictable and high-energy. The newly crowned national champion will earn the chance to represent the USA at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Zurich, Switzerland. Hosted by K-Sole and Myverse with DJ Hans on the decks, the event will showcase dancers including Kidd The Monster, King Havoc, Marlee Hightower and JREAMZ. All ages are welcome!

 

Driftlight
📍 JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

Sip & Paint

September 24

In partnership with Art Fair Tampa, Driftlight Steakhouse invites you to an intimate evening where art, wine, and culinary creativity come together. Enjoy exceptional wines and chef-curated hors d’oeuvres while creating your own hand-painted wine bottle to take home. Plus, every guest receives a ticket to Art Fair Tampa’s opening night on October 15 at the Tampa Convention Center.

 

Kids Market
📍 Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen

Kids Market Movie Night

September 25

Make it a family night out at Yuengling Brewery! Browse a lively kids market filled with handmade crafts, toys, and sweet treats before settling in for an outdoor movie under the stars. It’s an easygoing evening packed with shopping, family fun, and memories for the little ones.

 

MOSI
📍 MOSI - Museum of Science & Innovation

Laser Light Show: Queen

September 25

Rock out under the stars with Queen’s greatest hits brought to life through an unforgettable laser spectacle. Head to MOSI’s planetarium for vibrant visuals, booming music, and immersive effects that transform the night into a celebration of one of rock’s most iconic bands.

 

Oktoberfest
📍 Downtown Plant City

5th Annual Oktoberfest

September 26

Grab your friends, raise a stein, and celebrate fall at Plant City’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest! Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying bier gardens, live music, German-inspired food and entertainment, local vendors, games, and family-friendly fun throughout Plant City’s historic downtown. Prost!

 

A PEEK INTO OCTOBER 2026! 
 

Oktoberfest
📍 Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Oktoberfest Tampa 

October 9 - 11

Tampa’s Oktoberfest tradition returns for its seventeenth annual celebration along the Hillsborough River! Raise a stein, enjoy authentic German-inspired festivities, and soak up the lively atmosphere with dancing, singing, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of cold beer. Whether you’re coming for the food, music, or festive spirit, this three-day celebration is the perfect way to welcome cooler-weather vibes to Tampa.

 

Art Fair Tampa
📍 Tampa Convention Center

Art Fair Tampa 

October 15 - 18 

Tampa Bay gets a vibrant new celebration of creativity with Art Fair Tampa, bringing an exciting showcase of art and culture to the Tampa Convention Center. Spend the weekend discovering inspiring works, connecting with artists and immersing yourself in a dynamic art experience right in the heart of downtown Tampa.