Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of the Tampa Bay area’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Amalie Arena to the Sound, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Arenas/Stadiums
Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
Capacity: 75,000
When the Bucs aren’t playing under the bright lights at Ray Jay, the West Tampa stadium attracts superstars like Taylor Swift, Queen Bey, and Zach Bryan. The recently renovated stadium also boasts its own pirate ship and top-of-the-line HD video boards.
Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Capacity: 21,500
The former “Ice Palace” hosts rockin’ shows, basketball games, conventions, and of course, the three-time Stanley Cup champs, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The area is also close to Water Street Tampa — so you can start your experience with drinks or a meal at one of the buzzy neighborhood’s new spots.
Imagine: you’re taking in John Legend at the Seminole Hard Rock Event Center.
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock
Concert halls
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts,1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa
Capacity: N/A
Located right off the Tampa Riverwalk, this Tampa mainstay boasts five theaters, a performing arts conservatory, a rehearsal hall, three on-site restaurants, a coffee shop, and banquet facilities. The Straz brings in a swath of shows every year from Broadway hits to opera classics to Disney musicals.
Ruth Eckerd Hall,1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater
Capacity: 2,180
Want to see your favorite artist in a more intimate setting? This hall in Clearwater is known for bringing in big name acts like Jackson Browne + Ringo Starr, plus comedians and tribute bands.
Hard Rock Event Center, 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa
Capacity: 1,500
The Hard Rock’s music venue is on the second level of the casino complex and hosts acts like Seth Meyers and Jerry Seinfeld, concerts, trade shows, private events, and large-scale poker tournaments.
The RITZ Ybor, 1503 E. 7th Ave., Tampa,
Capacity: 1,114
Built in 1917, the Ybor City spot has had many lives as a silent movie theater, playhouse, and now a popular concert venue. The RITZ hosts all kinds of shows from popular bands like All Time Low, to 1990s-themed dance parties.
The Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Capacity: 850
The historic downtown St. Pete theater is home to all kinds of performances from classical and jazz, to blues and opera. And the venue is about to undergo a $10 million renovation.
Outdoor settings
1920 Ybor City, 1920 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Take in R&B and funk or head to block parties at this recently opened hotspot. But the very best part might be the 4,500-sqft rooftop balcony overlooking historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City — talk about a people-watching perch.
Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa
Capacity: 700
This longtime local fave hosts tons of tribute bands, acoustic Sunday brunch, and country, folk, and popular acts. Plus, the Floridiana spot’s menu is packed with delights like homemade chowder, smoked gator ribs, beer-boiled shrimp, and crawdaddy mac.
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4802 US-301, Tampa
Capacity: 20,000
This one’s for the folks who believe live music is best enjoyed outside. Catch major shows from artists like Blink 182, Lana Del Rey, and Noah Kahan at the laid-back venue — plus some incredible TBAY sunsets. The Florida State Fairgrounds-adjacent spot also boasts tons of dining and drinking options + lawn chair rentals.
Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave N. STE 206, St. Petersburg
Capacity: 2,000
This standing-room venue hosts indie acts and popular artists alike (hello Sabrina Carpenter and The Black Keys). And you can keep the party going at one of Downtown St. Pete’s nearby bars and clubs.
The Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater
Capacity: 4,000
Clearwater’s brand-new waterfront venue boasts seating room for 4,000 music lovers with more room in the park’s greenspace. A snippet of this year’s inaugural acts include Gladys Knight, the Beach Boys, Chris Young, and the Steve Miller Band.
Intimate spaces
The Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave, Tampa
Capacity: 720
The Orpheum recently made the move from Ybor City to North Tampa and is known for hosting both emerging artists and blockbuster acts like The Killers. The venue also hosts art shows, charity fundraisers, and dance competitions.
The Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Rd., Tampa
Capacity: 700
Bring on the alt-rock vibes. For the past 40 years, local artists and nationally-known performers have played this divey venue + bar.
Crowbar, 812 N. 17th St., Tampa
Capacity: 300
Stop by this Ybor City venue for live indie and trap tunes, DJ sets, and even music festivals like Vibes of the Bay. The venue’s Crow’s Nest Beer Garden also hosts events and its signature Ol’ Dirty Sundays parties.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.
