Our events calendar is jam-packed with dozens of activities, shows, and concerts on any given day. But, if you had just one day a month set aside for something fun and maybe a little spicy and exciting — which events would you attend?
If you need some help, we’re here to help you narrow it down. Grab your calendars and a pen for these nine worthwhile events from now through June:
February
🏃 St. Petersburg Distance Classic | Feb. 12 | $35-$130 | The fifth annual run features a Boston Qualifier marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and even a virtual option that all have views of Tampa Bay.
Honorable Mention:
🎡 Florida State Fair | Feb. 9–20 | Florida State Fairgrounds | $8-$50 | This annual event celebrates the state’s agricultural industry with jaw-dropping, death-defying circus acts, live music, and of course, deep-fried sweet and savory treats like the dillyicious loaded pickle basket and the Hot Cheeto burger.
March
Watch racers reach speeds of around 200 mph.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
🏎 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg | March 2–5 | Downtown St. Petersburg | $95-$155 | This annual IndyCar street circuit closes off a runway at the Albert Whitted Airport and features top-level open-wheel racecar drivers for a diesel-injected, action-packed, multi-day event.
Honorable Mentions:
Gasparilla Arts Fest | March 4-5 | Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Downtown Tampa | Free | Makers from around the country display and sell their ceramics, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and other kinds of art.
☘️ Mayor’s River O’Green Fest | March 17 | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | Watch as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of St. Patty’s Day green with hundreds of gallons of dye.
April
🎷 Tampa Bay Blues Festival | April 14–16 | Vinoy Waterfront Park | $60-$800 | Blues fans from across the region flock to Vinoy for a full weekend packed with soul.
Honorable Mention:
🇮🇹 Festa Italiana | Date TBD | Ybor City Historic District | Free+ | Get a pizza the action and try loads of delicious Italian cuisines and wines, watch cooking demonstrations, and leave pastatively fulfilled.
May
🏙 Riverfest | May 5–6 | Tampa Riverwalk | Free | Listen to live music from different tribute bands, watch the Wiener Dog Derby, light a lantern, and make a wish + send it off into the night sky.
June
Free hugs are always on sale at the St. Pete Pride Parade
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
🏳️🌈 St. Pete Pride Parade 2023 | June 24 | Free | Grand Central District | Free | March down the streets of St. Pete with 100,000 friends, all in celebration of LGBTQ+ achievements, legal rights, pride, and social and self-acceptance.
