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.
Tampa Bay Rays Games
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 during the summer
Keel Farms Summerfest
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 now – August 2
AquaGlow
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 between May 22 – August 8
Summer Nights
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. Select dates now – August 9
2026 International Photography Competition
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. June 16 – August 2
Water Street Sunday Market
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.
Wrexham AFC vs. Leeds United FC
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.
Bolts Brew Fest
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.
Summer Sing-Along: The Little Mermaid (2023)
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 26
METROCON
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. July 31 – August 2