One month down, 11 to go! They say, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” and in Tampa Bay, there’s plenty of fun to be had each February. From fairs and festivals to Black History Month celebrations, we’ve rounded up some of the top things to look forward to this February.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Tampa Bay’s diverse blend of people and cultures is the foundation of its success as a welcoming community open to new ideas and new visitors. This Black History Month, we invite you to discover for yourself the many facets of Florida’s most diverse destination. Our diversity has come with struggle, but through the struggle we have grown stronger as a community.
BLACK LOVE CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES
Throughout February
The Tampa Theatre announced the return of its Black Love Classic Movie Series! Back for its third season, the series will center around the theme “Faith, Food & Family.” The theatre will show five films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – that explore journeys of discovery and the roads that lead back, as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.
This Is It! The Miracle of BBQ (2023) *FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING*
3:00 pm Sunday, February 26
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
3:00 pm Sunday, February 25
TBHC BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECEPTION
February 24
Join keynote speaker Senator Arthenia Joyner, a trailblazing leader whose contributions have significantly impacted history, for the Black History Month Reception. This is the Tampa Bay History Center’s third annual event, an inspiration, recognition, and cultural celebration evening. Civil rights legend Reverend Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., a Tampa native, will join Senator Joyner during the program to present the annual award named in his honor, recognizing an individual who has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Black history throughout the years.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
February 7 – 18
Enter a world of splendor and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love!
FLORIDA STATE FAIR
February 8 – 19
Nothing brings a community together like a good time! That’s been the core mission of the Florida State Fair ever since the first fair was held in downtown Tampa at Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel. Today, the fair welcomes over 500M visitors annually to experience all food, fun, and the largest carnival midway in North America! Held each year for two weeks in February, the Florida State Fair is the country’s FIRST State Fair each year.
GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL
February 16 – 18
The 13th annual Gasparilla Music Festival returns for three amazing days of live music across four stages! The daily lineup will see headlining sets by Louis the Child, Big Gigantic, Young the Giant, Coin, Trevor Hall, Lake Street Dive, and more. New this year, Robert’s City Village features a marketplace, libations, live art installations, and an expanded Bike Valet service near the main entrance.
GASPARILLA DISTANCE CLASSIC
February 24 – 25
Come out to Tampa Bay and test your endurance at the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Surrounded by the area’s beautiful weather (yep, it’s paradise), every stride you make at the race benefits charitable youth organizations across the Tampa Bay area. Athletes of all levels can take on the 5K, 8K 15K, half marathon, 5k walk and stroller race and more.
FIESTA DAY
February 24
Fiesta Day celebrates the ethnic diversity of Ybor City and the rich immigrant culture that made Ybor City what it is today. The first Fiesta Day was held in the late 1800s and was seen as a day of rest for the cigar workers. Fiesta Day was not only seen as an event to bring cultures together but was also designed to be Ybor City’s alternative to Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Historic 7th Avenue will shut down to host a variety of local vendors, businesses, and local food options.
THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
February 29 – March 10
Did you know that Tampa Bay is home to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World?! That’s why each spring, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City rolls out the red carpet to welcome visitors from throughout the Sunshine State and around the world. Guests come from near and far to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, livestock, fine arts, crafts, musical performances, rides and entertainment, and of course, the world-famous Strawberry Shortcake (The official dessert of Florida!).
BUSCH GARDENS® TAMPA BAY MARDI GRAS
Now thru March 3
Captivated by the lively hues and delicious tastes of New Orleans’ grandest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will whisk visitors to a lively world of bayou-inspired revelry. Indulge in delectable Cajun-inspired culinary treats, experience an energetic parade featuring festive characters, catch a cascade of multicolored beads, and listen to live and authentic brass bands!
PREHISTORIC PREDATORS AT ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK
Now thru April 14
Embark on a journey through time and witness the awe-inspiring creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago! Experience the ultimate adventure as you get up close and personal with 15 colossal animatronic creatures of the past. This limited-time event will transport you back in time to an era when dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts ruled the earth.