Tampa is home to more than 350,000 people and is a hot-spot tourist destination year-round. With that many people, you know there are fantastic events and festivals happening throughout the year.

These festivals are the perfect way to celebrate and have a fresh kind of fun for locals and tourists alike. Here is a brief overview of a few of the popular festivals in Tampa so you can prepare for the fun to come in 2019.

Gasparilla

The biggest Tampa festival of the year is Gasparilla, which takes place the last weekend of January. Gasparilla celebrates a Spanish pirate named Jose Gaspar who terrorized the coastal waters of Florida in the late 18th and early 19th century.

The festival has everything you could ever want in a celebration: a parade full of floats and bead-throwing, music, and even a mock pirate invasion! It’s the biggest celebration in Tampa every year so expect to see locals go all out.

Florida State Fair

Each year, for two weeks in February, the Florida State Fairgrounds is host to the Florida State Fair.

Florida residents create exhibits to showcase their skills in horticulture, agriculture, crafts and more.

Featuring every carnival ride you can think of, fried foods, fun houses, and tons of stuff in the expo center the state fair is a perfect date night activity or family outing.

Strawberry Festival

In February (it’s a busy month), it’s strawberry season which means it’s time for Tampa’s own Strawberry Festival!

Drawing visitors from all over the state, the strawberry festival is almost like a mini state fair. Complete with a youth livestock show, headliner entertainment, tons of rides, an art show and more. And of course, all the strawberries and strawberry shortcakes you can enjoy.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival

The Bay Area Renaissance festival at the Museum of Science and Industry is held during February and March. If you have an interest in the Renaissance period, this is the festival for you.

Stroll through a replicated 16th Century European village featuring stages with live entertainment. Interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day.

Find more that 100 artisans in the Festival marketplace displaying and selling their handcrafted wares for a unique shopping experience.

Hyde Park Village Art Fair

Wander among life-sized sculptures, dramatic paintings, handcrafted jewelry, photography, ceramics, from more than 100 exhibitors at the Hyde Park Village Art Fair.

The 29th annual edition of the fair will be held in the historic Hyde Park Village in late March 2019.

Set among brick courtyards, fountains, and beautiful tree-lined streets the fair has a unique old-world setting, perfect for a fine arts fair.

There Are More Than Just Festivals in Tampa

Whether you’re an out-of-towner or a local, you already know there’s more than just awesome festivals in Tampa. You also have easy access to the most beautiful beaches in the country, excellent nightlife, and great food.

If you’re contemplating a move to the Tampa Bay area, contact us today so we can help make your move effortless and smooth.