Explore these 2025 Fall and Winter Events Near Tampa

Tampa Bay keeps the good times rolling with sunshine, sea breezes, and an action-packed calendar of fall and winter events. From food and wine festivals to holiday parades and waterfront light shows, the season between September and December offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family escape, there’s no better time to explore Tampa’s festive side—and Sailport Waterfront Suites is your perfect home base.

 

SEPTEMBER

Howl-O-Scream

September 5 – November 2, 2025 / Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Experience the #1 Best Theme Park Halloween Event: Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream! The park transforms into a terrifying realm with haunted houses, scare zones, and sinister shows. Thrill rides take on a new level of fear, and horror lurks around every corner.

 

AZA Annual Conference

September 16-17, 2025 / Tampa Convention Center

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums conference has expanded significantly, drawing nearly 3,000 attendees compared to fewer than 100 in its early days. With a diverse program, it caters to various professionals in the zoological field, including zoo directors, animal experts, educators, marketers, and government representatives. 

 

Girls in Aviation Day

September 20, 2025 / Sheltair Tampa

Join Women In Aviation for an unforgettable Girls In Aviation Day at Sheltair Aviation TPA! This free-spirited event is about sparking curiosity and passion for flight in people of all ages. Explore various aircraft, get hands-on with aviation activities, and connect with over 40 industry organizations. Meet trailblazer Sharon Preszler, the first woman to fly the F-16, and don't miss the thrilling flyover!

 

4th Annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo

September 20, 2025 / Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association Event Venue

Attend the 4th annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo at the vibrant Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association Event Venue! This year's theme, "Keeping Black Lit Alive," celebrates the richness and diversity of Black literature. Meet acclaimed authors, discover new voices, and be part of a movement that uplifts and empowers.

 

Fall Family Fest & Market

September 27, 2025 / 11 AM / Water Works Park, Tampa

Celebrate the start of Fall in Tampa Bay with free fun for the whole family! Enjoy interactive exhibits, giveaways, swag bags, great food, and entertainment. Kids can have a blast in the free corn maze, face painting, and balloon activities. The event features a dog park, splash pad, and shady spaces, with nearby access to the River Walk, Ulele, and Armature Works. Admission is free!

 

OCTOBER:

Papa Roach & Rise Against Concert

October 4, 2025 / Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

Get ready to rage with Papa Roach and Rise Against on their co-headlining tour, 'Rise of the Roach'! Catch the Grammy-nominated rockers and punk legends in Tampa on October 4, 2025, for a high-energy show featuring hits from both bands' 25-year legacy. Expect a wild ride with thrashing, smashing, and head-banging hits that'll blow your mind.

 

Oktoberfest Tampa

October 10-12, 2025 / Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Get ready for the 16th Annual Oktoberfest Tampa Tradition! Celebrate German culture with cheer, dancing, and singing along the Hillsborough River at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on October 10-12. Enjoy cooler weather, colder beer, and festive fun. The festivities kick off on Friday, October 10, with the inaugural keg tap – a great way to start the celebration!

 

Tampa Bay Football Classic
October 11, 2025 / Raymond James Stadium

The inaugural Tampa Bay Football Classic is coming to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, October 11! Watch as the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats face off against the Southern Jaguars in a high-energy SWAC showdown. Beyond the game, the Classic is a full celebration of HBCU culture, tradition, and community pride. Fans can look forward to exciting pre- and post-game events, live concerts, food festivals, and cultural showcases. Don’t miss the legendary halftime show, featuring the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats and the iconic Southern University Human Jukebox.

 

Gasparilla Bowl Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament

October 17, 2025 / 8 AM - 4 PM / Tampa Convention Center

Attend the Gasparilla Bowl Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament, where anglers will compete to catch various inshore species. This exciting tournament promises a fun-filled day of fishing, competition, and community at one of Tampa's premier venues.

 

14th Annual Tampa Pig Jig

October 18, 2025 / Julian B. Lane Park

Get ready for a mouthwatering day of BBQ and live music at the 14th Annual Tampa Pig Jig on October 18 at Julian B. Lane Park! Enjoy performances by country stars Megan Moroney, Midland, Matt Nathanson, Jamestown Revival, and George Pippen. Plus, indulge in delicious food, drinks, and an amateur corporate BBQ competition. Support a great cause: proceeds benefit NephCure's mission.

 

Hillsborough County Fair

October 30 - November 9, 2025 / Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

The Hillsborough County Fair is an 11-day celebration of community, youth competitions, arena entertainment, and fair fun for everyone. Enjoy a variety of activities, including live entertainment and exciting competitions. This annual county fair is a great event for all ages to enjoy together.

 

NOVEMBER:

Tattoo Arts Convention 2025

Tampa Convention Center / November 7-9, 2025 

Get ready for a showcase of stunning artistry at the Tattoo Arts Convention 2025, where talented tattoo artists from around the world will gather to share their skills, creativity, and passion. Meet the artists, see live tattooing, and experience the vibrant culture of the tattoo community.

 

Christmas Town

November 14 - January 5, 2025 / Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Get into the holiday spirit at Busch Gardens! Enjoy a dazzling display of twinkling lights, festive shows, and delicious holiday treats from November 14 to January 5. A magical winter wonderland awaits – mark your calendars for a joyful celebration!

 

Ybor Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 20, 2025 / 1600 E. 7th Avenue.
The 14th annual Ybor City Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive holiday event hosted by the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore local shops and eateries, and take part in holiday cheer. The event brings together the community to kick off the holiday season in style.

 

Tampa Bay Holiday Market

November 22-23, 2025 / The Coliseum

Get into the holiday spirit at the Tampa Bay Holiday Market & Expo! This festive event is a one-stop shop for unique gifts, holiday décor, and delicious treats. Explore a curated selection of local artisans, crafters, and vendors, and enjoy live entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, and DIY workshops. Bring the whole family for holiday crafts, photos with Santa, and exclusive holiday deals.

 

DECEMBER:

World Champions Cup

December 4-7, 2025 / The Concession Golf Club

The World Champions Cup is an annual three-team, three-day stroke play tournament featuring major champions, Hall of Famers, and legends of the game. The event will pit Team USA, Team International, and Team Europe against each other with teams earning points for every hole won. The team with the highest point total after three days will win the World Champions Cup. Sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, the event will air on ESPN and ABC. 

 

Santa Fest & Tree Lighting

December 6, 2025 / Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

The 2025 Santa Fest and Tampa Tree Lighting Ceremony is a fun-filled event for all ages! The Santa Fest parade starts at 1 p.m., traveling from Morgan Street and Madison Street to Ashley Drive. Later, the Tampa Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a concert, dancers, and more. Admission is free, and a holiday movie will be shown after the tree lighting.

 

ZooTampa New Year Celebration

TBD / ZooTampa

Ring in the New Year early at ZooTampa at Lowry Park's New Year Celebration! Enjoy hourly countdowns from 10am-4pm, festive foods, a live DJ, kid-friendly activities, and fun giveaways – a fun and family-friendly way to kick off the new year!

 

Stay Close to The Action at Sailport Waterfront Suites

With so many unforgettable events happening just minutes away, fall and winter are the perfect seasons to experience the best of Tampa. After a day of exploring, come home to your spacious suite, sip a sunset cocktail on the balcony, or relax by the waterfront fire pits at Sailport Waterfront Suites. Book your stay today and make your Tampa getaway one to remember.