MONTHLY ROUND-UP

FEBRUARY EVENTS

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.

Feb. 1 – Feb. 29

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.

Tampa Theatre

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.

Soul Food (1997)

3:00pm Sunday, Jan. 28

Sister Act (1992)

3:00 pm Sunday, February 4

Peeples (2013)

3:00 pm Sunday, February 11

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

Tampa Theatre

In Celebration of Frederick Douglass

February 7

In honor of Black History Month, the Tampa Theatre commemorates Frederick Douglass and his essential role in our country's history. The evening will begin with a brief program about Douglass presented by Mr. Fred Hearns, Curator of Black History at the Tampa Bay History Center, followed by an interactive performance by Mr. Nathan Richardson: "Frederick Douglass speaks on Democracy." This event is sponsored by the NSCDA-FL Tampa Town Committee, The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation, and the Tampa Bay History Center.

Perry Harvey Sr. Park

Black History Month Walk

February 10

Come and join the walk into history at the Black History Month Walk for Education. Enjoy a fun event for you, your family, and your friends—entertainment, a kids' zone, vendors, food, music, and much more.

Tampa Bay History Center

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.

Henry B. Plant Museum

VICTORIAN VALENTINE MAKING

February 4

Discover the history of Victorian Valentines and create your own keepsakes! Melissa Sullebarger, Curator of Education, will teach you various techniques for constructing valentines, including colors, textures, embellishments, and tricks to make cards pop up and move! Refreshments will be provided by Oxford Exchange.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

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!

State Fairgrounds

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.

Ybor City

Sant' Yago Knight Parade

February 10

Founded in 1972, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago is currently celebrating its 50-year anniversary! Since 1974, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago has organized and hosted the Knight Parade, an annual celebration of Tampa civic pride. The largest illuminated night parade in the South draws nearly 100,000 spectators to watch as a fleet of floats rolls down 7^th Avenue in historic Ybor City along with dozens of marching bands and over 100 participating organizations.

Yacht Starship

Galentine's Brunch Cruise

February 11

Step aboard Yacht StarShip for an unforgettable Galentine’s Brunch Cruise. Set sail on a 2-hour cruise and indulge with laughter, delicious cuisine and great music! The cruise includes bottomless mimosas, so you can set the tone for a day of celebration. The Galentine’s Brunch Cruise is sure to offer plenty of photo opportunities with your besties with the waterways of Tampa Bay as your backdrop!

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

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.

Bayshore Blvd

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.

Ybor City

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.

Plant City

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, 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 Tmapa 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, listen to live and authentic brass bands!

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Prehistoric Predators

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 where dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts ruled the earth.