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Jan  Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
January Events ...
Outback Bowl 2008
January 1, 2008 - Raymond James Stadium
The first Bowl Game to ring in the New Year... the Outback Bowl matches Two of College Football's Best Teams... (3rd pick from each)... from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten Conference.
The `Big Game' is a culmination of a week-long Schedule of Events throughout the Tampa Bay area highlighted by "Beach Day" in Clearwater ... and a New Year's Eve Parade and Fireworks Show in historic Ybor City.
So `grab' your Football Buddies... a `Cold-One'... AND... a Hotel Room... then `explore' your own `Outback' for the entire Weekend. You'll be talking about it with your friends for `years-to-come'.
The Outback Bowl begins at 11 AM, and will be televised live on ESPN
Nearby Hotels: Grand Hyatt Tampa - Wyndham Westshore - Sheraton Suites
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
January 26, 2008 - Various Locations in Downtown Tampa Florida
For nearly 100 years... colorfully costumed Pirates `sail' into downtown Tampa on the world's only fully-rigged Pirate Ship. Built entirely of steel, the Jose Gasparilla measures 165 feet in length and is topped by three 100 foot-tall Masts. Tugboats tow the craft and its crew of pirates with flags flying and cannons blazing as the ship makes its way along the Hillsborough Bay.
Once the pirates have `captured' the city, the Captain and his Krewe share their `treasures' of Trinkets & Doubloons with the reveling crowds along the Parade Route. This historic Parade begins 2 miles south of Downtown Tampa on scenic Bayshore Boulevard and winds along Hillsborough Bay into Downtown.
The Pirate Fest Street Festival continues the day's celebration right into the evening, as the fun continues with live Musical Performances playing throughout downtown. In past years, Gasparilla Pirate Fest has played host to such acts as: the Backstreet Boys, Eddie Money, Paula Abdul and Firefall.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival hours: Saturday 10 AM - 11 PM. Admission is Free.
Nearby Hotels: Westin Harbour Island - Sheraton - Hyatt Regency
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February Events ...
Florida State Fair
February 7-18, 2008 - Florida State Fairgrounds
Tampa is host to the largest major fair in the Southeast, featuring one of the largest Midways in the country. For two weeks starting early in the month, more than 86 Rides and Shows spread over 325 Acres at the Florida State Fairgrounds east of Tampa. There's a wide variety of Agricultural, Educational and Arts & Crafts exhibits, plus lots of Livestock.
There's also a glimpse into Florida's `Cracker' Lifestyle at the turn of the century. Concerts feature headline entertainment to please everyone, ranging from comedy to country, rock to rap. Concert ticket prices vary.
The Fairgrounds are 7 miles east of Tampa off I-4 exits 4, 5 and 6A. Leave Early... or you can plan on heavy Traffic since more than 1 Million People attend every year.
Gasparilla Distance Classic
February 9-10, 2008 - Downtown Tampa
Publix Super Markets 31st Annual Gasparilla Distance Classic attracts world-class Runners who compete `on foot' in 5K and 15K Events. Consistently Voted the "Best Race in Florida" by Florida Running Magazine and ranked among the "Top Ten Races in the U.S." by Runner's World, the Bank of America Gasparilla Distance Classic has become one of the largest Running Events in Florida.
In addition to the Races, there is a "Not For Runners Only - Health and Fitness Expo" at the Tampa Convention Center. This Free Expo features Health and Fitness Demonstrations and the latest in Shoe and Running Apparel.
Valentine's Day
February 14, 2008 - All throughout Tampa Florida
Surprise them this year with a romantic 'Night-on-the-Town'... enjoy a candle-lit dinner overlooking the city, evening cocktails in a luxurious lounge or, perhaps take in a show. Then... 'seal the night off' ... with a Romantic Stay at one of Tampa's romantic hotels. You'll not only impress but, it'll be a Valentine's Day that they'll remember for years to come.
Click for -> Romantic Valentine's Day Hotels in Tampa
Sant'Yago Knight Parade and Family Fest
February 16, 2008 - Channel District & Ybor City
One of Tampa's signature Annual Events, this Free Community Event celebrates the Latin heritage of Ybor City in Mardi-Gras fashion!
During the Day it's an afternoon of family fun with Live Music, Amusement Rides, Interactive Activities and Cultural Entertainment. At Night it's an electronic spectacle of Light as majestically-costumed Knights, brilliantly-lit Floats, festive Marching Bands and bead-tossing Crews parade down the streets of the Channel District and Ybor City.
Nearby Hotels: Howard Johnson - Sheraton - Hyatt Regency
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March Events ...
Gasparilla Festival of Arts
March 1-2, 2008 - Franklin Street Mall - Downtown Tampa Florida
Hundreds of Painters, Artisans, Photographers, Sculptors and Jewelers from around the world display their work at the Gasparilla Festival of Arts. The first show began in 1971 and featured 130 artists. In 2005, with 300 Exhibitors, the festival attracted more than 300,000 Art Enthusiasts, making it one of the largest Art Shows in the Southeast.
Festival-goers will find artists in many mediums including Oil Painting, Water Color, Drawing, Graphics, Paper, Fiber, Jewelry, Ceramics, Photography and Sculpture.
Gasparilla Festival of Arts Hours are 9 AM - 6 PM Saturday; 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday. Admission is Free.
Nearby Hotels: Marriott Waterside - Westin - Hyatt Regency
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April Events ...
TECO Energy Brandon Balloon Classic
April 27-29, 2004 - Vandenberg Airport
More than 50 colorful Hot Air Balloons fill the skies with balloonists from all around the country during the TECO Energy Brandon Balloon Classic. The colorful array of hot air balloons lift off from Vandenberg Airport.
The event will also feature a "Sponsor-Glow"... tethered hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes at various locations creating a warm luminous skyline. "Mr. Winter" (a snowman), "Ms. Autumn" (a pumpkin), "Sunny Boy," "Tony the Tiger" are just a few of the special shape balloons that have made appearances at past classics. This year's featured balloon is the "WHOPPERŽ".
In addition to the Hot Air Balloons, the event will feature an Amusement Ride Area with rides and a midway, hot air balloon rides, static aircraft displays, interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
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May Events ...
AirFest 2008
May 3-4, 2008 - MacDill Air Force Base
Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base buzzes with excitement as Air Fest... one of the largest Air Shows in the Country... comes to town. This Two Day event features either the U.S. Air Force's "Thunderbirds" or the U.S. Navy's "Blue Angels"... performing some `really awesome' Aerial Maneuvers.
Several Civilian and Military aerial acts, including the Golden Knights Parachute Team, which has performed more than 9,000 live Aerial Demonstrations in all 50 States and 46 Countries.
Air Fest will also feature World War II demonstrations... and a wide variety of Aircraft on display, from WWII era fighters to today~Rs high-tech aircraft.
Ruskin Tomato Festival
May 3-4, 2008 - E.G. Simmons Park - Ruskin Florida
Everyone in Tampa Bay is seeing red during the annual Tomato Festival held at E.G. Simmons Park in nearby Ruskin Florida, an historic coastal community just a short distance south of Tampa.
The world-famous Ruskin Tomato is deffinitely the center of attention at this festival, with highlights including; the Great Tomato Cook-off, crowning the Ruskin Tomato Festival Queen, plus all-you-can-eat fresh Ruskin Tomatoes. There will also be live Entertainment, a Farmers Market and really neat Street Rod Show.
Ruskin Tomato Festival hours are: 10 AM - 5 PM each day and Admission is just $4 dollars, while event parking is Free.
Nearby Hotels: Holiday Inn Ruskin - Sheraton - Hyatt Regency
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23-26, 2008 - throughout Tampa Florida
Come enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Tampa ... whether it's the lights & electricity of downtown Tampa... world-class shopping in Westshore... or fun and thrills at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island... there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Days are warm... nights still mild... summer-wear is usually the norm. It's also the first 3-Day Holiday Weekend in a while ... so if you don't deserve a break ... who does?
Click for -> Memorial Day Weekend Hotels in Tampa
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July Events ...
July 4th Celebrations
July 4-5, 2008 - The Florida Aquarium & Downtown Tampa
Anywhere you are in Tampa, you'll find birthday parties for the good old U.S.A. Local newspapers carry all the particulars, so you can find anything from huge Fireworks Displays... to ... `small-town' Parades and Picnics.
The Florida Aquarium, located at 701 Channelside Dr, is the site of Tampa's daylong FreedomFest. Live Music and Entertainment start in the afternoon, and end with a spectacular Fireworks Demonstration at 9 PM. More than 50,000 People turn out, but you can also view the fireworks from a variety of `less crowded' spots nearby.
Click for -> July 4th Weekend Hotels in Tampa
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October Events ...
NSRA Southeast Street Rod Nationals
October 10-12, 2008 - Florida State Fairgrounds
Vintage Automobile Collectors from all-around the world gather at the Tampa Florida State Fairgrounds, for the "largest street rod show in the Southeast." Tampa's 16th Annual NSRA Southeast Street Rod Nationals features more than 1,400 pre-1949 Vehicles worth more than $25.5 million.
These beautiful Cars are on display for public viewing and entered in a variety of
Games and Events. More than 80 Manufacturers and Dealers of
specialty automotive equipment will display and sell their goods,
accessories and supplies in the exhibit buildings and on the grounds.
There also will be an arts and
crafts show, a vintage swap meet, a model car contest, live
entertainment and much more!
Guavaween 2008
October 25, 2008 - Ybor City Florida
Guavaween is an annual Tampa Celebration that attracts more than 100,000 People from all over the world; featuring a Parade, Costume Contest, plus live National and Local Concerts - Guavaween is a full-day of fun for all ages.
Family FunFest fills the streets between 11 AM and 4 PM - offering exciting activities for young and old alike; including a scavenger hunt, safe trick or treating, music, food, rides, contests, and the famous Children's Guavaween Costume Contest & Parade.
After 4 PM `Mama Guava' welcomes her adult revelers, then a Night of Costumed Revelry gets under way. Guavaween Festivities take place in historic Ybor City... featuring fabulous shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Nearby Hotels: Courtyard Hotel - Sheraton - Hyatt Regency Tampa
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November Events ...
Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival
November 3-4, 2007 - EG Simmons Park - Ruskin Florida
Warm ocean breezes and lots of fresh Seafood can be found at this year's 17th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival. There's more than 20 Vendors & Restaurants that will offer visitors tasting samples of their famous Seafood Specialties. You'll have shellfish like Shrimp, cracked Conch & Oysters; along with local favorites like Alligator, Grouper Sandwiches and classic Clam Chowder.
In addition to all of the great Seafood, there's also an Arts & Crafts Show with nearly 100 displays of hand-crafted items, wood carvings, furniture, jewelry, stained glass and more. While non-stop Entertainment performs at various times throughout the event, additional fun will include a Boat Show, children's activities, and wild animals.
Cigar Heritage Festival
November 17, 2007 - Ybor City Florida
The annual Cigar Heritage Festival in Ybor City is a great way for you to `sample` Cigars from around-the-world, while being entertained by Live Music & enjoying some Great Food & Drinks, it'll be lots of fun for the entire family.
There will also be a nationally-know Entertainment Act performing live. Last year's performance by the Atlantic Rhythm Section drew a huge crowd of fans.
Cigar Heritage Festival hours are 10 AM - 5 PM; and Admission is Free.
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For a ' great ' Tampa experience... come visit ... but make Hotel Reservations for your lodging early ... while desirable Rates & Hotel Accommodations are 'still available'. During our Winter Season and Special Event periods ... many Tampa Hotels can often be ' sold-out ' months in advance. Reserve early to ' guarantee ' hotel accommodations.
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