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.
Real Music Series
Jan. 6 – Feb. 22
The Real Music Series at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is back, bringing an exciting mix of tribute performances spanning classic rock, soul, pop, and R&B. These incredible shows are included with park admission, offering guests the chance to enjoy live music from talented tribute artists while exploring all the park has to offer.
Mardi Gras
Jan. 11 – March 2
Join in the fun at Busch Gardens’ family-friendly Mardi Gras event! Enjoy lively parades, jazz-inspired tunes, and vibrant entertainment. Savor delicious Cajun cuisine fit for royalty and grab some festive beads along the way. Experience the energy and fun of the “Big Easy” right here in Tampa Bay!
Stargazing 101 – Telescope Tutoring
Feb. 5, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Master the art of stargazing in a hands-on, two-hour session where you’ll learn how to set up, align, and use your telescope to explore the night sky. Expert guides will walk you through the basics, helping you discover celestial wonders from your own backyard. The event is weather-dependent, with an indoor option at the planetarium in case of unfavorable weather. Open to ages 10 and up, with parental supervision required for those under 18. Pre-registration is required two weeks in advance.
Workshop: Afro-Surrealist Collage
Feb. 4, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Experience a hands-on workshop, beginning with a viewing of The Subversive Eye exhibition. Afterward, Jake-ann Jones and Debbie Garrett will lead a presentation on Afro-Surrealism and guide participants through a collaborative collage project. Explore Afro-Surreal Expressionism and contribute to a creative exploration of Blackness in surrealist art. The ticket includes gallery access and materials, and the event contains mature content.
Opening Celebration & Artist Reception
Feb. 6, 5:00 PM
Celebrate the opening of Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art at the Tampa Museum of Art. Explore the works of over seventy Cuban artists while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a signature drink. At 6 pm, join a panel discussion with 11 featured artists. This special exhibition highlights Susie and Mitchell Rice’s decade-long journey with Cuban art, offering a unique view of modern and contemporary Cuban culture.
Arturo Sandoval
Feb. 6, 7:30
Don’t miss seeing Arturo Sandoval, one of contemporary jazz’s most celebrated musicians, live in concert. Known for his mastery of Latin jazz and dynamic performances, Sandoval brings a unique fusion of rhythms and sounds to the stage in an unforgettable evening of music.
Florida State Fair
Feb. 6-17
The Florida State Fair is back at the Florida State Fairgrounds, bringing a vibrant celebration of all things Florida. Get ready for heart-pounding rides, delicious fried treats, and a variety of entertainment that will captivate you. Explore agricultural exhibits, enjoy live performances from local talent, and make memories with family and friends.
Drive-by Truckers
Feb. 7, 8:00 PM
The Drive-By Truckers are hitting the road for their Southern Rock Opera Revisited Tour, performing nearly the entire album with their signature energy and powerful storytelling. This unique show celebrates the music’s lasting impact, blending rock, history, and the band’s unforgettable sound in an electrifying live experience.
Sant’ Yago Knight Parade
Feb. 8, 7:00 PM
The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade is an annual celebration of Tampa civic pride since 1974. Every February, costumed participants, illuminated floats, marching bands and special guests parade through Ybor City, with thousands of spectators and families lining Seventh Avenue. More than 100 organizations will participate in the Knight Parade, including local government officials, dignitaries and many of Tampa Bay’s krewes.
Sal Vulcano
Feb. 8
Calling all Impractical Joker fans! Sal Vulcano is stepping out on his own for a night of stand-up comedy, leaving behind the hidden cameras and pranks for some genuine, unfiltered laughs. Known for his role in Impractical Jokers, Sal offers fans an opportunity to experience him in a completely new way. With his sharp wit and candid approach, this performance is all about Sal, unmasked and in the spotlight.
Mary J. Blige: The For My Fans Tour with NE-YO & Mario
Feb. 8, 7:00 PM
Mary J. Blige’s For My Fans Tour is a night where music and emotion collide. With NE-YO and Mario by her side, this powerhouse trio will take you through unforgettable hits and smooth, soulful vibes. It’s a celebration of love, strength, and the music that has connected generations, all served in an electrifying, one-of-a-kind performance.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical
Feb. 11-16
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s life, from his humble Brooklyn beginnings to becoming a rock legend. Filled with his iconic songs like “Sweet Caroline” and “America,” the show captures the heart and soul of his rise to stardom. It’s a celebration of the music that made him a household name and the moments that shaped his unforgettable career.
Black History They Don’t Want You to Know
Feb. 12-13, 7:00 PM
Experience a powerful blend of poetry and live theater that uncovers the hidden stories of Black history. Written by Lance Flenton and directed by Bob Devin Jones, this captivating production reveals untold truths, shedding light on the resilience and triumphs that history has often overlooked. Celebrate Black History Month with this eye-opening journey into the past.
Modi: Pause for Laughter Tour
Feb. 13, 7:30 PM
Modi brings his sharp humor and storytelling to the stage in his Pause for Laughter Tour. With TV appearances on HBO, Comedy Central, and Howard Stern, Modi blends personal experiences with cultural insights, making his comedy relatable and hilarious.
Poetry at the Dalí
Feb. 13, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Poetry at The Dalí is a monthly series hosted by former St. Petersburg poet laureate Helen Pruitt Wallace, showcasing talented poets every second Thursday. Held on the museum’s ground floor, this free event offers an intimate setting for poetry lovers, with access to the ground floor open to the public.
Behind the Bottle
Feb. 13, 6:30 PM
Join Behind the Bottle for a night of flavor and fun as local brand ambassadors share the stories behind premium spirits. Work alongside an expert mixologist from Three Oaks Hospitality to create four unique cocktails featuring McQueen & the Violet Fog gin. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or a beginner, it’s a night filled with delicious drinks and great company.
Line Dancing in the Backyard
Feb. 13, 20, 27, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Every Thursday, the backyard at Keel Farms becomes a lively dance floor with free line dancing lessons. Enjoy a delicious dinner from the farm-fresh menu before stepping outside to learn new steps, enjoy the fresh air, and dance the evening away. It’s a night full of energy, good food, and great company, all under the stars.
Morgan Jay – This One’s For You Tour
Feb. 15, 7:00 PM
Morgan Jay’s This One’s For You tour comes to Tampa Theatre for a night full of comedy and live music. Expect a dynamic performance that blends sharp wit, original songs, and genuine connection. With his unique style, Morgan creates an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment at one of Tampa’s most iconic venues.
Jo Koy – Just Being Koy Tour
Feb. 16, 7:30 PM
Award-winning comedian Jo Koy brings his unfiltered humor to the stage on his Just Being Koy Tour. Known for his high-energy performances and candid, relatable storytelling, Jo Koy delivers an evening of raw, laugh-out-loud comedy.
Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic
Feb. 22-23
The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend is Tampa’s signature road race event, featuring four exciting race distances—15K, 5K, Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and 8K. For those seeking an extra challenge, the weekend offers several race combinations, including the Michelob Ultra Challenge, Pure Gold Challenge, Infusion Challenge, and Organic Seltzer Challenge. With a fast, flat course along the scenic Bayshore Boulevard, this race delivers a memorable race for runners of all abilities.
Kelsea Ballerini – Live on Tour
Feb. 22, 7:00 PM
Kelsea Ballerini takes the stage on her tour, bringing her unique blend of country and pop music to fans nationwide. Enjoy a night of great music showcasing her hit songs and new releases.
Sunday Morning Market
Feb. 23, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Sunday Morning Market, held on the fourth Sunday of every month, features over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and unique local finds. Set by the waterfront, this family- and pet-friendly event includes live music and a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect way to spend a Sunday supporting local businesses and exploring the community.
Black Art Gala
February 23, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Celebrate the creativity, heritage, and resilience of African American artists at The Black Art Gala, an extraordinary evening honoring their incredible contributions to the arts. Enjoy a captivating mix of fine art exhibits, live performances by talented local musicians, and the opportunity to connect with fellow art lovers. This unforgettable event, hosted by The Black Art Gala Foundation, highlights the cultural impact of African American artists and fosters community engagement.
Black History Book Club: “Black Like Me”
Feb. 24, 5:30 – 6:45 PM
The Black History Book Club is kicking off its first session at Tampa’s Black History Museum on Monday, Feb. 24. It’s the start of a series of conversations that will continue on the last Monday of each even month and the second Monday in December. It’s a great chance to dive into Black history through books and share thoughts with community members.
Music on the Bay
Feb. 26 – March 2
Music on the Bay is back with 34 incredible performers over several days. This 21+ event celebrates live music and supports Shriners Children’s Florida through charitable contributions. Join in for a good time and a great cause.
The Florida Strawberry Festival
Feb. 27 – March 9
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a springtime blast filled with fun, food, and all things strawberry! From livestock exhibits to craft stalls, lively parades, and big-name entertainment, there’s something for everyone. It’s a celebration of Florida’s strawberry heritage and a perfect way to soak up the sun, enjoy great food, and make memories with friends and family.
Black History Month Reception
February 28, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate Black history and excellence at the Tampa Bay History Center’s fourth annual Black History Month Reception. This year’s keynote speaker, Leonard George Jr., Esq., a trailblazer in sports and media, shares his inspiring journey as the first African American to sign a football scholarship with the University of Florida in 1968. This celebration of legacy and leadership also features the presentation of the Dr. Bernard LaFayette History Award by Dr. Rozelia Kennedy, which Emerald Morrow, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, will emcee.
Black Love Classics Series
Every Sunday in Feb.
Tampa Theatre’s Black Love classic movie series is back for its fourth year, celebrating the connection between Valentine’s Day and Black History Month through love stories told by Black filmmakers and featuring diverse casts. This year, the focus shifts to Blerds—honoring Black nerd culture and the heroes who ignite creativity and imagination. Presented by Tampa Electric (TECO), Rise of the Blerds will feature films every Sunday in February, showcasing both “super” and everyday heroes.