Things to do in Tampa Bay October 2023

October things to do in Tampa Bay

It's our favorite time of year: Fall in Florida. The cooler weather (OK, not a heat index above 100) is just around the corner. The humidity will drop. We don't get a true change of seasons here in Tampa Bay but we still love to celebrate with festivals, shows, concerts and more.

Check out our Fall things to do around Tampa Bay including pumpkin festivals, hayrides, corn mazes and more.

Oktoberfest

Oct. 13-15

Curtis Hixon Park

They are tapping the kegs and getting the brats ready for Oktoberfest in downtown Tampa. Celebrate Fall with German cheer & beer, dancing and live music. Learn new customs and sing a few songs. There are also festivals celebrating Oktoberfest in Apollo Beach as well as many local breweries.

Disney Junior Live on Tour

Oct. 6, 2023 at 6pm

Mahaffey Theater

Have a Disney fan in your house? The Disney Junior tour is back with Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics and more. It will feature favorite songs from hit Disney Junior series, as well as new original music. Come join the party and see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, Bo from Firebuds, Ginny from SuperKitties, and Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends LIVE on stage!

Ghost Tour Ybor City

Tours vary

From Native Americans burial grounds (which some believe ward off hurricanes in Tampa Bay) to mass graves of the Yellow-fever pandemic, the streets of Tampa are alive with spirits. Stories of genocide, murder, mayhem and mobsters in what was once called “The Wild West of The South.” Visit the famous and illustrious Tampa Theatre. Learn about the mobsters and movie stars in The Sapphire Room at The Hotel Floridan. Visit the Cuban Club, one of the oldest Ybor buildings and one of the most haunted in the U.S. The Ybor City Ghost Tour takes guests in search of spirits amid history. Spooky fun!

Tampa Bay Lightning home opener

Oct. 20, 2023 at 5:30pm

Amalie Arena

The Big Cat, Captain, Pointer and Heddy are back with lots of new faces as the Tampa Bay Lightning skate into the 2023-24 season. They open at home vs. the Nashville Predators on Oct. 20. Go Bolts!

Disney’s Descendants

Oct. 12-15, 2023

The Straz (TECO Theater)

Based on one of the most popular Disney Channel original movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical finds the teenaged children of the most infamous villains - Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella De Vil – clashing with the beloved heroes and royalty at Auradon Prep. Our villain students must decide between following in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learning to be good. This high-energy musical packs a contemporary pop score with upbeat choreography, comedy, adventure and your favorite Disney characters!

Tampa Cigar Bash

Oct. 7, 2023 from1-5pm

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Going back to its roots in Ybor City, cigars are a beloved symbol of growth and prosperity in the Tampa area. Cigar aficionados should check out this even where guests will receive access to sought-after cigar deals, cigar manufacturer meet-and-greets, as well delicious food, cocktails and live music! Must be 21 to attend.

Tampa Pig Jig

Oct. 21 from 1p-10p

Julian B Lane Park

BBQ lovers unite and celebrate at the Tampa Pig Jig this month. Enjoy live music, delicious food, ice-cold beer and a fierce corporate barbecue competition in downtown Tampa’s waterfront park. But it’s more than just a good time. The Tampa Pig Jig raises money for NephCure, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting research, improving treatment and finding a cure for kidney diseases.

Viva Tampa Bay Festival

Oct. 8, 2023 from 11am to 9pm

Harvey Perry Sr. Park (900 East Scott Street, Tampa)

Get ready to shake your thang at the Viva Tampa Bay Festival. The Family Art & Cultural Festival celebrates the beauty of Tampa Bay's Hispanic Communities. Guests can enjoy delicious Latin foods and local band performances dedicated to Hispanic Heritage. The goal is that guests leave with an appreciation for the roots of Hispanic cultural Heritage in Tampa, the arts and the traditions held.