Lights on Tampa Symmetry, Tampa, Florida. Photo: Matthew Paulson via Flickr
Tampa Bay nightlife offers a variety of entertainment options, spanning many diverse communities and several fantastic cities such as Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Whether it’s a shared waterfront view and drinks with that special someone or an endless night of dancing at one of the many dance clubs, Tampa Bay has it all! This area is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, bustling downtown districts and renowned events, venues and hot spots. From a casual outing to a classic night with a twist, you can find everything from comedy clubs, rooftop bars, nightclubs and live music with ease. With so many exciting things to do, the only thing you should be asking when frequenting the area is “Are We There Yet”?
Below, we have selected the best entertainment venues in the Tampa Bay area!
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Clubs & Bars
Tampa Bay is bursting with high and low energy entertainment from a variety of clubs and bars. So, if you want to get up and dance for hours, or lay back and vibe to some pulsating music from atop a rooftop we’ve gotcha covered. From craft beers to wine and cocktails, Tampa Bay has some great day or night choices for them, and don’t even get us started on the rooftop bars. Tampa and St. Pete has some of the best in the city as well as, top restaurants that feature superb craft beers and cocktails. So, if you’re a beer fan you can’t miss the plethora of breweries sprinkled throughout the area.
With so places to name we’re listing some of the most popular areas where you’ll be surrounded by a selection of different clubs and bars.
Channelside Tampa
East of Downtown Tampa, Channelside includes an entertainment complex that consists of shops, restaurants, and bars. Located next to the Florida Aquarium and Port Tampa Bay, Channelside is a great place to meet up with friends, have drinks, or attend live professional sporting events and concerts at the Amalie Arena. In addition, every Thursday night, Aja Channelside Nightclub hosts Latin Nights.
Photo by Aja Channelside Nightclub instagramPhoto by Aja Channelside Nightclub facebookPhoto by Aja Channelside Nightclub instagram
Ybor City Historic District
Once known as “The Cigar Capital of the World”, Tampa’s Ybor is a beautiful industrial-like district full of history. With it’s authentic charm and appeal, it offers a movie theater, comedy club, breweries, cigar rolling shops, restaurants, shaving and tattoo parlors.
Whatever you’re into, Ybor has it!
Centro Ybor ~ Photo: Matthew Paulson via Flickr
Ybor City is unique!
7th Avenue in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida ~ Photo: Tracy Solomon via Flickr
Harbour Island, Tampa
Located adjacent to downtown Tampa is Harbour Island where visitors will find a gem called Jackson’s Bistro, Bar, & Sushi, an upscale waterside restaurant and entertainment venue that is one of Tampa’s hottest spots, including for music and dancing. This is also a “dress to impress” venue which requires a valid U.S identification card upon entering the nightclub. Every Saturday, Jackson’s holds its “Saturday Night at Jackson’s” attraction which consists of three different types of music (Top 40, Latin, and Techno/House) in three different rooms. Check out the video below. For more information, click here.
Photo by Jackson’s Nightlife facebookPhoto by Jackson’s Nightlife facebook
SoHo / Hyde Park
Currently undergoing a revitalizing beautification project – expected complete Spring 2018
This charming, laid-back getaway district that has high-end shopping, restaurants, bars and even upscale AMC movie theater with a bar and restaurant built right into it. Often, Hyde Park will host special indoor and outdoor events for the community to enjoy.
Hyde Park Village, Tampa, FL ~ Photo: Madison Marquette via FlickrHyde Park Village, Tampa, FL ~ Photo: Madison Marquette via Flickr
Stay tuned for the unveiling of Hyde Park’s Beautification Project – Spring 2018
A peek into the concept of the new Hyde Park Village – coming soon – Spring 2018. Photo: Hyde Park Village.
On Friday nights, don’t miss out on Latin Night-Viernes Latinos at Hyde Park Cafe where you’ll hear salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, Latin house, Top 40 dance and hip hop with DJ Lanz & Dave Beats!
Photo by Hyde Park Cafe websitePhoto by The Hyde Park Cafe facebookPhoto by Hyde Park Cafe facebook
Downtown, St. Petersburg
Magnificent and vibrant area filled with eclectic shops, dining, museums, concerts, parks, bars, breweries and clubs! You’ll find everything from upscale dining and views of the water on Beach Drive to some popping local hangouts and art districts on and off Central Avenue. You can pretty much walk to where you need to go, hop on a trolley or coast on and rent a bike from several convenient bike rack rental spots. St. Pete also has their own AMC theater. So, whether you’re riding solo, with your friends, out with the family or on a date – you’re good to go in St. Pete.
Wall art featured during the Shine St. Petersburg Mural Festival 2016 ~ Photo: City of St. Pete
The best part of St. Pete is the artwork from local artists on the walls of the buildings!
Wall Art – St. Pete, FL. ~ Photo: City of St. Pete via Flickr
Performing Arts
The Straz Center
This venue is the largest performing arts center in the Southeast and the only one with an on-site performing arts conservatory. Located on the bank of the Hillsborough River, the Straz Center serves as a cultural crossroads, bringing innovative new artists and blockbuster commercial successes to Tampa Bay. In addition to its four theaters and one teaching theater, the Straz Center has three restaurants and a brand new coffee shop called the SteamHeat Cafe.
Tampa’s Straz Center for Performing ArtsInterior view of a lively audience at the Straz Center in Tampa
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Located in Clearwater, FL, this venue has been recognized as one of Tampa Bay’s best concert halls with it’s near perfect acoustics, continental-style seating and seated auditorium that accommodates 2,180 guests. A hidden gem among other performing arts centers, Ruth Eckerd Hall presents a stunning variety of cultural experiences and entertainment from comedic stand ups like George Lopez and Sinbad, to dance productions and music showcases of a variety of music genres.
The Moscow Festival Ballet once brought to life the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty at Ruth Eckerd Hall!Famous comedians like George Lopez have performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall ~ Photo: credit to originator
Mahaffey Theater
Located in beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg, this stunning cultural center hosts top-quality performances from both national and international talent. This theater features spectacular waterfront views, in addition to elegant rooms and box-style seating.
The Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL.Performance by The Florida Orchestra at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, FL.
Comedy
With so much comedic talent frequenting the Tampa Bay area you’re guaranteed to laugh.
The Tampa Improv
A comedy club and restaurant that brings you stand-up comedy and has been the career launching pad for dozens of familiar faces of television and film such as Adam Sandler and Jerry Seinfeld. For more information about this venue Click Here
Side Splitters Comedy Club
A premier stomping ground for comedy in Tampa since 1992. Offering food, weekly live comedic shows and a full bar, Side Splitters Comedy Club knows how to keep the audience wanting more!
