From Halloween bashes to jazz by the bay, this weekend in Tampa Bay is packed with live music, local fun, and plenty of reasons to stay out late. Here are fifteen events worth checking out around town.

ALL WEEKEND (OCTOBER 16–19)
Clearwater Jazz Holiday Festival

📍 Coachman Park, Clearwater | ⏰ Oct. 16–19
The Clearwater Jazz Holiday returns for its 46th year, bringing four days of world-class performances to the bay. Expect smooth jazz, funk, blues, and Americana filling the air across multiple stages. New for 2025: two side stages and 14 extra performances to keep the groove going all weekend long.
🔗 Festival Lineup

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
WMNF Halloween Bash 2025

📍 New World Tampa | ⏰ 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
New World Tampa transforms into a haunted dance floor for WMNF’s annual Halloween Bash. Expect live music, creative costumes, and spooky-good vibes all night long. Come for the music, stay because your costume’s too good to waste.
🔗 Event Info

Fangsgiving VIII: The Final Showdown

📍 Crowbar, Ybor City | ⏰ Fri. 6:30 p.m. & Sat. 5:30 p.m.
After eight incredible years, Fangsgiving is taking its final bow. Local favorites—including Have Gun, Will Travel, The Beauvilles, and Barely Pink—turn into cover acts for one last charity concert benefiting Instruments 4 Life.
🔗 Details & Tickets

Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party

📍 Benchmark International Arena | ⏰ 6 p.m.
Cheer on the Bolts at a free watch party inside Benchmark International Arena. Big screens, game-day excitement, and plenty of fan energy make this a great Friday night stop for hockey lovers.
🔗 Event Details

Ghost Mysteries: Haunted Comedy Investigation

📍 The Commodore Comedy Club | ⏰ 9–10 p.m.
Join the Ghost Mysteries crew for a night of laughs and eerie encounters in Tampa’s most haunted comedy theater. It’s ghost-hunting meets improv—perfect for spooky season.
🔗 Get Tickets

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Champs Run Club Tampa

📍 Armature Works | ⏰ 8 a.m.–11 a.m.
Start your Saturday with a riverside 5K featuring music, giveaways, and a little breakfast motivation at the finish line. Fitness and fun meet in one of Tampa’s most scenic spots.
🔗 Register Here

FRIENDS Buddy Walk 2025

📍 Carrollwood Village Park – 4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33624 | ⏰ All Day
Celebrate inclusion and community at the annual FRIENDS Buddy Walk. This uplifting event brings families together to support individuals with Down syndrome in a day filled with smiles, support, and heart.
🔗 More Info

Rough Riders Extreme Halloween

📍 Location announced at ticket purchase | ⏰ Evening
Get ready for one of Tampa’s wildest Halloween parties. Expect music, costumes, spooky surprises, and the kind of energy that keeps the city alive after dark.
🔗 Tickets

Maren Morris: Free Concert

📍 Benchmark International Arena | ⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Country star Maren Morris headlines a free concert that’s bound to fill the arena. Expect powerhouse vocals, big hits, and all the energy of a top-tier show—without the ticket price.
🔗 Event Details

USF Bulls vs. FAU – Saturday Night Showdown

📍 Raymond James Stadium | ⏰ 7:30–10:30 p.m.
The Bulls hit the field for a primetime AAC matchup against FAU. Tailgates, touchdowns, and Tampa pride—this one’s a Saturday night staple.
🔗 Tickets

Dead Set Florida (Grateful Dead Tribute)

📍 Skipper’s Smokehouse | ⏰ 8 p.m. | 💵 $10 at the door
Tampa Bay’s own Dead Set Florida brings the spirit of the Grateful Dead to Skipper’s Smokehouse. Doors open at 7 p.m.—come early, grab a plate, and dance the night away.
🔗 Event Info

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Rides by the River

📍 Armature Works | ⏰ Morning–Afternoon
Car enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Classic cars, exotics, and custom builds take over the Armature Works lot for a free-to-attend auto showcase. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who loves horsepower with a view.
🔗 Event Details

Water Street Market

📍 Water Street Tampa | ⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stroll through downtown’s open-air market featuring 70+ local vendors, fresh eats, and live entertainment. Bring your pup, grab a coffee, and enjoy Tampa’s best Sunday vibes.
🔗 More Info

Free Public Skate & Movie Screening

📍 Benchmark International Arena | ⏰ Skating starts 9 a.m. | Movie 4:30 p.m.
Skate on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s home ice during this free family event, then stick around for a screening of Inside Out on the big screen. Skating sessions require advance reservations—don’t wait to book!
🔗 Event Info

Bonus: Sunset by the River

📍 Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park | ⏰ Sunset
Wrap up your weekend with a relaxing stroll along the river and live local music drifting through the air. Sometimes, the best Tampa moments are the simple ones.

✨ Weekend Tip: Tampa’s fall weekends fill up fast! Bring comfy shoes, plan your parking, and don’t forget to support local vendors and artists wherever you go.