Tampa’s calendar is packed heading into August, with something for every kind of weekend and weeknight plan. Anime fans can dive into three days of cosplay, gaming, and celebrity guests at METROCON 2026, while families can catch the final splash-filled weekend of SummerFest at Keel Farms. Theatergoers have a moving option in Stageworks Theatre’s “AT ALL COST,” a stage play honoring Black veterans’ resilience. Beyond these highlights, the week brings a lineup of concerts, comedy, and more, from a classic rock triple bill to a friendship-themed skating special, ensuring there’s no shortage of ways to spend the coming days around town.

METROCON 2026What: Florida’s largest anime conventionWhen: Friday, July 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at 2:30 a.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at 2:30 a.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Where: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., TampaCost: Single-day passes are Friday $50, Saturday $60, Sunday $45 for adults or $30 for children (6-12); 3-Day passes for adults are $100 or $50 for children (6-12); Under 6 are free

METROCON brings three days of programming to Tampa. The event features cosplay contests, gaming, panels and workshops, music and dance events, a masquerade, a rave, an exhibit hall, and a manga library, alongside celebrity guests and hundreds of exhibitors. Organized by Team Dynamite Productions, the convention draws anime, comics, and video game fans from across the region for an immersive fan experience.

Keel Farms SummerFestWhat: Final weekend of SummerFest at Keel FarmsWhen: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant CityCost: Free entry; items available for purchase

SummerFest at Keel Farms wraps up its final weekend, capping a summer of weekend festivities at the Plant City farm. The free, family-friendly event offers water slides, bounce houses, food-truck fare, and drinks, with parents able to relax in the backyard while kids splash around. Guests should bring swimsuits, sunscreen, and their own towels, and those participating in water activities must sign a waiver to receive a wristband.

“AT ALL COST”What: Veterans confront injustice after wartime serviceWhen: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.Where: Stageworks Theatre, Suite 151, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., TampaCost: $40, Groups of 10-plus $30 each, Military $25

Stageworks Theatre in Tampa, Florida, presents “AT ALL COST,” a stage play following Black veterans returning home after military service, only to confront discrimination, redlining, and injustice in civilian life. Blending humor with heart, the production explores resilience, family, sacrifice, and legacy in what the company describes as an engaging and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Other Events

Tampa’s live music scene takes center stage this weekend, with classic rock legends TOTO, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics headlining a can’t-miss triple bill. R&B and hip-hop fans have their own destination for a night of throwback and current hits. And for those looking to close out the weekend, a smaller local lineup rounds out the schedule with more live sound.

TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. Highway 301 N., TampaCozy – Throwback & Current R&B + Hip-Hop: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa76th Street and Tornsey: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. at New World Tampa, 810 E. Skagway Ave., TampaMore To Explore Next Week

Tampa heats up this week with something for every kind of night out. Skate the day away at a friendship-themed BOGO event, catch dance star Derek Hough’s encore performance, or settle in for stand-up comedy from a rising headliner. Music lovers can round out the week with a live show from The George.

National Friendship Day Skating! BOGO Special: Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Skateworld Tampa, 7510 Paula Drive, TampaDerek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center, 5223 N. Orient Road, TampaSam Salem: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club Restaurant, C-112, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., TampaThe George: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 7 p.m. at The Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa