The Tampa events this weekend offer a variety of exciting activities. Howl-O-Scream kicks off its terrifying run at Busch Gardens, while ZooTampa hosts a wildlife-themed Kids Fun Run, and Arts Fest ’26 brings free performances to New Tampa. Round out the weekend with comedy from Josh Wolf, Rays baseball, and a beach meetup at Picnic Island Park. Looking ahead, catch Bonsai and Brews, stand-up comedy from Sarah Adelman, and free fitness classes, including Yoga in The Commons and Barre With the Bar Method.

Howl-O-ScreamWhat: Haunted houses and scare zones take over Busch GardensWhen: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, and Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 7 p.m. to park close (additional dates available through Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026)Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, TampaCost: Tickets start at $49.99

Howl-O-Scream is an annual Halloween event that transforms the venue into a nightmarish realm. It features six haunted houses, six scare zones, and two sinister live shows, including the return of Dark Side of the Gardens and FIENDS at Dragon Fire Grill. Guests can also brave the park’s thrill rides after dark, with coasters running throughout the night. More than 10 themed bars are scattered across the grounds. The event is intended for a mature audience, with intense content, including violence, gore, and blood, and no costumes are permitted.

ZooTampa Kids Fun Run 2026What: Young runners race for wildlife and wellnessWhen: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.Where: ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., TampaCost: Members $35 per child, non-members $45 per child (plus a $5 discount for early registration)

Presented by Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH, the ZooTampa Kids Fun Run 2026 offers families a healthy, wildlife-themed morning at the zoo. The event features five races for different ages and abilities: an Adaptive/Wheelchair ZooRun, 2K and 1K ZooRuns, a Toddler Trot, and a Diaper Dash, with parents welcome to join younger participants. Every registered child receives a race bib, sling bag, and medal, plus complimentary same-day zoo admission. Free parking is included, and a Race Day Expo runs alongside the races at Saunders Pavilion.

Arts Fest ‘26What: Free weekend performances and family funWhen: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.Where: New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, TampaCost: Free admission

Arts Fest ’26 is a free weekend packed with performances spanning music, theater, dance, and comedy from local artists. Saturday’s Family Day features a screening of Disney’s “Zootopia 2,” arts and crafts, the Hillsborough County Library’s Mobile Literacy Unit, and The Florida Orchestra’s instrument petting zoo. The festival includes dozens of acts, including Tampa City Ballet, Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Africa, and the Countdown Improv Festival, plus backstage tours that reveal how NTPAC brings productions to life.

Other Events

Tampa’s weekend lineup combines comedy, baseball, and beach fun. Catch multiple sets from a touring comedian at Side Splitters, cheer on the Rays as they take on the Astros in a three-game series, or soak up some sun at a laid-back beach meetup at Picnic Island Park:

Josh Wolf (SPECIAL EVENT): Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Side Splitters Comedy Club — Tampa, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, TampaTampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 7:10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 6:10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at 1:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. PetersburgBeach Day Social – Everyone’s Welcome!: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Picnic Island Park, 7404 Picnic Island Blvd., TampaMore To Explore Next Week

Tampa’s weekday calendar mixes creativity, laughs, and wellness. Craft a bonsai tree over a glass of wine at a Plant City vineyard, or catch a night of stand-up comedy. Fitness fans can round out the week with free outdoor classes, from yoga in Midtown to barre along the riverfront at Armature Works:

Bonsai & Brews: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant CitySarah Adelman: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Side Splitters Comedy Club — Tampa, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, TampaYoga in The Commons: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Drive, TampaBarre With the Bar Method: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Armature Works West Lawn, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa