Yes, it’s hot outside. But summers in Florida offer a lot of options for local residents to get out and enjoy the inevitable blue skies and sunny weather.
The following lists of some of the events happening this summer in the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida, from the huge selection of amusement parks to some of the quirky local festivals.
Of course, for those who want to stay a little closer to home, party rental companies such as Air Fun Games in New Port Richey offer a vast array of fun rentals. They can turn your backyard into an amusement park all of your own.
Summer Events:
In the meantime, consider some of the following worthy of getting out into the heat and having a good time.
Busch Gardens
Orlando gets all the attention for theme parks, but Busch Gardens remains a premiere destination spot for tourists and locals alike. Florida residents often can get discounts on tickets. This summer, the park offers three “party zones” for dancing and good food. They include the Luau in Pantopia, the Latin-flavored Fiesta in Cheetah Hunt Plaza and the African-themed Vibin’ Village in Stanleyville. You can also enjoy some of the park’s rides in the dark, and a new Turn It Up! ice show at the Moroccan Palace. The events run through Aug. 6.
Theme Parks Down The Road
If you want to make the short drive to Orlando, literally ever major theme park is holding some type of summer event. Most are every night, such as the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Disney World and the Electric Ocean dance, music and fireworks event at SeaWorld.
Vans Warped Tour
The Vans Warped Tour rolls on in the summer of 2017, with dozens of bands set to take the stage at the show in St. Petersburg. The event will be held at 5th Avenue and Bayshore, the park next to the Renaissance Vinoy. The complete list of bands can be found here. Also expect plenty of opportunities to sign up for various causes, including Unite The United, which encourages fans to volunteer in their own communities. The show is set for July 1.
Ybor City Mac & Cheese Fest
Mac & Cheese continues to be a trending food favorite and for good reason – it’s really, really good. This festival brings together food trucks from a wide variety of local restaurants, each offering their own take on the dish. And yes, you can get something other than Mac & Cheese – the restaurants also will cook up some of their specialty dishes. The event is set for July 8 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa’s festival grounds at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave.
Geckofest
What better way to end the summer than celebrating Gulfport’s unofficial mascot? The Geckofest has been a local favorite for almost two decades. This year the festival will honor the 1969 Woodstock festival (which is why you will see they are “calling all hippies”). The event includes an art show, food from a wide variety of local venders, music, a pub crawl and the Gecko Ball. The event takes places as summer ends on Sept. 2, Labor Day weekend.
The Beach
This goes without saying. You live in a place with some of the best beaches in the world. Take advantage!
These are just some of the events set for the Tampa Bay area in the summer of 2017. Whether you go out or stay closer to home with Air Fun Games party rentals, make sure to relax and enjoy the summer!
