Residents and visitors in Tampa should prepare for increased traffic and limited parking from January 30 to February 1 due to a series of major events in the downtown area. City officials warn that large crowds are expected, which may result in slower traffic, fewer available on-street parking spaces, and more pedestrians.
Events scheduled for Friday, January 30 include the Rough Riders Event at the Tampa Convention Center at 5 p.m., the Tampa Bay Sun Game at Riverfront Stadium at 7:30 p.m., Bert Kreischer’s comedy show at Benchmark International Arena at 7 p.m., and performances at the Straz Center starting at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
On Saturday, January 31, activities begin with Eventfest-Gasparilla Brunch 2026 at the Tampa Convention Center at 10 a.m. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest will take place on Bayshore Boulevard starting at 2 p.m. (More information is available on the City of Tampa’s official website: http://tampa.gov/gasparilla). Additional entertainment includes a Straz Center show at 7:30 p.m. and a Kings of Leon concert at Benchmark International Arena at 8 p.m.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, February 1 with the NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium beginning at 6:30 p.m.
City officials recommend using alternative transportation options such as the free TECO Line Streetcar, DASH service, HART buses, rentable scooters and bikes, or rideshare services to reduce congestion. They also urge caution due to an expected increase in pedestrian activity related to Gasparilla festivities.
“Please use additional caution as higher than normal pedestrian activity is expected due to the Gasparilla festivities. Always remember: See Something, Say Something.”
For updates on road closures that may affect travel plans, residents can check Tampa.gov/road-closures. Information about city parking options is available on Tampa.gov/parking.
