20 Best Things to Do in Tampa at Night
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From rooftop bars with skyline views to hidden speakeasies, sunset cruises, and late-night bites, there’s always something going on once the sun goes down. I’ve spent plenty of nights exploring the city, finding all the best ways to soak up the nightlife without it feeling too “clubby.” Whether you’re planning a date night, hanging with friends, or just looking for something new to do, here are all my favorite things to do in Tampa at night!
And for more fun things to do in the city, check out my full Tampa guide!
Best Things to Do in Tampa at Night
1. Explore the Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk at night is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city! It just feels so peaceful and pretty with all the lights reflecting off the water. You can grab a drink to-go from one of the nearby bars (the Sail Pavilion is always a go-to) and enjoy a walk along the water with views of the skyline and bridges all lit up.
There are also plenty of restaurants along the way if you want to grab dinner or dessert while you’re out. I love that you can make it as chill or as lively as you want — it’s the perfect way to spend a warm Tampa night.
2. Enjoy Live Music in Ybor City
If you want something with a little more energy, head to Ybor City for live music! There’s always something happening, from jazz and reggae to indie bands and DJs. I love walking around and just following the sound of the music until I find a spot that fits the vibe.
Some of my favorite spots for live shows are Crowbar (a mix) and The Ritz (EDM). The whole area has such a fun mix of old-school charm and nightlife, and it’s such a good way to experience the local side of Tampa after dark.
Quick note: Ybor has gotten a bit of a mixed reputation over the years. It’s definitely not for everyone, and it can get a little rowdy at times, especially late at night. But if you stick to the main spots and go with friends, it’s still such a fun place to experience Tampa’s nightlife.
3. Catch a Show at the Straz Center
If you’re a fan of performing arts, the Straz Center is where it’s at. It’s one of the largest performing arts centers in the Southeast and has everything from Broadway shows and concerts to comedy nights and ballet.
4. Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is a unique open-air entertainment district in Channelside. It’s perfect if you’re wanting a laid-back evening. Located along Tampa’s waterfront, this vibrant food and entertainment hub offers a mix of dining options, live music, and outdoor activities.
Sparkman Wharf also frequently has fun seasonal events (they are decked out for Christmas!) and even watch parties for Tampa sporting events!
5. Take a Dinner Cruise
If you’re in the mood for a romantic night out or just want to do something a little different, the Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise is such a fun experience. You’ll hop aboard a beautiful yacht, enjoy a delicious dinner, and sail through the bay while soaking in those gorgeous Tampa skyline views.
There’s even a DJ on board, so once dinner wraps up, the vibe totally shifts into a little dance party under the stars.
It’s perfect for date night, a birthday, or any night you just want to feel a little fancy. Watching the sunset from the deck with a drink in hand and the city lights twinkling in the background seriously feels like something out of a movie.
If this isn’t your vibe, check out these other fun Tampa boat tours!
6. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
Karaoke nights in Tampa are always a good time. Whether you’re just there to cheer on your friends or you’re brave enough to grab the mic yourself, it’s such a fun way to kick off the night.
Double Decker in Ybor is one of the best bars to karaoke in front of a crowd, but if you have some stage fright places like Gangchu Chicken & Beer in Seminole Heights have a private karaoke room you can rent.
7. Go Out to Dinner
Tampa’s food scene just keeps getting better and better! Sometimes Rem and I like to turn dinner into a little adventure. Instead of sticking to one restaurant, we’ll pick an area, maybe Hyde Park, downtown, Ybor, or Seminole Heights, and hop around grabbing a small bite and a drink at each spot.
It’s the perfect way to try new dishes, soak up the city’s atmosphere, and just enjoy the night at our own pace. Whether you end up with tacos, sushi, or late-night ice cream, it’s always a good time!
8. Go to a Speakeasy
If you’re in the mood for something a little more unique, Tampa has some seriously cool speakeasies that make for the perfect night out. Hidden behind unmarked doors and secret entrances, these spots give you that fun “in-the-know” feeling.
I love Madame Fortune in Ybor for a classy night with incredible cocktails, and Morgan’s Cove downtown has a fun pirate theme, which feels fitting for Tampa.
9. Brewery Hop
Tampa’s craft beer scene is thriving, and brewery hopping at night is a fantastic way to explore it. There are plenty of amazing breweries in Tampa! You can start in Seminole Heights with favorites like Angry Chair and Common Dialect, then make your way to Coppertail (an iconic Ybor City brewery).
Most breweries have food trucks or small bites, so it’s easy to turn your beer crawl into dinner too. It’s laid-back, social, and a great way to experience a few different parts of the city—just grab a few friends, order some flights, and see where the night takes you.
10. Laugh at the Funny Bone
Sometimes the best nights are the ones filled with nonstop laughter, and the Tampa Funny Bone is the perfect spot for that. Whether it’s a big-name comedian or a rising local talent, the lineup is always packed with hilarious acts.
Grab a drink, settle in, and get ready for a night that’s guaranteed to lift your mood. It’s such a fun date night idea or just a great way to unwind with friends after a long week. It’s honestly one of the best things to do in Ybor!
11. Drive-In Movies
There’s something so nostalgic about watching a movie under the stars. There are a few drive-in theaters in Tampa Bay you can check out that bring back all those cozy, old-school vibes.
Pack up some blankets, snacks, and your favorite drinks, and make it a relaxed night out. It’s the perfect lowkey way to spend an evening, especially when the weather cools down a bit.
12. Take a Sunset Cruise
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a sucker for a good sunset, and there’s no better way to catch one than on the water. Totally Tiki Tours is one of my favorites! It’s not your typical tiki boat, it has a more spacious layout and is perfect for accommodating bigger groups and providing plenty of room for guests to move around and enjoy the festivities. I really love this idea for Tampa bach parties and birthday celebrations.
Enjoy doing a shotski with your crew while blasting your favorite tunes (let me suggest one of Two Friends’ Big Bootie mixes). They also provide plastic cups and shots and plenty of cooler space. My favorite part just may be the onboard bathroom, which offers so much convenience.
They even do boat tours in St. Pete!
13. Go on a Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for one of the more spooky things to do in Tampa at night, there are some pretty incredible ghost tours in Tampa that mix history with a few chills. Walking through the city’s haunted spots at night gives you a completely different perspective. Whether you’re a total skeptic or love a good scare, it’s a fun way to see the city while hearing all the eerie stories that make Tampa so unique.
14. Vibe at a Rooftop Bar
For a more laid-back evening, nothing beats a rooftop bar. Tampa’s skyline looks absolutely stunning from above, and sipping a cocktail while taking in the views just feels like a night out in the city should.
Each rooftop bar in Tampa brings its own vibe to the city’s nightlife, from chill lounges to trendy terraces, making it a great spot to enjoy drinks with a view.
15. Experience a Night Market
Night markets are such a fun way to wander, snack, and shop your way through the evening. Tampa has a few seasonal ones where you can grab street eats, browse local vendors, and soak up live music or entertainment. It’s a great way to enjoy the energy of the city after dark while discovering something new and unique every time.
Check out some of the best markets in Tampa like the Heights Night Market. This market is one of my all-time favorite markets because of how well it’s organized, the awesome vendors, and the fact that it’s at Armature Works along the Tampa Riverwalk where there are plenty of other fun activities as well!
16. Embrace Tampa’s Nightlife
If I’m being completely honest, I usually find myself loving the bars in St. Pete a bit more than Tampa—but that doesn’t mean Tampa doesn’t have its gems.
The nightlife here just feels a little more spread out, so it helps to pick a neighborhood that matches your vibe and explore from there. SOHO has that college-town energy with a lively crowd, while Ybor City is a mix—hit the main strip for a younger scene or venture off the beaten path for more variety. Water Street and Hyde Park is on the boujee side, perfect if you’re in the mood for swanky cocktails, and downtown offers a little of everything.
Seminole Heights is one of my favorite areas that actually gives me St. Pete vibes—it’s eclectic, has a great mix of ages, and some of my favorite bars in Tampa.
17. Attend a Sports Event
Catching a game in Tampa is a total blast, whether it’s hockey with the Lightning or football with the Buccaneers. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the energy in the arena is contagious, and grabbing a drink or two while cheering for the home team makes for an unforgettable night.
18. Get Your Game On
For a night that’s a little more playful, Tampa has tons of bars and spots with games to keep things lively. Think arcade bars, shuffleboard, billiards, and even some retro pinball action. A couple of mine and Rem’s go-to’s is GameTime in Ybor and GenX Tavern Downtown.
19. See a Show at the Tampa Theatre
One of the most iconic things to do in Tampa at night is catching a show at the Tampa Theatre. This historic movie palace is absolutely stunning inside, with its vintage decor, starry ceiling, and old-world charm—it’s basically like stepping into another era.
Whether you’re there for a classic film, a special screening, or a live event, the experience is unforgettable. Bonus: it’s downtown, so you can make a full night of it with dinner or drinks nearby!
20. Try Your Luck at the Casino
If you’re up for a little excitement, trying your luck at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a fun way to spend an evening in Tampa. Whether you’re spinning the slots, testing your poker face at the tables, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Even if you don’t get lucky on the slots, a steak dinner at Council Oaks will definitely have you feeling like a winner!
If you win, up the ante by treating yourself and getting a room for the night!
Ready to experience the best things to do in Tampa at night?
Tampa has so many fun things to do at night, whether you’re into rooftop bars, hidden speakeasies, live music, or evening cruises. No matter your vibe, Tampa after dark is full of unique experiences, delicious drinks, and good times waiting to be had. I hope you get to explore some of these spots and have the best night out in Tampa!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Fun Things to Do in Hyde Park Tampa
Fun Things to Do in Hyde Park Tampa
Things to Do in St. Pete Beach
