Hello Tampa!
Spring officially starts today, and we've got sunshine and upper 70s on tap all weekend. In this edition, we have…
March Madness hits Tampa
A drone show lighting up the sky
Hyde Park Art Festival
And more!
March Madness in Tampa
The NCAA Tournament is HERE, and Tampa is one of the host cities for first and second round games at Benchmark International Arena. Four matchups today, and second-round games on Sunday.
Friday, March 20 (Today)
Session 1 (12:40pm): Texas Tech vs Akron / Alabama vs Hofstra
Session 2 (Evening): Clemson vs Iowa / Florida vs Prairie View A&M
Sunday, March 22 Second round games — 12:10pm start (CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV)
Good to know: Guests must exit the arena between sessions and re-enter. If you have tickets to both, stay within the secure perimeter on Thunder Alley for faster re-entry. Arrive early — downtown parking fills up fast on tournament days.
DroneArt Show
Hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky over the Florida State Fairgrounds, choreographed to live classical music performed by a string quartet. This show has sold over 500,000 tickets worldwide and is back in Tampa for two nights.
When: Friday, March 20 & Saturday, March 21 at 8:45pm (65 min)
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301
Cost: Starting at ~$30 (Lawn) / ~$40 (Seating) / ~$90-100 (VIP)
Parking: $15
Doors open 2 hours before showtime. All ages welcome (kids under 3 free). Bring a layer — it's an outdoor nighttime event.
Hyde Park Village Art Fair
The 33rd Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair transforms the brick-lined streets of historic Hyde Park into an outdoor gallery this weekend. Over 100 exhibitors will showcase sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more. Free to attend.
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 21-22, 10am-5pm
Where: Hyde Park Village, 1622 Snow Avenue
Cost: Free
Weather
Friday 3/20: High 77° / Low 54° — Sunny
Saturday 3/21: High 76° / Low 54° — Sunny
Sunday 3/22: High 78° / Low 57° — Sunny
Monday 3/23: High 77° / Low 60° — Sunny
Tuesday 3/24: High 81° / Low 63° — Chance of Rain
Beautiful spring weekend ahead.
More This Weekend
Family
ZooTampa Springtime Bash — Sat & Sun, 3-7pm (BOGO food & drink deals)
Busch Gardens Pin Trading Event — Saturday, 1-3pm at Tiger Lodge
Food & Culture
Seafood and Wine Fest — Saturday, 12-4pm at Tampa Bay Downs
Que Es Colombia Festival — Sunday, 11am at Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Arts & Outdoors
Rides by the River — Saturday, 8-11am at Armature Works (free car show)
Ybor City Saturday Market — Saturday
Glow Putt Putt at Water Street — Friday, 6-10pm ($10)
Coming Up Next Week
Tue 3/24: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild — 7:30pm at Benchmark International Arena
Thu 3/26: Paint With a Twist at Armature Works — 7pm
Thu 3/26: Murder Mystery Dinner on Yacht StarShip — 7:30pm
Fri 3/27: Sugar Sand Festival opens in Clearwater Beach (runs through April 12)
Sat 3/28: FuelFest at Florida State Fairgrounds
That's it for this week's edition of Tampa Loop!
Enjoy the sunshine, catch some March Madness, and get outside this weekend.
See you next week! 🌞
Kevin C
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