Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tampa/Brandon, FL

Long swept up in the spirit of openness and diversity, Tampa has hosted a gay and lesbian film festival since the late...

Long swept up in the spirit of openness and diversity, Tampa has hosted a gay and lesbian film festival since the late 1980s. The collection of events, which include feature-length and short screenings, normally draw somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 strong. In addition to the historic Tampa Theatre, venues include Channelside Cinemas and Muvico Baywalk.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details October 2013

Perhaps Tampa's most-anticipated festival, this exuberant event is the city's answer to Mardi Gras. Held in late January...

Perhaps Tampa's most-anticipated festival, this exuberant event is the city's answer to Mardi Gras. Held in late January or early February, it features a fleet of invading boats, manned by marauding "pirates" who infiltrate the city and initiate a carnival atmosphere. The event commemorates the state's pirate heritage with elaborate costumes, street parades and entertainment. There's also a brunch, games, rides and activities for spectators of all ages.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Jan 26, 2013

Twice a year, during late March and early October, Old Hyde Park Village invites visitors to wander along its pathways,...

Twice a year, during late March and early October, Old Hyde Park Village invites visitors to wander along its pathways, perusing the artwork of approximately 150 artists. Throughout the weekend, spectators may examine and purchase pieces in a variety of media, including photography, oils and watercolors. The cafes and shops of the Village are open for the course of the event. A great way to find unusual artwork for your home or office.

Hours: Sat, Feb 23, 2013 Sun, Feb 24, 2013 October 2013

This fun, well-attended 5K roadrace begins at Hyde Park Village and leads runners down Bayshore Boulevard to Bayshore...

This fun, well-attended 5K roadrace begins at Hyde Park Village and leads runners down Bayshore Boulevard to Bayshore Park before turning around and heading right back to Hyde Park. If the 5K sounds like a tough task, then consider the 1-mile Fun Run, which is a good way to get the whole family involved. The post-race celebration will feature live music, food and drink, prizes and games. The race begins at 8am sharp, so get your stretching in early.

Hours: Sat, May 3, 2014: 7:30am

This prestigious event, which begins in Wellington, FL, in January, reaches Tampa in April. In it, riders and horses...

This prestigious event, which begins in Wellington, FL, in January, reaches Tampa in April. In it, riders and horses compete in hunter, jumper and dressage events for prizes totaling more than $2 million. Olympic contestants frequently participate as preparation for the worldwide exhibition. During the course of the event, shops and food vendors accommodate visitors. There are also competitions for children and amateurs.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details April 2013

This two-week annual event highlights Florida's agricultural life and focuses on livestock expositions and arts and...

This two-week annual event highlights Florida's agricultural life and focuses on livestock expositions and arts and crafts displays. However, there are also tons of rides and concerts and a bonanza of food. Known as the Southeast's largest fair, Florida's offering has one of the country's largest midways, and kids and adults alike thrill to the event. In addition to the exciting rides, botanical displays, competitions and judgings of all sorts are on the agenda. Free parking.

Hours: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 Fri, Feb 8, 2013 Sat, Feb 9, 2013 Sun, Feb 10, 2013 Mon, Feb 11, 2013 Tue, Feb 12, 2013 Wed, Feb 13, 2013 Thu, Feb 14, 2013 Fri, Feb 15, 2013 Sat, Feb 16, 2013 Sun, Feb 17, 2013 Mon, Feb 18, 2013

If you've got a thing for vintage autos, make plans to head over to the Florida State Fairgrounds in mid-October for the...

If you've got a thing for vintage autos, make plans to head over to the Florida State Fairgrounds in mid-October for the National Street Rod Association's annual southeast show. Only pre-1978 autos are permitted to enter, and each one will be dressed to the nines, some with innovative paint jobs, others will have state-of-the-art sound systems, and still others will sport luxurious interiors. In addition to the hotrods, there will be plenty of fun effects and specialty equipment on display at the trade show -- enough to get even novices revved up!

Hours: Fri, Oct 11, 2013 Sat, Oct 12, 2013 Sun, Oct 13, 2013

This Hispanic interpretation of Halloween celebrates Tampa's title as the "Big Guava." Taking place late in...

This Hispanic interpretation of Halloween celebrates Tampa's title as the "Big Guava." Taking place late in October in Ybor City, the event begins with a parade (known as the "Mama Guava Stumble") of wildly attired characters, and then shifts to a street party that completely inundates the historic neighborhood. There are also concerts and live entertainment. Early during the day, events for kids and families are planned, but the late-night atmosphere is a little too decadent for young ones. The parade is free; the street party does charge an admission fee.

Hours: October 2013

It's emergence as a nightlife scene aside, Ybor has long been identified with the cigar industry that once thrived in...

It's emergence as a nightlife scene aside, Ybor has long been identified with the cigar industry that once thrived in Tampa. This springtime event celebrates Ybor's rich, flavorful history with two days of food, drink, music and, of course, hand-rolled cigars. Restaurants and bars throughout the historic district get into the act, so be prepared for anything!

Hours: Sat, Apr 14, 2012: 4pm Sun, Apr 15, 2012: 11:30am

Ybor City's historical ties to the cigar industry run deep, and this fall festival celebrates that tradition by bringing...

Ybor City's historical ties to the cigar industry run deep, and this fall festival celebrates that tradition by bringing in representatives from companies like Cuesta Rey, Arturo Fuente and Rocky Patel. In addition to the cigar and smoking accessory vendors, the event also features a cigar-rolling demonstration, charity beer garden, food vendors, a game zone and tours of the Ybor City Museum.

Hours: Sat, Nov 17, 2012: 10am - 5pm