Nightlife in Tampa, Florida: Your Guide to an Epic Night Out

Nightlife in Tampa, Florida: Your Guide to an Epic Night Out

Tampa and its surrounding cities offer a dazzling array of places to go at night. In Tampa, nightlife is colorful, diverse and enthralling, from its numerous live performance venues to its niche bars, clubs and entertainment hubs. If you’re deliberating where to go out in Tampa Bay after dark, use this compact must-see guide to discover memorable hot spots and top locations for an excellent night on the town.

Visit Historic Ybor City

Ybor City is Tampa’s arts and culture capital, with a rich history of Cuban influences, cigar pioneers, photography and spectacular century-old architecture. Walking tours of the district are immensely popular, ranging from ghost walks to educational tours exploring Ybor’s historic buildings and the fascinating stories they hold. Ybor is also a prime location to see live music and dance the night away.

Live Music Venues in Ybor

Whether you’re in the mood for some ground-shaking rock ‘n’ roll, some groovy reggaeton, a banging EDM set or another genre of music, Ybor’s the place to be. Check out these venues for a night of music, drinks and unforgettable vibes:

• The RITZ Ybor: The RITZ Ybor hosts some of the biggest names in the music industry, with previous sold-out concerts including Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons and Skrillex. It’s been the home base of one of the country’s leading dance music event producers, Sunset Events, since 2016. It has a bar, excellent facilities and a sprawling dancefloor.
• Crowbar: Crowbar is a popular live music and events venue beloved by locals and visitors alike. Its claim to fame is its eclectic, alternative style and variety of events and music genres, from charity shows to weekly parties and big-name concerts. The location features a beer garden and exudes edginess while maintaining a welcoming energy.

Tampa Bars and Clubs in Ybor

Tampa’s club scene is booming, with multi-floor dance clubs scattered throughout the city. Ybor features two of Tampa’s most frequented dance clubs, perfect for energizing a night out:

• Club Skye: If you want an upmarket, elegant clubbing experience, visit Club Skye in the heart of Ybor City. This double-story marvel boasts an exclusive private champagne room, eight premium bars, several spectacularly lit dancefloors and two DJ booths.
• Club Prana: With five stories, including a sky bar, a lounge and a VIP floor, Club Prana is a nightlife hot spot for clubbing in Ybor City. The European-style club hosts weekly events featuring reputable DJs, offers bottle service and is adorned with trendy, lavish decor.

Discover Exhilarating Downtown Destinations

Downtown Tampa is a bustling, developed cosmopolitan area wrapped around the banks of the Hillsborough River. It’s beautifully lit at night to illuminate the various attractions, parks, museums, waterfront hotels, public art installations and other activities that line the water’s edge. Nightlife in Tampa owes much of its shimmering reputation to this metropolitan mecca.

Downtown Tampa Hot Spots for Arts and Culture

Tampa’s nightlife isn’t limited to clubs and DJ sets. There are plenty of cultural attractions mixed in between the Tampa bars and clubs if you’re keen on a more relaxed experience:

• Tampa Riverwalk: The 2.6-mile-long Tampa Riverwalk features stunning light displays, seasonal events and plenty of fascinating locations along the way, from the Heights Night Market at Armature Works to the vibrant Sparkman Wharf. Stop by one of the beer gardens, visit the yummy street food stalls and watch the water taxis meander up and down the Hillsborough River.
• Tampa Theatre: Sit back, relax and take in a show at the Tampa Theatre. Its elaborate design showcases the elegant and illustrious architectural style of the 1920s when it was first built. From newly released movies to old-timey classics and live shows, the Tampa Theater is the throne of Florida entertainment.

Check Out Northern Tampa Hot Spots

Northeast and northwest Tampa have exciting and unique entertainment spots for night owls looking for fun, games and delicious after-dinner treats. Northwest Tampa is home to the Lowry Park Zoo, Raymond James Stadium and many excellent eateries. The eastern side boasts the natural beauty of Busch Gardens and the University of South Florida. With so many iconic destinations, it’s clear why northern Tampa’s nightlife thrives.

Fun and Games in Northern Tampa

Choosing where to go out in Tampa depends on your mood, and if it’s games you’re after, you’re in luck. You’ll find dazzling lights and excitement for both adults and families in northern Tampa:

• Lowry Parcade: For a genius combination of craft beer on tap and retro arcade games, swing by Lowry Parcade on Waters Avenue. The venue is packed full of Skee-Ball, air hockey, bubble hockey, Pinball, Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, X-Men and more. It hosts events like trivia Tuesdays and monthly “nerdy burlesque” performances, and kids are welcome until 9 p.m. if accompanied by an adult.
• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a 245,000-square-foot goldmine of adult entertainment. It’s one of the largest casinos in the United States, located just west of the Florida State Fairgrounds. From tabletop games like poker, blackjack and baccarat to slot machines, there’s a game for everyone at this popular nighttime Tampa hot spot.

Coffee or Dessert After Dark in Tampa

After dinner or before a clubbing session, nothing beats a sweet treat and a pick-me-up cup. Try out these interesting, delicious locations for a refreshing surprise:

• Aubi & Ramsa: The quirky Aubi & Ramsa is a liquor-infused ice cream bar at the Hard Rock Hotel in East Lake-Orient Park. It’s a true hidden gem, serving frozen desserts made with various boozy crowd favorites. Try its indulgent Macallan 12-year Highland Truffle single-malt ice cream, or pick the Passion Fruit Margarita tequila sorbet for something a little fresher.
• BULA KAVANANDA Kava Bar and Coffeehouse: For an alcohol-free evening on the town, head over to BULA KAVANANDA in Seminole Heights Historic District. BULA KAVANANDA is a relaxing meeting place that serves ZEAL Coffee, kava from Vanuatu, yerba mate, on-tap kombucha, cacao shots, premium teas and herbal tonic elixirs.

Enjoy Exceptional Entertainment, Drinks and Food in South Tampa

Southern Tampa envelops Hillsborough Bay and hosts several unique, memorable nightlife locations, including clubs, bars, restaurants and “Instagrammable” entertainment hot spots. For the best nightlife Tampa has to offer, visit bustling Hyde Park or head down the coast to Bayshore Beautiful and Palma Ceia.

Here are two spots to add to your must-visit list:

• The Hyde Park Cafe: With thumping music, laser shows and a crowd of dedicated regulars, the Hyde Park Cafe is not your typical cafe. Instead, it’s a multifaceted venue with four different sections and atmospheres. There is the happy-go-lucky Wally & Bernies section, the open-air Cafe Courtyard, the indoor high-end nightclub-esque Velociti and the exclusive Cabana Club with VIP bottle service.
• LALA Tampa: LALA is an outrageously fun, upscale and unique karaoke concept with a beloved sister location in St. Pete. The restaurant’s fine dining menu offers exquisite French and Mediterranean cuisine, while its premium bar serves an array of craft cocktails, wine and spirits. Choose from a spectacular variety of themed karaoke rooms or “boxes,” and sing, eat and drink your heart out in style.

Book Your Karaoke Box at LALA

At LALA, we offer the full package — exceptional cuisine, a fantastic array of premium cocktails, wine and spirits, and our unique, themed karaoke boxes designed to keep you and your guests enthralled and invigorated. Easily book your karaoke room or make a reservation online!