Let’s explore social events in Tampa, FL happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Tampa where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Tampa
AWS re:Invent Recap
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: 501 E Kennedy Blvd
In January, the Tampa Bay AWS User Group is hosting a re:Invent recap session where local Solution Architects from AWS will talk about the many announcements and various highlights from the 2024 re:Invent event. Speakers from AWS include Renato Fichmann and Vivek Mittal.
This event is sponsored by JetSweep, and refreshments will be served!(…)
Let’s Take a Hike 🌴 Martin Luther King Day! 🇺🇸 Lower Hillsborough 🌳
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Hole in the Fence Trailhead
Let’s take a 5-6 mile hike along the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness. The route will be mostly under nice tree canopy. This section of the park sustained heavy damage during the recent storms and was only recently reopened.
The actual route will be determined as we go. There may still be a section or two yet to be cleared.
We’ll be at a fairly relaxed pace, probably around 2.5 mph and take one sit d(…)
Gasparilla
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Private Home In Hyde Park
***Ahoy Mates:***
Come join us for a day of fun in a private location in Hyde Park, a short walk to the parade route. The address will be provided a few days in advance to those attending.
**Pirate Attire Welcome.**
**If you plan to just hang out, consider bringing a chair.**
Shiver me timbers!!!! This will be an outdoor event. Great location to people watch, and if you choose to walk down to t(…)
TBDEG – Data Engineering 101
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Embarc Collective
This meetup is a monthly chat for our community to discuss the latest and greatest in data engineering. We’ll cover interesting topics, techniques, and tools through general open discussions and focused presentations.
We’ll kick off 2025 with an introduction to data engineering. We’ll review Joe Reis and Matt Housley’s book ***Fundamentals of Data Engineering*** and other resources to define and (…)
ALOFT Friday Happy Hour On The Water DowntownTampa
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Aloft Tampa Downtown
The XYZ Bar is so beautifully decorated and right on the water. You will not be disappointed when you see this place and all it has to offer. The bar is on the first floor out back right on the water. You can sit inside or out and enjoy the spacious atmosphere and fire pit.
They have valet parking, thier are also parking garages, and street parking close by. There’s also a church just across the r(…)
Monday Kickball
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Henry & Ola Park
This event is open to all members and takes place every Monday. New members arrive 6:00 – 6:15; Gather and team at 6:15. The game starts at 6:30 or sooner if we have a quorum.
Come out to the park and play some kickball! Regardless of your skill level or ability, if you haven’t played since fourth grade or are completely new at this game, don’t worry. Kickball is easy to learn and it makes for a (…)
Walk @ Brandon Parkway Trail (dogs welcome)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Brandon Parkway Walking Trail
Please come out and join me for a walk at the Brandon Parkway Trail. Dogs welcome. I park near TD Bank on Lumsden.(…)
1ST 2025 Bingo @ Wine and Wood in Hyde Park (RSVP REQUIRED)
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: 614 S Howard Ave unit c
***PRE-PAYMENT LINK [(Click this link to pay for 10 games of bingo!)](https://link.fastpaydirect.com/payment-link/66e2c9c50adb9fcb25b4fdce)***
Once you’ve made your payment, please message me directly so I can update your RSVP status to ATTENDING / PAID.
🎉 \*\*Ahoy, Happy Hour Mateys!\*\* 🏴☠️
Get ready for a Gasparilla Bingo adventure at “Wine and Wood in Hyde Park” (614 S Howard Ave Unit C, T(…)
ALL Day TAMPA’S 2025 GASPARILLA Pirate Festival in 3 Parts!!!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Ybor City Historic District
Pic Credit and Video TAMPA’S 2023 GASPARILLA Pirate Festival – World’s LARGEST w/ RIC FLAIR [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4ISArPDmU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4ISArPDmU)
### \*\*\**Presented by [Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla](https://ymkg.com/)*
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasparilla_Pirate_Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasparilla_Pirate_Festival)
**{[ If your RSVP Sta(…)
Game night! 🤪
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Florida Avenue Brewing Co.
Bring all your fave group games to competitive – yet friendly and fun – game night! Welcome to everyone! 🤗
We are going back to Florida Ave Brewing Co Address: 4315 n Fl Ave(…)
LinkedIn Local Tampa Bay
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Computer Coach Training Center
**WHAT IS LINKEDIN LOCAL?**
LinkedIn Local™ events are organic meetups, hosted by members all over the world. They provide an opportunity to network, build community, discuss industry trends, and share best practices for using LinkedIn.
LinkedIn Local Tampa Bay provides networking opportunities in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Suncoast counties.
**WHO SHOULD ATTEND?**
* IT Professional(…)
Official Cybersecurity Summit January 24
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: HILTON TAMPA DOWNTOWN
Learn how to **protect** yourself & your business from becoming a victim of cybercrime.
Save the date and join us for the **6th Annual Official Tampa Cybersecurity Summit**, rated Top 5 InfoSec Conference Worldwide, held on **Friday, January 24** at the **Hilton Tampa Downtown**.
**Tampa Bay Generative AI Meetup** is a proud partner of this event & for a limited time has secured exclusive compli(…)
The Gasparilla Meetup 🏴☠️
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Tampa Convention Center
**Exact Time & Location Will Be Shared The Week Of The Event!**
Get ready to dive into Tampa’s most epic tradition, the **Gasparilla Pirate Invasion**, with an unforgettable meetup you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a long-time pirate at heart or just looking for a great time, this is the perfect way to start the year off right.
**Here’s What’s in Store:**
🍹 **Drinks & Good Vibes** – Raise(…)
I’M A KEEPER – Meet & Greet – Tampa
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Cheesecake Factory
**Are You A KEEPER Looking to Meet Other KEEPERS?** Join us to make new friends over positive, uplifting conversations and your choice of dinner, a dessert, or just a drink. This is not a pick-up place. It is a safe place for singles to relax and make friendships with other like-minded singles in a positive environment.
**The I AM A KEEPER group is a very upbeat, positive and encouraging group.**(…)
2025 RX Fire Fest Promotional Event
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Edward Medard Conservation Park
Hi Suncoast chapter! Hillsborough county has asked us to participate with a table setup at their Fire Fest Event. We need volunteers to organize the activity and attend the event to promote the Suncoast chapter. Please sign up if you are willing to fill either of these two roles.
Event Details:
Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments will hold our “Rx Fir(…)
Group Travel Discussion – For the Summer 2025 at the Columbia Cafe (*Cross-Post)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Columbia Cafe
## **\*\*\*This is a cross-post form our Venture Out Vacations & Voyagers Meetup Group!\*\*\***
**\*The discussion will be about “GROUP TRAVEL”! All are welcome to attend!!**
**Join our 2025 Group Travel Meetup (Venture Out Vacations & Voyagers) at the Columbia Cafe’** – a community for adventurous souls eager to explore the world together! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to group excu(…)
Ultimate MLK Classic III
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Lincoln Gardens Park
👫 This event is open to all members and takes place every Friday night.
Newbies and experienced players are welcome! It’s a coed, non-contact sport that involves throwing and catching a frisbee with a bunch of running in between. If you’re looking for a good workout and an excuse to be outside, here it is! Join us!
Things to know:
1. While skill levels on the field will vary, we are very inten(…)
Aluminum Casting Demonstration
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Tampa Hackerspace
Come see a demonstration of aluminum casting. Set up will begin at 10 AM with the first pour happening around 11 AM.
Open to the public.(…)
We’re Back: Return of the Freethinkers at Oak and Ola in Armature Works
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Oak and Ola
Now that the fog of chaos of the last few months has lifted, let’s discuss some of the craziness. War (kinetic and cultural), health, censorship etc.
Suggestions for topics are wanted, please leave a comment.
I reserved a table for 10 at Oak and Ola in Armature Works under my name, Cynthia.(…)
6th Annual Official Tampa Cyber Security Summit
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Hilton Tampa Downtown
Complimentary Admission to 6th Annual Official Cyber Security Summit Jan 24
Learn how to protect yourself & your business from becoming a victim of cybercrime.
Join us for the **6th Annual Official Tampa Cyber Security Summit**, rated Top 5 InfoSec Conference Worldwide, held on **Friday, January 24, 2025** at the **Hilton Tampa Downtown.**
**SWFLSec** is a proud partner of this event & for a lim(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Tampa, you can try out Google.com, Visittampabay.com, or Google.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Tampa, Florida
Shipwrecked Music Festival 2025 – Tampa, FL
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Cuban Club
Tampa Bay’s Pirate & Music Festival on Gasparilla Weekend
8th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl, Brunch & VIP Party – Tampa (Yeoman’s)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suite
Do Gasparilla the right way. Join our Bar Crawl and upgrade with Buffet Style Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas from 9am – 12pm and our VIP Party.
Gasparilla Soho Party!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: MacDinton’s Irish Pub
Two parties, one ticket, twice the fun!
BAR HWRD GASPARILLA BLOCK PARTY
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Bar HWRD
The block party you don’t want to miss out on. General Admission tickets ON SALE NOW! Limited availability & while supplies last!
8th Annual Gasparilla Bar Crawl, Brunch & VIP Party-Tampa (District Tavern)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: District Tavern
Do Gasparilla the right way. Join our Bar Crawl and upgrade with Buffet Style Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas from 9am – 12pm and our VIP Party.
BOSTON RICHEY + WOODBOY GEE @ HEFE | SATURDAY JAN 25TH
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hefé Nightclub
THE BIGGEST CONCERT TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR
GASPARILLA AT SOHO SALOON – Saturday, January 25th
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Soho Saloon
ARRGGGG you coming to the HOTTEST party on Howard? Purchase your General Admission tickets NOW and enjoy fast pass entry ALL DAY LONG!
Los Caballeros Las Prefieren Brutas en TAMPA
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: HCC Performing Arts Ybor City
Sábado 19 de Octubre, Isabella Santo Domingo llega a Tampa con su one woman show “Los Caballeros las prefieren brutas”
Gasparilla Soho Party!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Grove Soho
Two parties, one ticket, twice the fun!
Gasparilla Weekend Kick Off!
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: MacDinton’s Irish Pub
Kick off Gasparilla Weekend with us starting on Thursday with Open Bar Happy Hour 6-9pm. Sponsored by Nutrl, Grey Goose and Patron!
Gasparilla Pre Game Party
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: MacDinton’s Irish Pub
Yo-ho Yo-ho, a macdinton’s pirate party for me! Party sponsored by Bacardi, Grey Goose and Nutrl!
Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon with Brooke Shields
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Tampa Convention Center
Celebrate leadership and empowerment at Waves of Change with Brooke Shields & Dr. Moira J Burke, benefiting The Centre for Women’s programs!
Speakpreneur Tampa
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 5101 N Rome Ave
Transform Your Voice For Influence, Impact & Income | The Secrets To Becoming A High Paid Speaker
Alpharilla: The Official Black Gasparilla Party
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 7th + Grove
The #1 Event of Gasparilla returns!
Join the Tampa Alphas for Alpharilla: The Official Black Gasparilla Party at 7th + Grove in Ybor City!
HPC Gasparilla
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Hyde Park Cafe
Celebrate Gasparilla all day and night at Hyde Park Cafe!
¡ SAMBA ! Gasparilla After Party @ Hotel Haya
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hotel Haya
Merging sounds from Latin America, Africa, Caribbean, USA + everywhere in between for an all inclusive dance party! ¡ SAMBA !
Women’s Council of REALTORS Tampa 2025 Business Blast Off
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Hillsborough Community College – Dale Mabry Campus
Get ready to blast off your real estate business in 2025 with the Women’s Council of REALTORS Tampa – it’s gonna be epic!
2025 MeltSO Gasparilla Brunch
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 105 West Tyler Street, Tampa, FL, USA
Join us at MeltSO, right in the heart of Downtown Tampa, for a Gasparilla Brunch featuring a hearty breakfast buffet and bottomless mimosas!
15th Annual Gasparilla Extravaganza
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Westin Tampa Waterside
Get ready to celebrate like never before at the 15th Annual Gasparilla Extravaganza – it’s going to be a wild ride!
Gasparilla After Party
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Italian Club of Tampa
Join us at the Italian Club as we host our first ever Gasparilla After Party with great music, delicious food, and full cash bar all night!
Events for Expats and Locals to meet
VENICE InterNations – “First Get-Together of 2025 in Venice”
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Venice Fusion
Let’s start the year as an InterNations Family with members who have joined this year or have been members for a long time. Celebrate the first month of the year in style! This event is not limited to InterNations members, so please bring friends. Free admission for InterNations Members! Let’s have good food, drinks, and conversation.