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Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay: October 23-25, 2026

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Key facts

  • The PCHA Horse Show runs October 24-25 at Florida State Fairgrounds with free spectator admission and competition starting at 8 a.m. both days [1]
  • Tampa Guitar Show features hundreds of vendors with instruments, amps, and accessories; admission is $15 for adults, kids 12 and under free with adult [2]
  • Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival celebrates craft coffee and local artists on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission ranges $13–$30 [3]
  • Dessert Wars pits pastry vendors against each other October 24, 3–7 p.m., with admission starting at $35 [4]
  • Multiple library branches showcase Tampa Museum of Art works in ‘Made in Florida’ exhibits throughout the weekend [7][8][9][10][11]

Saturday, October 24

PCHA Horse Show [1]

  • Date/Time: October 24–25, 8:00 a.m. [1]
  • Where: Florida State Fairgrounds Equestrian Rings, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa [1]
  • Cost: Free for spectators [1]
  • Watch riders and enthusiasts compete in Pinellas County Hunter Association events across two days of equestrian excellence. [1]

Tampa Guitar Show [2]

  • Date/Time: October 24, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. [2]
  • Where: Florida Center, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa [2]
  • Cost: $15 adults / $16 card / free kids 12 and under with adult; parking $10 online or $12 onsite [2]
  • [2]

Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival [3]

  • Date/Time: October 24, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. [3]
  • Where: Special Events Center, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa [3]
  • Cost: $13–$30; parking $10 online or $12 onsite [3]
  • The Southeast’s first craft coffee festival brings together roasters, artisans, and industry professionals. [3]

Dessert Wars [4]

  • Date/Time: October 24, 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. [4]
  • Where: Entertainment Hall, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa [4]
  • Cost: $35 and up; parking $10 online or $12 onsite [4]
  • [4]

Tall Tales of Old Florida at Cracker Country [5]

  • Date/Time: October 24, 6:45 p.m. [5]
  • Where: Cracker Country (19th century living history museum), Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa [5]
  • Explore Tampa’s living history by lantern light as storytellers share wild yarns about Florida heroes, monsters, and mysteries. Victorian games and seasonal décor add to the family-friendly adventure before and after the tour [5]

Friday, October 23

Made in Florida Exhibitions (Multiple Locations) [7][8][9][10][11]

  • Date/Time: October 23, all day [7][8][9][10][11]
  • Locations: C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library (Gallery @ 2607); Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library (Gallery on the Avenue); Riverview Public Library; Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library (Gallery @ 2902); North Tampa Branch Library (Gallery on the Boulevard) [7][8][9][10][11]
  • Cost: Free [7][8][9][10][11]
  • Developed by the Tampa Museum of Art, these poster exhibitions showcase paintings, prints, photographs, and mixed-media works by artists connected to Florida. The displays reveal how the state’s distinctive light and landscape have inspired creativity across generations [7][8][9][10][11]

Mobile Device Basics [12]

  • Date/Time: October 23, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. [12]
  • Where: Seminole Heights Branch Library Community Room, 4711 North Central Avenue, Tampa [12]
  • Cost: Free (registration recommended) [12]
  • Adults can learn features and functions of Android tablets and mobile devices in this beginner-friendly workshop [12]

Relax with Adult Coloring [13]

  • Date/Time: October 23, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. [13]
  • Where: New Tampa Regional Library Computer Lab, 10001 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa [13]
  • Cost: Free (registration recommended) [13]
  • Join a relaxing session exploring the psychology and benefits of adult coloring while working on pictures and socializing with others [13]

Hand Embroidered Greeting Cards [14]

  • Date/Time: October 23, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. [14]
  • Where: Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library Quiet Room, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa [14]
  • Cost: Free (registration recommended) [14]
  • Learn greeting card history and create a hand-embroidered patriotic card for a friend or loved one using beginner-friendly stitches. All supplies are provided [14]

Sunday, October 25

PCHA Horse Show (Continued) [1]

  • Date/Time: October 25, 8:00 a.m. [1]
  • Where: Florida State Fairgrounds Equestrian Rings, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa [1]
  • Cost: Free for spectators [1]
  • [1]

Tampa Guitar Show (Continued) [2]

  • Date/Time: October 25, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. [2]
  • Where: Florida Center, 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa [2]
  • Cost: $15 adults / $16 card / free kids 12 and under with adult; parking $10 online or $12 onsite [2]
  • [2]

Frequently asked questions

What free events are happening this weekend in Tampa Bay?

Multiple options: the PCHA Horse Show has free spectator admission on October 24–25 at Florida State Fairgrounds [1]; the ‘Made in Florida’ art exhibitions at library branches are free all day October 23 [7][8][9][10][11]; and library workshops like Mobile Device Basics and Adult Coloring are free (registration recommended) on October 23 [12][13]

Where can I park at the Florida State Fairgrounds events?

Parking costs $10 online or $12 onsite for events at the fairgrounds. Multiple entrances are available: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center (US Hwy 301), MLK Boulevard, and Orient Road [2][3][4]

What’s the best event for families this weekend?

Tall Tales of Old Florida at Cracker Country on October 24 at 6:45 p.m. is family-friendly, featuring lantern-lit storytelling about Florida legends plus Victorian games and seasonal décor [5]

Can I bring kids to the guitar show or coffee festival?

Yes—the Tampa Guitar Show offers free admission for kids 12 and under with an adult [2], and the Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival welcomes families during its October 24 hours [3]

Sources

  1. PCHA Horse Show – October – Florida State Fairgrounds Events, 2026-10-24
  2. Tampa Guitar Show – Florida State Fairgrounds Events, 2026-10-24
  3. Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival – Florida State Fairgrounds Events, 2026-10-24
  4. Dessert Wars – Florida State Fairgrounds Events, 2026-10-24
  5. Tall Tales of Old Florida at Cracker Country – Florida State Fairgrounds Events, 2026-10-24
  6. Gallery @ 2607 Presents: Made in Florida – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  7. Gallery on the Avenue: Made in Florida – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  8. Made in Florida – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  9. Gallery @ 2902 Presents: Made in Florida – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  10. Gallery on the Boulevard Presents: Made in Florida – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  11. Mobile Device Basics – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  12. Relax with Adult Coloring – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  13. Hand Embroidered Greeting Cards – Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Events, 2026-10-23
  14. Temple Terrace Roadway Improvement Project – Public Notice – City of Temple Terrace News Flash

Compiled by Central Florida Lifestyle from official sources. Last updated October 23, 2026.


Ava McDonnell
Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.
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Written by Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines.

Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers.

Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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