21 Tampa Event Venues Your Attendees Will Love
Looking to plan an event in the Big Guava? Check out this list of 21 incredible event venues in Tampa—from clubs and golf courses to museums and hotels.
While Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon arrived in the Tampa Bay area as early as 1513, the western part of the land which would one day become Florida remained relatively undeveloped until the 1800s. Once a part of the United States in 1845, the Tampa Bay area would finally begin developing into the region it is today.
By the 1960s, Tampa’s Downtown business district would thrive—providing office space to major banks and corporations. Today, the once slow-to-develop city is now home to a stunning skyline, numerous family-friendly destinations, and an active sports community.
If you plan to organize an event in Tampa and are looking for a venue to host you, this is the guide to read.
1. Busch Gardens and Adventure Island
Source: Wiki Commons
Location: University Square
Capacity: 50 – 3,000+
Known for its family-friendly fun and excitement, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are two of the more unique event spaces to host an event at in Tampa. The venue offers numerous options to host and entertain guests, ranging from private dining options to a complete buyout of either park for larger events. With unique experiences such as exotic animal encounters, thrill rides, and even water-soaked excitement, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are top destinations to wow guests of all ages.
2. Tampa Museum of Art
Source: Tampa Museum
Location: Channel District
Capacity: 400
Not too many Tampa event venues get to offer guests such stunning views of the city’s waterfront. Serving up sights from its lovely covered terrace, guests can take in the beauty of Tampa, including the skyline and the University of Tampa’s famed minarets. Plus, the Museum’s in-house caterer custom creates menus for both afternoon and evening events which can be held throughout much of the venue, including the spacious indoor atrium.
3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Source: ZooTampa
Location: Lowry Park
Capacity: 175 – 750
ZooTampa offers a range of venues which are suited to both intimate affairs and large-scale events. Locations like the Ituri Forest Patio allow for special occasions to be held under massive trees while surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic animals. Meanwhile, the Wallaroo Station takes guests to the heart of Australia and serves as an ideal destination for a kids party, making ZooTampa one of the best all-ages event venues in Florida.
4. The Florida Aquarium
Source: The Florida Aquarium
Location: Channel District
Capacity: 80 – 160
Good luck finding another event space surrounded by 2,000 sea animals and vibrant coral reef. Events held at the Florida Aquarium have a range of spaces to choose from, such as the Coral Reef Reception room, the outdoor Overlook Deck & Splash Pad, and the sleek Mosaic Center Reception room. With its mix of beauty, wonder, and awe, this venue is the ideal backdrop for corporate or personal events in addition to kid’s birthdays and sleepovers.
5. Oxford Exchange
Source: Oxford Exchange
Location: Hyde Park
Capacity: 32 – 200
Since 2012, Oxford Exchange has wowed attendees of all event types with its gorgeous, sun-soaked event space and one-stop-shop for hosting occasions. Those seeking an exquisite, welcoming space should definitely consider this Tampa event venue, which comes complete with a transformational space that allows guests to have the time of their lives. Due to its charm and versatility, Oxford Exchange is an excellent choice for book clubs, lectures and numerous other social gatherings in addition to business meetings and wedding receptions.
6. Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events
Source: Yacht StarShip
Location: Downtown/Channel District
Capacity: 25 – 600
Instead of staying on land, why not enjoy the Tampa Bay aboard the only dining yacht of its kind in the Southern United States? Shake up the traditional event setting and take in Tampa’s stunning scenes, skyline, and clear water aboard a luxury yacht. Yacht StarShip can be docked in Tampa as well as Clearwater, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs.
7. Armature Works
Source: Armature Works
Location: Tampa Heights
Capacity: 200 – 700
If exposed brick and sleek hardwood floors make you melt, then Armature Works may be the ideal venue for you. Embracing the history of the space while combining it with state-of-the-art technology, this restored mixed-use venue offers incredible indoor and outdoor experiences. Located along the Hillsborough River, guests are treated to exquisite views of downtown Tampa that rival the beauty inside the location.
8. Bryan Glazer Family JCC
Source: Bryan Glazer Family JCC
Location: North Hyde Park
Capacity: 750
Touted as Tampa’s premier event venue, the Bryan Glazer Family JCC is ideal for those hoping to leave a memorable impression on their guests. With over 11,000 square feet of available space, this venue is equipped with a built-in stage, soundproof walls, and an 8,500 square foot ballroom with high ceilings. It also offers custom design options for each occasion.
9. Watervue Grille
Source: Watervue Grille
Location: Harbour Island
Capacity: 42 – 200
Situated on the water in downtown Tampa, Watervue Grille is a recently renovated, upscale dining space that emphasizes fresh Florida seafood. The main dining area is ideal for mid-sized receptions and private events. Meanwhile, the private event space offers a more quaint experience that diners are sure to love.
10. The Cuban Club
Source: The Cuban Club
Location: Ybor City
Capacity: 125 – 4,500
The building that helped unite the area’s Cuban community burnt down in 1916, but was quickly rebuilt due to its importance. Today, the neoclassical building boasts a 40,000 square foot Courtyard, a Grand Ballroom, and a traditional proscenium theater, amongst other event-worthy locations. With so many options, private events of all types will have a blast at The Cuban Club.
11. The Vault
Source: The Vault
Location: Downtown Arts District
Capacity: 200 – 300
The Vault began as the Exchange National Bank a century ago. Today, the building remains a neoclassical beauty that offers guests a unique experience in the form of beautiful city views from the comfort of a 6,000 square foot interior space. Restored interior spaces and original marble flooring give The Vault a modern classic combination that is difficult to find in most venues and event spaces.
12. CL Space
Source: CL Space
Location: Historic Ybor
Capacity: 200
CL Space was voted Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award winner for 2017 and 2018. While that speaks volumes to the kinds of amazing experiences brides and grooms may have, it doesn’t do justice to all the fantastic events held at this lovely location. The 2,000 square foot open space venue is ideal for small to mid-sized team meetings, concerts, gatherings, art galleries, and plenty more.
13. American Social
Source: American Social
Location: Harbour Island
Capacity: 15 – 800
American Social gives guests an array of choices inside its music-centric, upscale dining venue. Event planners looking to host intimate occasions are sure to enjoy the private dining room as well as the Liberty Lounge. Outdoor locations like the private bar and terrace are also ideal for small groups and offer views of Downtown, while the Patio Bar does the same for larger gatherings.
14. The Rusty Pelican
Source: The Rusty Pelican
Location: Pelican Island
Capacity: 50 – 250
Since 1978, the Rusty Pelican has been one of the city’s most beloved destinations for an array of events. In recent years, its private event rooms have taken home multiple wedding awards from the likes of Wedding Wire and The Knot. Rooms named for local gems like Pelican, Coral, and Bay join the outdoor wedding gazebo and Grand Ballroom as beautiful spaces you have to see to believe.
15. Centre Club
Source: Centre Club
Location: Beach Park
Capacity: 2 – 300
Since 1984, Centre Club has been regarded as one of Tampa’s top event venues thanks to its delicious food, beautiful arrangements, and excellent service. Located on the 8th floor of the Urban Centre, the 4,000+ square foot space comes with eye-catching sights of downtown Tampa as well as St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. The combination of aerial views and exquisite decor at Centre Club will be hard to match.
16. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Source: Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 150
The galleries at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts focus on contemporary life and culture, which serves as an ideal backdrop for a number of private events and special occasions. Plus, guests can enjoy a specially designed tour of the museum’s current exhibits. Additionally, the museum provides stunning sights of Downtown Tampa, which can be viewed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the conference rooms with warm, bright Florida sun.
17. Epicurean Hotel
Source: Epicurean Hotel
Location: Bayshore Gardens
Capacity: 26 – 300
If you prefer an in-house team of professionals to assemble your event, the Epicurean may be the venue for your next occasion. One of the hotel’s top selling points has to be its versatility. It offers both indoor and outdoor venues that range from traditional to completely unique. One of the venues that event planners can use is the Epicurean Theatre, which has been considered “a playground for James Beard-nominated chefs.”
18. Pebble Creek Golf Club
Source: Pebble Creek Golf Club
Location: Pebble Creek
Capacity: 50 – 275
Pebble Creek has been a premier choice in Tampa event spaces for 40 years. It’s the ideal setting for those seeking an indoor/outdoor event space, or who just prefer versatility. Event hosts will love the private meeting rooms, 3,000 square foot Banquet Room, and 12,000 square foot Georgian-style Clubhouse. With views of the greens and Tampa’s gorgeous organic scenery, this golf club is a perfect setting for meetings, weddings, and other personal events.
19. The Westshore Grand
Source: The Westshore Grand
Location: Westshore Business District
Capacity: 10 – 500
Embodying the lifestyle of Florida, the Westshore Grand is an ideal Tampa event space for any event seeking a touch of style and sophistication. Numerous venues cater to parties of all sizes, from the sleek and intimate Madeira Boardroom to the 500-person Luxurious Bayshore Grand Ballroom. Private dining options are also available at its restaurant, Shula’s.
20. Ferg’s Live
Source: Ferg’s Live
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 30 – 2,000
With a sprawling space and convenient downtown location, Ferg’s is a hot destination for both casual and upscale events in Tampa. The 8,000 square foot indoor/outdoor space is ideal for many kinds of events from block parties to business meetings to personal parties. It boasts numerous stages, a dance floor, and a state-of-the-art audio system. The venue also offers in-house beverage and entertainment solutions, in addition to over 60 HDTVs for branding and event marketing opportunities.
21. Raymond James Stadium
Source: Raymond James Stadium
Location: Plaza Terrace
Capacity: 240 – 2,500+
Home to the National Football League’s (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raymond James Stadium is an exquisite multi-purpose venue which may be best known for its massive pirate ship display at its end zone. While events can be held up close to the ship, on the field, or at the nearby by Buccaneer’s Cove, the stadium also offers numerous other locations from cozy verandas and press boxes to the 9,000 square foot Hall of Fame Club.
Wrapping Up: Finding the Ideal Tampa Venue for Your Event
Every event is different and requires its own unique event strategy to make it successful. This curated list of amazing event venues will get you started as you begin to plan your Tampa area gathering. Just choose the location that best fits your event type, and create the lasting memories you and your guests deserve.
Now, just grab your event management software and host the get-together of your dreams!
If your next event will be hosted outside of the Tampa area, be sure to view our other lists of amazing venues across the U.S:
- Atlanta Event Venues
- Boston Event Venues
- Chicago Event Venues
- Seattle Event Venues
- San Francisco Event Venues
