Tampa Bay Certified · Neighborhood
Downtown Tampa
What’s new in Downtown Tampa: openings, restaurants, real estate, and the names on the ground — from Tampa Bay Certified.
Updated August 3, 2026
openings
Straz Center debuts 160-piece Banksy collection in Downtown Tampa
The venue's Instagram claims 160-plus authenticated Banksy works — including a signed Mona Lisa — are valued at more than $35 million.
Aug 3, 2026
events
Bolts Brew Fest returns to Benchmark International Arena for its ninth year
The Tampa Bay Lightning's annual summer beer festival pours more than 100 samples on July 25.
Jul 21, 2026
food
Bodega Mini Mart NYC Deli opens in the former Taco Bus on N Franklin
Khalil Mohammad brings a chopped cheese and late-night bodega concept to the former Taco Bus at 505 N Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa.
Jun 26, 2026
events
511 Franklin launches Thursday night series with Tampa producer DJ Redness
511 Franklin kicks off its Thursday series June 25 with Tampa producer DJ Redness on open-format from 9 to close, no cover.
Jun 24, 2026
events
OPEN AER launches a free makers market at AER Tampa on June 20
The free cultural event runs 2–6 PM at 300 W Tyler St, combining local artists, live music, and vendors along the Riverwalk.
Jun 16, 2026
food
La Victoria takes over the former Melting Pot Social space on Tampa's Riverwalk
The 3,800-square-foot coastal Mexican restaurant is targeting a September opening at Ave Tampa Riverwalk.
Jun 5, 2026
food
Nagi takes over Gen X Tavern's Jackson Street space this October
Dave Burton's former Gen X Tavern becomes a Japanese sushi and izakaya concept from the Soho Sushi team.
May 29, 2026
food
Green Bench Brewing opens its first Tampa location at 200 N Tampa St
The St. Pete lager staple crosses the bay with rare taproom pours and limited releases for downtown Tampa.
May 28, 2026
food
Gen X Tavern closes its doors on East Jackson Street after seven years in downtown Tampa
Owner Dave Burton confirms a July 2026 closing for the retro-themed bar at 103 E Jackson St, with a new concept already planned for the space.
May 28, 2026
food
Exciting New Addition: Matilde Set to Enrich Downtown Tampa's Culinary Scene
A coastal Mexican steakhouse is on the horizon for Tampa's Riverwalk area.
May 8, 2026
Briefs
8 items
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final lands at Tampa Convention Center Sept. 19
Sixteen street dancers compete in audience-voted freestyle battles for a single U.S. spot at the World Final in Zurich.
Sep 15, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final Comes to Tampa for the First Time
Sixteen of the nation’s top street dancers battle 1-on-1 at the Tampa Convention Center on Sept. 19, with the audience voting and the winner carrying the USA to the World Final in Zurich.
Sep 15, 2026
FOOD · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Naree, from the group behind Ebbe, opens a 10-seat counter at 1202 N. Franklin
The chef's counter shares its address with Ebbe and comes from the same Michelin-starred group.
Sep 1, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Tampa Bay Comic Convention opens Sept. 4 with John Cena, Ann-Margret on the bill
The three-day convention runs September 4–6 at the Tampa Convention Center, with more than 80 guests from across pop culture.
Sep 1, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
21 Savage headlines Nightmare on Channelside at Benchmark International Arena
The Oct. 31 show at the 21,500-capacity downtown Tampa arena also features Meek Mill, Kodak Black, and DaBaby.
Aug 25, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Red Bull Dance Your Style takes its U.S. national final to Tampa for the first time
Sixteen freestyle dancers compete at the Tampa Convention Center on Sept. 19, with the winner advancing to the Zurich world final.
Aug 24, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
MetroCon brings 15,000 fans to the Tampa Convention Center July 31–Aug. 2
The anime convention, running since 2003, fills three days with cosplay contests, voice actor panels, and a 10,000-sq-ft arcade.
Jul 29, 2026
EVENTS · DOWNTOWN TAMPA
DJ Redness Launches a Weekly Thursday Residency at 511 Franklin
The Tampa DJ and producer brings his open-format sound to the downtown venue starting June 25, with no cover at the door.
Jun 24, 2026