While Miami, and Key West, and more recently Fort Lauderale and Orlando- are the more popular gaycation destinations in Florida, Tampa offers open parks, pioneering gastronomy, cultural venue and a relaxed pace of life. That’s without even counting the hip GaYbor district where all of the Tampa’s hottest nightlife is – gay and straight.
Florida is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving lgbtq+Q+ community. Throughout the year, the city hosts several gay events that celebrate lgbtq+Q+ culture, pride, and inclusivity.

Add to the mix the miles of waterfront and sandy beaches of Gay St Pete’s next door – which we have separated into another article-, sexy boys, a sultry subtropical climate + affordable prices.

The Tampa Bay area is Florida's largest metro area, encompassing the cities of Tampa , St. Petersburg, and various gulf beach towns. Tampa has a thriving mainstream nightlife scene in the old town area "Ybor City", but the lgbtq+Q scene for the Bay Area is somewhat spread out. There is a nice gay beach in St. Petersburg, offering a more relaxed vibe than in hotspots like Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach.

While not the most liberal city in Florida, Tamp still has a very active and visible lgbtq+ community – and gay travelers are unlikely to experience any issues, especially in the tourist-popular areas. The long Gulf Coast just begs you to explore it – perhaps as part of a larger gay Florida road trip – but Tampa has enough gay bars, clubs, bath houses and hipster-ness to keep you busy for at least a few days. Trust us, you won’t regret choosing Gay Tampa as your next gay holiday destination no matter where your interests lie!
We highly recommend hiring a car and getting out and discovering all of the glorious nature of the Florida Gulf Coast which is right on Tampa’s door-step. However, if you opt to stay just in the city there is still plenty of art galleries, hipster neighborhoods, contemporary architecture, beautiful green spaces and gay venues to keep you entertained during your stay – whether you’re lucky enough to be in town for a day, week, month or even longer!

Stay updated with gay events in Tampa, FL |

 

Here are some popular gay events in Tampa:

1. Tampa Pride: Tampa Pride is an annual event that takes place in March and attracts thousands of participants from all walks of life. The festivities include a colorful parade, live music performances, drag shows, vendor booths, and community organizations. Tampa Pride aims to promote equality, diversity, and acceptance within the community.
2. GaYbor Days: GaYbor Days is a weekend-long celebration held in the GaYbor District, a vibrant lgbtq+Q+ neighborhood in Tampa. The event features a street festival with food vendors, live entertainment, art exhibits, and a diverse range of activities. GaYbor Days is known for its lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit.
3. Ybor City Pride: Ybor City Pride is another exciting event held in the historic Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa. This multi-day celebration includes various activities such as parades, block parties, art exhibits, and performances by local artists. Ybor City Pride embraces the lgbtq+Q+ community and showcases the rich history and culture of the area.
4. Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival: This annual film festival celebrates lgbtq+Q+ cinema and provides a platform for lgbtq+Q+ filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival features a diverse selection of feature films, documentaries, and short films that explore a wide range of lgbtq+Q+ themes. It typically takes place in October and attracts film enthusiasts from all over the region.
5. Out & About Tampa Bay: Out & About Tampa Bay is a comprehensive lgbtq+Q+ event guide that covers a wide array of activities, including parties, social gatherings, art exhibitions, and fundraisers. The guide is regularly updated and provides up-to-date information on various gay events happening in and around Tampa.

Gay Nightlife in Tampa Florida

For those looking to go out and party, you will be happy to hear that Gay Tampa has a vibrant gay scene centered in the old town area “GaYbor District.” A coalition of gay and gay-friendly bars nightclubs and restaurants on one strip that has sprung up over through a grass-roots movement over the last decade, the GaYbor is the best place to discover the gay nightlife in Tampa.
A former cigar-rolling district with Latin roots, a night out in the GaYbor is perfect for dancing the night away in style with Britney, Ariana, and Cher. Nightlife is Florida, in general, is somewhat upscale, so dress-to-impress and be prepared for a long night: It’ might not be Bogota, Medellin or Guadalarja but the party starts late and goes all night long.

Here's a glimpse into some of the gay bars and hotspots in Tampa:

1. Bradley’s on 7th – A popular gay bar open 365 days a year with no cover and plenty of divas, drinks, and dancing. Daily Happy Hour til 9 pm with 2 for 1 on everything drag hosts and a social atmosphere. Bradley is one of the oldest bars in Tampa’s “Gay-Bor-Hood,” and even without their sexy go-go boys we would still go (but seriously, keep the boys!)
2. Ybor City Wine Bar – An upscale wine bar with fun snacks, deserts, inside seating and a patio overlooking the gay Tama scene on 7th Avenue. Perfect for meeting up and enjoy a sophisticated start to a night out.
3. Reservoir Bar – A simple dive bar in the heart of the Tampa gaybourhood. Cheap shots, professional bartenders and pool tables. A mixed hipster/gay crowd frequent this hole-in-the-wall bar in Tampa.
4. Honey Pot – Our favorite gay club in Tampa with large dance floor, great drink specials before 11, hot and steamy atmosphere and a young crowd. Fun events every night of the week with the most popular Tampa lesbian night: “Tease Saturdays” complete with rainfall shower. A variety of other events including onesie dress up, Masquerade and glow parties.
5. The Castle – This underworld club within a gothic ‘castle’ has 3 different areas for music, a dungeon bar, over bar and fun courtyard. There are fun events 5 nights a week from Future Pop Thursday’s to Friday darkness. Everyone is welcoming in this queer-friendly environment, but it is gay-popular and not a gay club. Imagine a tropical Prague fetish dungeon or clubbing with goth Dracula and you might start to get the idea…
6. Tampa Men’s Club – Don’t expect a world-class sauna like those found in Bangkok, Paris or Melbourne but still; this is our favorite bath house in Tampa for a fun gay hookup. Full gym with workout gear, steam room, jail, outdoor tanning area, theatre, mirrored showers and hot tub. Some amenities are available for sale (though there is a mega adult store nearby) and different prices and events are set out on their website. Bear night, boy nights and breakfast served on Sundays.
7. Johnsons Tampa - A renowned gay male strip club that offers a vibrant atmosphere and entertaining performances. 
8. Cocktail St Pete - A trendy gay bar known for its cocktails and welcoming ambiance. 
9. Lit Cigar & Martini Lounge - A sophisticated spot in Tampa, offering a mix of cigars and martinis in a relaxed setting.
10. Castle Ybor - A popular nightlife venue with themed nights and a diverse crowd. 
11. Thee Dollhouse Tampa - A gentlemen's club in Tampa that has been a staple in the community for years. 
12. Mona's Bar - Celebrating over two decades, this bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
13. Pegasus Niteclub - A lively club that hosts various events and parties catering to the lgbtq+Q+ community. Discover more
14. SoHo Saloon - Located in the heart of South Tampa, this saloon offers a mix of fun and entertainment. 
15. Mad Dogs - A vibrant bar that offers a mix of drinks and entertainment options. 
16. Ramrod Bar - A well-known gay bar that hosts various events and has a dedicated following. 

Here is a list of gay-friendly hotels in Tampa:

1. Tampa Marriott Water Street (Gay-Friendly): Situated in the heart of downtown Tampa, the Tampa Marriott Water Street provides modern rooms, excellent amenities, and a central location. Guests can enjoy easy access to popular attractions, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming environment. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com link
2. Aloft Tampa Downtown (Gay-Friendly): Located in downtown Tampa, Aloft Tampa Downtown offers contemporary accommodations and a hip atmosphere. With its stylish design, rooftop pool, and vibrant bar scene, this hotel is a popular choice among gay-friendly travelers. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com link
3. The Grand Resort and Spa - A renowned gay resort and spa that promises a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com link