If you're a property owner in the Tampa Bay area: or thinking about becoming one: there's something you need to know: this region doesn't just have great weather and beautiful beaches. It's also home to some of the most exciting events in the Southeast, and that means serious opportunity for your rental property.

From late February through March 2026, Tampa Bay is rolling out the red carpet with world-class festivals, championship golf, and celebrations that draw visitors from across the country. Whether you're managing a long-term rental or considering the short-term rental market, understanding these events is key to maximizing your property's potential.

Let's walk through what's happening and why it matters for your investment.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention: Geek Out and Cash In (February 20-22)

Before we dive into March, let's talk about the event that kicks everything off: the Tampa Bay Comic Convention at the Tampa Convention Center. Running February 20-22, this pop culture extravaganza brings thousands of fans, cosplayers, and collectors to downtown Tampa.

Comic conventions have grown from niche gatherings to mainstream events that fill hotel rooms and drive restaurant traffic. Attendees come from all over Florida and beyond, many looking for vacation rentals that offer more space and amenities than traditional hotels: especially groups traveling together.

If your property is near downtown Tampa or has easy access to the Convention Center, this weekend represents a prime booking opportunity. Even if you're managing annual rentals, understanding these peak demand periods helps you appreciate why Tampa properties maintain strong valuations year-round.

Florida Strawberry Festival: Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Crowds (February 27 - March 9)

The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is an 11-day celebration that draws over half a million visitors every year. Running from February 27 through March 9, this isn't just about strawberry shortcake (though that's definitely a highlight). We're talking headline country music acts, carnival rides, livestock shows, and some of the best Southern fair food you'll find anywhere.

Plant City is only about 25 miles east of Tampa, which means your Tampa Bay properties become attractive options for festival-goers who want to explore the wider region while they're in town. Families often make a multi-day trip out of it, combining the festival with visits to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, or beach time in Clearwater.

This festival consistently sells out hotel rooms throughout Hillsborough County, pushing demand toward vacation rentals and creating opportunities for property owners who know how to market to these seasonal peaks.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival: Music by the Water (March 6-8)



If your property is anywhere near St. Petersburg, mark March 6-8 on your calendar. The Tampa Bay Blues Festival at Vinoy Park is one of the premier blues festivals in the country, bringing legendary musicians and thousands of music lovers to the waterfront.

This three-day event has a different vibe than other festivals: it's sophisticated, music-focused, and attracts visitors who appreciate quality accommodations. Many attendees are repeat visitors who come back year after year, which creates predictable demand patterns that smart property managers can capitalize on.

St. Pete properties, especially those within walking distance of downtown or with water views, command premium rates during festival weekends. But even if your property is across the bay in Tampa, you're still in the game. The festival draws a regional crowd, and many visitors extend their stay to explore both sides of the bay.

River O' Green Fest: Tampa's St. Patrick's Day Tradition

Tampa doesn't do St. Patrick's Day quietly. The River O' Green Fest has become a beloved tradition where the Hillsborough River is dyed bright green, and downtown Tampa transforms into one massive party.

While specific 2026 dates haven't been locked down yet, this celebration typically happens the weekend closest to March 17th. The event includes live music, food vendors, family activities, and: of course: plenty of opportunities for people to wear their best green attire.

What makes this event particularly interesting for property owners is its demographic appeal. It brings together young professionals, families, and tourists in downtown Tampa and the Riverwalk area. Properties near Armature Works, Water Works Park, or anywhere with river access see increased interest.

It's also worth noting that St. Patrick's Day weekend in Tampa isn't a one-day affair. The celebrations often extend through the entire weekend, meaning multi-night rental opportunities for properties positioned in the right areas.

Valspar Championship: PGA Tour Comes to Tampa (March 19-22)



The crown jewel of Tampa Bay's March event calendar is the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor. This PGA Tour event brings world-class golfers, corporate sponsors, and golf enthusiasts from around the globe to Pinellas County.

Running March 19-22, the Valspar Championship isn't just a sporting event: it's an economic driver. Tournament attendees typically have higher-than-average incomes and are willing to pay premium rates for quality accommodations. Many corporate groups rent homes for the entire week, using them as hospitality bases for clients and employees.

If you own property anywhere in Pinellas County: Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, or Palm Harbor itself: this tournament represents your single biggest revenue opportunity of the month. Even properties in North Tampa see increased demand from visitors who don't mind a short drive to access world-class golf.

The tournament also generates significant media coverage, putting Tampa Bay in front of millions of viewers nationwide. That kind of exposure benefits the entire region's real estate market, reinforcing Tampa Bay's reputation as a desirable place to live, visit, and invest.

Beyond the Big Four: More March Madness

March 2026 is packed with even more events worth knowing about. The Gasparilla Arts Festival hits Julian B. Lane Park on February 28 - March 1, attracting art lovers and collectors. March 7 alone features the Florida Craft Beer Festival, Tampa Senior Expo, and WEDU PBS KIDS events throughout the area.

Later in the month, the 15th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City (March 29) celebrates Tampa's rich cultural heritage, while Uncorked: Tampa brings wine enthusiasts to Water Works Park on March 28. Over in Clearwater Beach, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival kicks off March 27 and runs through mid-April, featuring incredible sand sculptures that draw beach-goers throughout spring.

Each of these events creates micro-opportunities for property rentals, and together, they create something even more valuable: consistent demand.

What This Means for Your Investment

Here's the bottom line for property owners: Tampa Bay's event calendar isn't just entertainment: it's a fundamental driver of your property's financial performance.

These world-class events create predictable demand surges that allow savvy property managers to optimize pricing strategies. They bring diverse visitor demographics, from families to professionals to retirees, which means your property appeals to multiple markets throughout the year.

But there's a bigger picture too. Regions with strong event calendars maintain higher property values over time. Buyers and investors recognize that areas with cultural amenities, entertainment options, and economic activity are more resilient and desirable. When you own property in Tampa Bay, you're not just buying real estate: you're buying into an ecosystem that supports long-term appreciation.

Making the Most of Your Tampa Bay Property

Whether you're managing your property yourself or working with a professional team, understanding these event cycles is crucial. Marketing should ramp up weeks before major festivals. Pricing strategies should reflect demand patterns. Property preparation should ensure your rental is ready to impress visitors who might become repeat guests: or future buyers.

For out-of-state owners, this is where having local expertise becomes invaluable. You might not know that the Valspar Championship creates a three-week booking window or that Blues Festival attendees typically book accommodations months in advance. These details make the difference between good returns and exceptional ones.

At Property Management LHT, we live and breathe the Tampa Bay market. We know which events drive demand in which neighborhoods. We understand pricing dynamics during peak periods. And we handle everything from marketing to maintenance, so your property is always ready when opportunity knocks.

If you're an out-of-state owner wondering whether you're maximizing your Tampa Bay investment: or if you're considering purchasing property in this thriving market: let's talk. March 2026 is just the beginning. Tampa Bay's event calendar keeps rolling year-round, and your property should be positioned to benefit from every opportunity.



The question isn't whether Tampa Bay is a great place to own rental property. The question is whether you're making the most of everything this incredible region has to offer.