There's more to Tampa than just the beach and Busch Gardens. Tampa events happen all year long, something for everyone from music to pirates to reptiles to air shows. Festivals in Tampa have something to suit every taste and interest. One of the most popular is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which includes an invading pirate armada, a parade, races, an art festival, and an independent film festival. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is over a century old; it usually takes place in late January or early February. There are many Tampa Music Festivals: Big Guava Music Festival, Sunset Music Festival, Moshfest, and Earthshaker Music Festival. There are also dance festivals, such as Tampa Salsa Bachata Festival in September and Florida Dance Festival in June.
Temple Terrace Craft Brewfest in May celebrates beer and food. Repticon Tampa Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is for fans of snakes and other reptiles. Shark Con teaches about marine life in a fun and entertaining way.
Tampa is no stranger to film festivals. In addition to the Gasparilla International Film Festival, there are the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay, and Metrocon, the largest anime convention in Florida.