TAMPA, Fla. — More than 25,000 visitors are expected to head to downtown Tampa this weekend as the annual Tampa Bay Comic Convention returns to the Tampa Convention Center from Friday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 6.
The three-day event will bring heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic across Downtown, Water Street, Channelside, and surrounding areas near the convention center. City officials noted that parking garages and on-street spaces will face high demand throughout the weekend.
To manage the influx, Tampa Police officers will be stationed at major crosswalks and intersections to help direct traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.
City officials encourage attendees and downtown visitors to use alternative transportation options. Available services include the free TECO Line Streetcar, DASH rides, HART bus routes, and shared micromobility scooters. Free bicycle parking will also be available inside nearby city parking garages for those arriving on foot or by bike.
The convention opens at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and at 9 a.m. on both Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6.
Traffic will be compounded by several other major events scheduled throughout the area over the holiday weekend. The Straz Center will host multiple performances across all three days, with Friday evening shows at 7:30 p.m., Saturday performances at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday shows at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Music Festival kicks off at Water Works Park at 2 p.m., while the USF football team plays at Raymond James Stadium at 7 p.m. On Sunday morning, the Hyde Park Fresh Market begins at 10 a.m.
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