TAMPA, Fla. — Got weekend plans? Make sure you plan if you're going to be anywhere near downtown Tampa and be ready for a lot of traffic delays, increased crowds, road closures and detours.
The reason? Tampa city leaders say more than a dozen big events are happening in and around the downtown area between Friday, April 19, and Sunday, April 21.
The jam-packed weekend will be full of parades, concerts, fundraisers, markets, galas and more. With all those events, traffic is expected to be heavy and congested.
Additionally, detours and limited on-street parking will be in the area. Throughout the weekend, the city says it expects tens of thousands of people to flock in and around downtown.
Here are just some of the events planned in Tampa this weekend:
Friday, April 19
- 98Rockfest - 5 p.m. at Amalie Arena
- Book of Mormon - 7:30 p.m. at the Straz
Saturday, April 20
- JDRF One Walk - 9 a.m. starting at Amalie Arena
- Next Level Nationals at the Tampa Convention Center
- Lauren’s Kid’s Walk - 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Tampa Caribbean Carnival & Parade Noon to 10 p.m. at Perry Harvey Sr. Park
- Book of Mormon - 2-8:00 p.m. at the Straz
- Kenny Chesney - 5 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium
- Gloria Trevi - 8 p.m. at Amalie Arena
- Tampa Bay Heart Ball at Marriott Water St.
- RiseCon at JW Marriott
Sunday, April 21
- Water Street Market
- Caribbean Carnival - 9 a.m. at Perry Harvey Sr. Park
- Book of Mormon - 1:00-6:30 p.m. at the Straz
Ways to get around and travel tips
Because of the expected congestion, city leaders encourage travelers to arrive early to their events and activities. Additionally, drivers should use extra caution near the events due to large crowds of pedestrians.
Those who want to save themselves a headache for travel can use some of the city's alternative transportation options, including the free TECO Streetcar, DASH rides, HART buses, rentable eScooters and bikes.
Road closures and detours
For the bevy of events scheduled in Tampa, there will be several detours and road closures. For the latest, up-to-date information, click here.
Below is a map of the detours and road closures expected this weekend. Can't see the map? Click here.