Tampa New Year's Eve Events: 2021 Guide

TAMPA, FL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in Tampa this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening right here in Tampa:

Riverfront Concert and Fireworks

Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight

Armature Works, 1910 North Ola Ave., Tampa

The event features live music by Ed John and Oaklee with DJ Deacon. Learn more here.

NYE Celebration

Friday, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Eden, 912 N Franklin Street, Tampa

The event features live music from Ceelo Green and Laidback Luke. Learn more here.

New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks

Friday, 9 a.m. to midnight

Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa

The theme park will be open all day and will ring in the new year with an extended, festive performance of the all-new Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show at midnight. Christmas Town, featuring millions of lights, holiday shows and specialty dining, will also be open. Learn more here.

New Year’s Eve Cruise with Pirate Water Taxi

Friday, 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Board at the Tampa Convention Center

This one-hour cruise includes a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and prime viewing of fireworks. Learn morehere.

Related Story: 47K New COVID Cases Reported Wednesday, Breaking FL Record: CDC

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Tampa residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Just shy of 47,000 new cases were reported in Florida Wednesday, breaking the state's record for the number of cases reported in a single day, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to data from the Florida Department of Health, the state saw a new case positivity rate of 13.8 percent and 125,201 new coronavirus cases from Dec. 17-23.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve safely.

To stay safe this holiday season, including New Year's Eve, the CDC recommends that those who are eligible get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Those who aren't vaccinated should wear well-fitting masks that cover your nose and mouth when indoors. And for people in a community with a high transmission rate, the agency recommends those who are vaccinated wear a mask indoors, as well.

Additionally, New Year's Eve revelers should opt for outdoor gatherings, if possible, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

The CDC also suggests that those who are sick should stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.