Sky High into 2026: Tampa’s Ultimate NYE Waterfront Celebration

📅 Wednesday | December 31, 2025 | 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
📍Location: Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33607

🎶 A Headlining Night That Sets the Tone

for the New Year

Ring in 2026 with a high-energy, skyline-lit celebration as Pied Piper Productions and AW Live transform Armature Works into Tampa’s most electric New Year’s Eve destination. The night will pulse with music, movement, and anticipation as crowds gather on the waterfront for an unforgettable countdown experience.

Leading the night is SOFI TUKKER, the GRAMMY-nominated dance-pop duo known for infectious beats, global flair, and high-octane live performances. Joining them is Austin Millz, delivering smooth, genre-blending house and electronic vibes that keep the energy flowing straight through midnight and beyond.

As the clock strikes twelve, look skyward for a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the Tampa skyline over the river. With Armature Works’ open-air layout, guests will enjoy panoramic views, immersive sound, and the electric buzz of thousands celebrating together at the water’s edge.

Song Sung Blue — A Music-Driven Story of Love, Loss & Second Chances

📅 Thursday | January 1, 2026 | 7:15 PM
📍Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

🌟 A True Story Set to a Timeless Soundtrack

Song Sung Blue tells the true-to-life story of “Lightning and Thunder,” a married couple from Milwaukee who take a leap of faith by forming a Neil Diamond tribute band. What begins as a passion project quickly turns into an unexpected rise—followed by heartbreak, reinvention, and the question so many creatives face: Is it ever too late to chase the dream you set aside?

Anchored by powerful performances from Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, the film balances crowd-pleasing musical moments with intimate emotional depth. Supporting roles from Michael Imperioli and Jim Belushi add texture, humor, and grit—making the journey feel both authentic and warmly human.

Watching Song Sung Blue inside the ornate, star-lit setting of Tampa Theatre elevates the experience. The venue’s historic ambiance pairs beautifully with a film rooted in nostalgia, live music culture, and personal reinvention—making this more than just a movie night, but a full sensory event.

Luma at SkyBeach Resort — A New Mediterranean Glow on Tampa Bay

📍 Location: 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S. St. Petersburg, Florida 33711

🌊 A Waterfront Arrival Worth the Wait

Set to open mid-January, Luma is bringing a refined Mediterranean dining experience to the shores of Tampa Bay, nestled inside SkyBeach Resort. With sweeping waterfront surroundings and a relaxed resort atmosphere, Luma is positioned to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking elevated coastal dining without pretense.

Led by Chef Ryan VanDusen, Luma’s menu centers on mezze-style Mediterranean plates, designed for sharing and lingering. Expect modern interpretations of familiar flavors—roasted garlic hummus, grilled lamb chops, and Florida Gulf ceviche—crafted with fresh ingredients and a contemporary touch. The approach is intentional: social, flavorful, and perfectly suited for long evenings by the water.

What sets Luma apart is its setting. Located within SkyBeach Resort at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S., the restaurant blends resort-level ambiance with a polished yet approachable dining vibe. Whether you’re coming straight from the beach, planning a sunset dinner, or easing into cocktails after a long day, the experience is designed to feel effortless and transportive.

Cheers to New Year’s 5K Run/Walk — Tampa

📅 Thursday | January 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

📍 Location: Gadsden Park, 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

🏃‍♂️ Start the Year Moving (and Celebrating)

There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with fresh air, positive energy, and a little movement—and the Cheers to New Year’s 5K delivers exactly that. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or someone easing into 2026 with intention, this laid-back, celebratory race sets the tone for a strong start.

Set against the open green spaces of Gadsden Park, the course invites participants to run, jog, or stroll at their own pace while soaking in the camaraderie of a New Year’s morning spent outdoors.

This isn’t just about the finish line—it’s about the reward waiting for you afterward. Every participant is invited to celebrate their accomplishment with a post-race beer, making this event equal parts fitness and fun. It’s a social, upbeat atmosphere where sweat turns into smiles and resolutions begin with a toast.

Winter Break Camps at MOSI

📅 Tuesday | December 30, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617

🧠 A Holiday Break That Actually Builds Skills

While school is out, curiosity is very much in. Winter Break Camps at MOSI turn the holiday downtime into an immersive, science-powered experience designed to keep kids engaged, inspired, and learning—without feeling like school. Each day is built around hands-on discovery, creative problem-solving, and age-appropriate STEM challenges that spark genuine excitement.

Campers will dive into interactive science activities guided by MOSI educators who know how to make learning feel like play. Expect experiments, collaborative projects, exploration of MOSI’s exhibits, and structured activities that balance education with fun. Camps are organized by grade level, ensuring content is engaging, safe, and developmentally aligned.

Winter Break Camps offer more than just supervision—they provide meaningful enrichment during one of the longest school breaks of the year. Kids stay mentally active, build confidence through hands-on learning, and come home buzzing about what they discovered. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are spending the break in a structured, educational, and exciting environment.

Bubbles & Fireworks at SiX — Ring in 2026 Above the City

📅 Wednesday | December 31, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: SiX 510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

🌆 A Rooftop New Year’s Eve Like No Other

As the clock counts down to midnight, SiX—perched six stories above the city at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street—will set the stage for an elevated New Year’s Eve celebration defined by glamour, skyline views, and an unmistakable sense of occasion. This is where Tampa’s skyline becomes the backdrop to your first toast of 2026.

The night will unfold with premium champagne, expertly crafted signature cocktails, and decadent culinary creations designed to complement the celebratory mood. Every sip and bite is curated to feel indulgent, refined, and worthy of a once-a-year moment.

As midnight approaches, the energy will rise and the views will steal the show. From SiX’s open-air rooftop, guests will welcome the New Year with front-row views of fireworks, shimmering city lights, and the electric buzz of Tampa welcoming 2026 together.

Trinity Market at Generations

📅 Saturday | January 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Generations Christian Church, 1540 Little Rd, Trinity, FL 34655

🛍️ A First-Saturday Tradition Rooted in Community

The Trinity Market at Generations will kick off the new year with its signature blend of local flavor, friendly faces, and small-town energy. Established in 2022, this beloved market has become a gathering place where neighbors reconnect, families linger, and local businesses shine—all set on the welcoming grounds of Generations Christian Church.

With 70+ local vendors, the market will showcase a vibrant mix of fresh produce, farm goods, handmade crafts, artisan products, and specialty foods. Expect everything from seasonal fruits and baked treats to one-of-a-kind gifts and handcrafted home goods—perfect for easing into the new year with intention and supporting local makers.

Live local music will set the tone throughout the morning, creating an easygoing atmosphere that invites you to stay awhile. The market is family-friendly and dog-friendly, with free parking available, making it an easy and enjoyable Saturday outing whether you’re browsing solo or bringing the whole crew.

Fresh Finds & Sunday Strolls in South Tampa

📅 Sunday | January 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Hyde Park Village

1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

🌿 A Classic Hyde Park Morning, Done Right

The first Sunday of the new year will unfold with one of South Tampa’s most-loved traditions as Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village returns to Dakota Avenue. Expect a relaxed, walkable atmosphere where palm-lined streets, open-air shopping, and live music set the tone for an easygoing Sunday morning. It’s the kind of event that naturally turns a quick stop into a lingering stroll.

With 90+ vendors lining the heart of the village, the market will showcase a vibrant mix of seasonal farmers, fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, ready-to-eat lunch bites, handcrafted goods, bath & body products, and unique local finds. Whether you’re stocking the fridge, hunting for a thoughtful gift, or treating yourself to something handmade, there’s something around every corner.

Live music will flow through the market, adding to the neighborhood feel that makes this event such a staple. The market is dog-friendly, so four-legged friends are welcome, and free parking is available in the Hyde Park Village garages, making arrival and departure refreshingly stress-free.

RITHM Uptown Tampa: How a Failing Mall Becomes North Tampa’s Economic Anchor

North Tampa hasn’t lacked rooftops — it’s lacked an anchor.

For years, the former University Mall site represented stalled potential: declining retail traffic, underutilized land, and little reason for surrounding home values to break out of their historical range. RITHM Uptown Tampa changes that equation entirely.

By 2026, this site will no longer be measured by square footage of retail, but by jobs created, incomes supported, and permanence established — the three forces that actually move real estate values.

What’s Happening

RITHM stands for Research, Innovation, Technology, Humanity, and Medicine — a large-scale innovation district designed to bring high-wage life-science, medical, and technology jobs into North Tampa by transforming the former University Mall site into a walkable employment hub.

Project Scale & Vision

• $4 billion, 100-acre, city-within-a-city redevelopment at the       former University Mall site

• Over 7 million square feet planned for Research, Innovation, Technology, Humanity, and Medicine (R.I.T.H.M.)

• Designed as a true innovation district, not a mixed-use lifestyle center

2026 Milestones

• Completion of life-science and medical lab conversions

• Peak delivery of Hub Tampa Fowler, a 1,100+ bed residential complex

• Full operation of:

  • Residence Inn by Marriott

  • Sprouts-anchored retail center serving as a daily-needs amenity

• Transition from construction phase to operational employment hub

Location Advantage

• Direct adjacency to USF, major healthcare systems, and the Uptown Tampa corridor

• Access to I-275 and I-75, linking Downtown Tampa, Westshore, and Pasco

Market Implications

RITHM doesn’t just add density — it changes the income profile of the area.

Employment-Led Demand

High-wage sectors like life sciences, medical research, and technology produce:

• More stable housing demand

• Longer average tenancy

• Higher tolerance for rent and price growth

This is fundamentally different from retail- or tourism-driven demand.

Residential Repricing, Not Just Appreciation
When employment density rises:

• Buyers prioritize proximity to work

• Renters trade commute time for convenience

• Surrounding neighborhoods reprice upward, even without new construction

Commercial & Mixed-Use Lift
Retail, medical office, and flexible commercial near RITHM benefit from:

• Built-in daytime population

• Predictable foot traffic

• Demand driven by employment cycles, not consumer sentiment

Market Metrics

Data context: Directional insights informed by comparable innovation districts (Austin, Raleigh-Durham, Research Triangle), local MLS trends, and employment-led redevelopment case studies.

How to Read the Market Metrics

• Metric: What part of the real estate market is being measured (demand drivers, tenant type, price stability, etc.).

• Current Conditions: How the North Tampa market functions today, before RITHM is fully operational. This is the starting point.

• Projected Impact (Post-2026): How the market is likely to behave once RITHM is active, based on patterns seen in similar innovation districts.

• How to Use This: Look for movement across multiple rows — when demand, tenant quality, and pricing stability all shift, it signals a structural change.

• What This Is (and Isn’t): These are directional insights meant to explain why the real estate math changes, not exact future prices.

• Why It Matters: Markets reprice when higher-income jobs arrive and stay. This table shows that shift before it fully appears in sale prices.

Why These Projections Make Sense

Innovation districts behave differently than traditional developments because they export income into the surrounding market.

In peer cities:

• Life-science hubs increased nearby housing demand within 0.5–1.5 miles

• Rental markets became less volatile during broader housing slowdowns

• Home values adjusted upward as buyer pools shifted to higher earners

RITHM shares the same characteristics:

• Anchored employment

• Long build timeline

• Institutional capital

• Sector resilience

This isn’t a short-term catalyst — it’s a structural shift.

💡 Craig’s Take: Where the Smart Money Moves

For Buyers — Buy Near Income, Not Hype

Buyers who benefit most from projects like RITHM are those who purchase before employment fully materializes, not after it’s priced in.

Strategic moves

• Look for an agent that can also pressure-test the deal, not just find the home. One that helps buyers model total ownership risk — insurance   trends, HOA exposure, future liquidity, and exit options — so you’re not       just buying a property, but buying the right position in the market cycle.

• Focus within a 1–2 mile radius where commute convenience becomes       meaningful

• Prioritize homes that appeal to professional renters (layout, parking, durability)

• Think in 5–10 year holding windows, not short-term appreciation

For Sellers — Anchor Narratives Matter

Homes near RITHM gain a new story:

• Proximity to research and medical employment

• Short commutes to Uptown and USF

• Growing daily-needs infrastructure

Strategic moves

• Look for an Agent that can reposition your home around future demand, not past comps. Instead of pricing solely off yesterday’s sales, a strategic agent frames your property around who the next buyer will be - medical professionals, researchers, or long-term renters tied to new       employment growth — and times exposure around visible project milestones.

• Position listings around employment proximity, not just comps

• Highlight commute times and lifestyle efficiency

• Time listings as RITHM milestones become visible, not after full stabilization

For Investors — Follow Permanence

RITHM introduces durable demand, not speculative demand.

Strategic moves

• Look for an agent that can underwrite durability, not just yield.
  One that evaluates whether projected demand is speculative or employment-backed, helping investors avoid short-lived rent spikes and focus on assets that remain stable through multiple cycles.

• Target assets that serve medical and research tenants

• Avoid overexposure to purely student-driven rentals

• Underwrite for stability first, appreciation second

🔑 Final Thoughts

RITHM Uptown Tampa is not a redevelopment story — it’s an economic re-anchoring.

When a market gains:

• High-wage jobs

• Long-term institutional investment

• Integrated housing and amenities

Real estate values don’t spike overnight — they reset upward over time.

North Tampa’s future pricing won’t be determined by what the area used to be.
It will be determined by who works there next.

And RITHM answers that question clearly.