Straz Center for the Performing Arts

The Straz Center is renowned for its diverse programming, including a leading Broadway series, grand opera productions by Opera Tampa, and a wide array of concerts, dance events, and plays. It also hosts the "Broadway Genesis Project," which premieres new musicals and plays that may later move to Broadway. With five distinct theaters, from the large Carol Morsani Hall to the intimate Shimberg Playhouse, there's always a variety of performances to choose from.

Yes, the Straz Center frequently hosts family-friendly events and performances. Additionally, the adjacent Tampa Riverwalk offers numerous family-friendly outdoor activities. The Patel Conservatory, part of the Straz Center, provides extensive arts education programs for nearly 65,000 students annually, which can be a great resource for families interested in the arts. You can also find playgrounds and open spaces along the Riverwalk, such as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which is a short walk away.

The Straz Center offers dedicated parking garages for visitors, though they can fill up quickly, especially on performance nights. It's advisable to arrive early. For public transport, the center is well-served by local bus routes, and its downtown location makes it accessible via the TECO Line Streetcar System, which connects to various points in downtown Tampa and Ybor City. The Tampa Riverwalk also provides pedestrian access from many downtown locations.

Yes, the Straz Center is designed to be accessible. The facility itself, including its theaters and common areas, is wheelchair-friendly. Furthermore, the Tampa Riverwalk, which runs directly alongside the center, features paved, wheelchair-accessible paths, allowing for easy navigation and enjoyment of the waterfront area.

Absolutely! The Straz Center complex includes three on-site restaurants, a coffee shop, and banquet facilities, offering convenient dining before or after a show. Beyond the center, the Tampa Riverwalk is lined with numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants, providing a wide range of culinary choices within easy walking distance. This allows visitors to combine a cultural outing with a diverse dining experience.

The most popular and scenic urban walk is along the Tampa Riverwalk, which stretches for miles along the Hillsborough River. From the Straz Center, you can head north towards Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Museum of Art, or south towards the Tampa Convention Center and Sparkman Wharf. These routes offer beautiful waterfront views, connect to various attractions, and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a longer urban exploration. The Riverwalk is well-maintained and provides excellent viewpoints of the city skyline and the river.

The Straz Center, originally opened in 1987 as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, was renamed in 2009 in honor of philanthropist David A. Straz, Jr. It is owned by the City of Tampa and operated by a non-profit corporation. As the second-largest performing arts complex in the Southeastern United States, it's considered Tampa's "cultural crown jewel." It has a significant statewide economic impact, generating an estimated $100 million annually and attracting 600,000 guests per year, making it a vital cultural and economic hub for the region.

While service animals are permitted inside the Straz Center, pets are generally not allowed within the performance venues. However, the Tampa Riverwalk is largely dog-friendly, with many sections allowing leashed dogs. You'll often see people walking their dogs along the waterfront. Some outdoor cafes along the Riverwalk may also offer pet-friendly seating. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.

The Straz Center underwent extensive multi-million dollar renovations in 2018, which included new wood floors on the stages, improved cooler LED lighting, and enhanced dressing rooms for performers. Looking ahead, a significant $80 million, 170,000 sq. ft. Master Plan expansion is set to break ground in early 2025, with completion expected in late 2027. This expansion aims to transform both the interior and exterior, adding new outdoor spaces integrated with the Tampa Riverwalk for free performances and dining.

The Straz Center and the Tampa Riverwalk are enjoyable year-round. For outdoor activities like walking or jogging along the Riverwalk, the cooler months from late fall to early spring (November to April) are ideal, as Tampa's summer heat and humidity can be intense. During the summer, early mornings or evenings are best for outdoor pursuits. Performance schedules at the Straz Center run throughout the year, so check their calendar for specific event times.