Curtis Hixon Park: "Tampa's Newest Town Square"

Dubbed as Tampa's newest town square, Curtis Hixon Park plays host to more than 50 special events every year. Its prime location along the Hillsborough River provide the ideal setting for all types of special performances, fairs and festivals.

Curtis Hixon Park History

The eight-acre Curtis Hixon Park sits at the site of the former Curtis Hixon Hall, which served as a Convention Center and concert hall. The park expands from the riverfront parking garage to the Tampa Museum of Art. New York Architect, Thomas Balsley, designed it when the former Curtis Hixon Hall was demolished. It runs right along the Tampa Riverwalk giving it access to multiple parking areas. The park originally opened in 2010 and saw major renovations in 2015 to improve water drainage and to create a staged area that can support larger events. In addition to the amphitheater area, the park has walking trails, kid's playground and two water fountains, the Mist Fountain and the Louver Fountain.

Curtis Hixon Park Events

The park is host to dozens of special events throughout the year, including music concerts, food festivals and family events. In alignment with the cultural diversity in Tampa, the park hosts numerous music performances in a variety of music genres, such as rock, pops, funk and more. Food and drink festivals like the Margarita Festival draw crowds from miles away. The park also hosts a variety of free family events, such as family movie nights.

Curtis Hixon Park Seating Layout

The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an outdoor venue and most concerts and special events are held in the large grassy area with the beautiful Hillsborough River serving as a backdrop. Seating is limited to only a few benches surrounding the park. It is advisable to bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you want to sit during the event. Typically, event tickets are sold as General Admission with no specific seat number or area given. This means that finding a place to sit on the lawn or stand is on a first come, first serve basis.

Tampa, Florida

The sunny Tampa Bay Valley is one of the most visited areas in the state of Florida. It is home to many great attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry and the Raymond James Stadium, where the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. The Curtis Hixon Park is part of the Waterfront Arts District. In addition, to the park amphitheater, the Tampa Museum of Art, TECO Public Art Gallery, Glazer Children's Museum, Tampa Theatre and the Straz Center Morsani Hall is also located in this district.

Trivia

The park is named after former mayor of Tampa, Curtis Hixon, who served in this capacity from 1943 until 1956 when he died in office.