September 2026 in Tampa Bay is genuinely stacked. Between a boundary-pushing immersive art show, a brand-new musical premiering at one of the country's finest performing arts centers, three days of comic con at the Tampa Convention Center, and a community-driven school supply drive in Ybor City, there is something meaningful on the calendar for just about everyone this month.
Below you will find every confirmed event, with dates, venues, and links so you can plan ahead. All events are pulled from verified listings only. Browse the full Relevntr events feed to save the ones that fit your schedule.
Arts and Culture
The Art of Banksy at the Straz Center
The anonymous street artist known as Banksy has spent decades poking at power, consumerism, and authority through stencil-and-spray work that somehow manages to be both playful and sharp. This immersive exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of authenticated Banksy pieces in a walkthrough format that rewards slow looking. The Straz Center, already a fixture of Tampa's arts scene, is an ideal host: the venue sits right on the Hillsborough River and is easy to reach whether you are coming from downtown Tampa, Hyde Park, or across the bay. Pricing varies by ticket tier, so check the Straz calendar for the option that works for you.
Penelope: An Epic New Musical at the Straz Center
If you have ever wanted to see Homer's Odyssey retold from the point of view of the woman who spent twenty years waiting, weaving, and outwitting suitors, this is the show. Penelope: An Epic New Musical flips the classic narrative and puts its title character center stage, giving audiences a fresh, often funny, and genuinely moving take on one of literature's most underwritten heroes. The Straz is staging this opening-night performance on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 PM. Given the subject matter and the Straz's track record with ambitious new work, this is one to book early.
Community
Ybor Chamber School Supply Drive
Back to school season hits families hard, and the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce's annual School Supply Drive is one of the most direct ways residents can help local kids start the year right. Dropping off notebooks, pencils, backpacks, or any other needed supplies makes a tangible difference for Tampa Bay students whose families face financial pressure. The drive runs through Thursday, September 10. Venue details are still being finalized, so check the Ybor Chamber events calendar for the confirmed drop-off location closer to the date.
Tampa Bay Comic Con 2026
Comic Con returns to the Tampa Convention Center for a multi-day run that is one of the biggest fan-culture gatherings in Florida. Whether you are into comics, cosplay, film, animation, gaming, or just the people-watching that comes with ten thousand passionate fans under one roof, Tampa Bay Comic Con delivers. The convention center's location in downtown Tampa, right on the waterfront, means you can pair a day of panels and exhibitor halls with dinner along the Riverwalk before or after.
The event runs across three days with different entry times and ticket structures depending on the day. Here is what the schedule looks like:
- Thursday, September 3 (late-night preview session, $73 per ticket)
- Friday, September 4 (full convention day, two separate ticketing options with varying prices)
- Check individual listings for Saturday and Sunday programming as the full schedule is confirmed
Tips for Making the Most of Your September in Tampa Bay
- Book Straz Center tickets in advance. Both the Banksy exhibition and Penelope draw strong early interest, and the best seats and time slots go fast.
- For Comic Con, check each day's ticketing source separately. Thursday, Friday general, and Friday pop-culture tickets are listed through different platforms with different entry windows.
- September in Tampa means heat and afternoon storms. For outdoor or convention-floor events, bring water, dress in breathable layers, and check the weather before you head out.
- Parking near the Tampa Convention Center fills quickly on busy convention days. The Channelside area has several garages, and the HART streetcar line connects Ybor City to the convention district if you want to skip the drive.
- If you are contributing to the Ybor Chamber School Supply Drive, check the Chamber's site for an updated list of the most-needed items before you shop.
Tampa Bay's September calendar punches above its weight. A world-class immersive art show, a musical world premiere, and one of Florida's biggest comic cons all in the same month is not typical. Take advantage of it. — Relevntr editorial
- What are the best events happening in Tampa Bay in September 2026?
- September 2026 highlights include The Art of Banksy immersive exhibition and Penelope: An Epic New Musical at the Straz Center, Tampa Bay Comic Con at the Tampa Convention Center (running September 3-4 with multi-day programming), and the Ybor Chamber School Supply Drive on September 10.
- How much does Tampa Bay Comic Con cost in 2026?
- The Thursday, September 3 preview session is listed at $73 per ticket. Friday, September 4 tickets are available through multiple sources at varying price points. Check the individual ticketing pages for the most current pricing before you buy.
- Where is the Straz Center located in Tampa?
- The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N. W. C. MacInnes Place in downtown Tampa, along the Hillsborough River. It is accessible from the downtown core and has on-site parking.
- How can I donate to the Ybor Chamber School Supply Drive?
- The Ybor Chamber of Commerce is still confirming the drop-off venue for the September 10 drive. Visit the Ybor Chamber's events calendar at members.ybor.org for the confirmed location and an updated list of needed supplies.
- Is the Art of Banksy exhibition family-friendly?
- Generally yes. Banksy's work contains social commentary and some satirical imagery but is not graphic. That said, parental discretion is always a good idea. Check the Straz Center's listing for any age guidance or content notes specific to this exhibition.