The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is an exceptional cultural center where visitors have their choice of major musical performances, Broadway shows, grand opera concerts, ballet dancing troupes, and television and theatrical productions. Visitors don't need to worry about when to go on their Tampa vacations, as they'll easily find something to entertain them here at any time of year.

The center is located in downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River and is part of the Riverwalk project, which extends for 2.2 miles along the riverfront. The performing arts center opened in 1987 and has been steadily growing in popularity, with the total number of visitors to the Tampa Bay Arts Center surpassing the 10 million mark.

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center features five halls that include the Carol Morsani Hall, Ferguson Hall, Jaeb Theater, TECO Energy Foundation Theater, Shimberg Playhouse, and the Patel Conservatory. Each hall has specific seating capacities, and the conservatory features twenty studios, a sound laboratory, rehearsal hall, and costume studio, along with technical and media arts studios.

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Performances at the Tampa Bay Arts Center are scheduled throughout the year and change frequently. Children's shows and musical concerts by the Florida Orchestra are also included on the center's monthly events calendar. The center's expansive halls and views of the river make it an ideal location for banquets, pageants, and conventions held in the Tampa Bay area, and its location close to many restaurants and things to do in Tampa make it a convenient place to spend a day or evening.

Tickets for upcoming shows at the Tampa Performing Arts Center are conveniently available online, at the box office, or ordered ahead of time and held for pickup in the will-call area. Visitors can purchase group or seasonal tickets, and they often qualify for discounts if visiting Tampa for a convention.

For the convenience and comfort of guests who are hearing-impaired, both the Morsani and Ferguson Halls are equipped with infrared listening systems. For ease and comfort for guests with disabilities, the five halls at the Tampa Bay Arts Center are all engineered for easy and safe access.

Whether visitors plan to attend a day or evening show, guests can make dinner plans at one of three restaurants available for dining at the Tampa Performing Arts Center. Maestro's Restaurant, Maestro's Café, or Maestro's on the River offer everything from a light snack, sandwich, or salad to a full course meal. Reservations are suggested to allow enough time for the meal and ensure making the show on time.

Shopping at the Tampa Bay Arts Center retail store provides a large inventory of theater related items including posters and CD's at the CenterStore with inventory changing frequently to stay up-to-date with current shows. Throughout the center, several boutiques provide additional shopping venues for gifts and souvenirs.

Tampa Performing Arts Center focuses on educational programs and courses as well as providing quality entertainment. Through summer camps and courses for adults and Pre-K kids, dance, theater, and art camps for kids in grades 1 through 9, and for students in grade 9 through college, the Making Your Own Musical camp allows students to work with a professional to learn how to score a musical.

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center also provides workshops for all stages of ballet dancers, beginning with an introduction to ballet and following the progression of students through beginning, elementary, and intermediate classes.