Enjoy FREE performances and interactive events for the whole family by Tampa Bay area artists all weekend
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2026) - New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) will open its doors for Arts Fest '26, Friday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept.13. This 3rd annual celebration of theatre, dance, music, comedy and more, marks the start of the 2026-2027 season.
On Saturday, Sept. 12 the festival offers a fun-filled day, with a family-friendly lineup of performances and activities including a screening of Zootopia 2 at 10 a.m., followed by Hillsborough County Library's Mobile Literacy Unit, food trucks, and The Florida Orchestra's instrument petting zoo, where kids can explore and play musical instruments.
The entire weekend of events and performances are free to the public. This year's performances include:
- Tampa City Ballet
- Wattaka
- Jansen Dance Project
- Winold Music Festival
- Wharton High School Band
- Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival
- Entertainment Revue
- Anna Dance Academy
- Rudram Indian Dance
- New Tampa Players
- Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Africa
- Hillsborough College Music Program
- Meredith Renuart Music Studio
- Power Stories Theatre
- Drama Kids
- Outcast Theatre
- Countdown Improv Festival
- Devine Madness Sketch Comedy
Throughout the festival, patrons can also enjoy lobby performances by students and professional artists, along with backstage tours. Tours will highlight how productions come to life on the NTPAC stage. Tour schedule:
- Friday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12, at 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 13, at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
For the complete festival schedule, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org. Limited capacities are in place for all performance spaces. Some events will be ticketed to manage attendance, and all events are free and first-come, first-served. Tickets for select events will be available at the box office. Follow New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Facebook and Instagram. NTPAC is located at 8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647.
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