August 13, better known as 813 Day, has gone from a niche quirk of the calendar to perhaps the biggest unofficial holiday in Hillsborough County. The 2026 version, coming this Thursday, may be Tampa’s biggest celebration of 813 Day ever, with more than 100 local businesses offering specials, discounts and freebies as part of the fun.
813 is, of course, the area code for Pinellas County, and its corresponding date on the calendar offers the perfect excuse to revel in all the things we love about our home. In fact, if you’d like to join us in the celebrations, the That’s So Tampa team will be hanging out in Hyde Park Village all day, where the shopping and dining neighborhood is going all out with specials. We’ll be giving away flowers, candy and stickers, so come by and say hi if you’re nearby.
On the other side of the river, Water Street Tampa is doing it big for 813 Day, too. More than a dozen restaurants, shops and experiences have offers going all day. Sparkman Wharf in particular is packed full of deals, and then some of the area’s most beloved sports mascots will be hanging out during the day, as well. Plus, from August 1-16, Sparkman Wharf will donate $5 (up to $1,000) to The Florida Aquarium for every photo taken in front of its decorated Tampa Sign. Funds raised will support the aquarium’s work to rescue marine animals, restore coral reefs and advance marine research initiatives…