Tampa is a multi-cultural center for theatre, dance, orchestra, museums and art galleries. Venues include the Tampa Arts, Art Institute, Arnold Martinez Art Gallery, Handmade in Florida Craft Gallery, City Center Ballet Company, Showboat Dinner Theatre, Contemporary Dance Theatre, University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, the Ybor City Museum, and the Tampa Theatre. Of cultural interest is the Cuban cigar industry in West Tampa and Ybor City since 1886; today visitors can still see hand-rolled cigar making at Ybor Square.

Major artistic events include the Florida Dance Festival, Florida Independent Film and Video Festival, Cigar Heritage Festival, and the Apollo Beach Manatee Arts Festival.