Instagram is the perfect platform to connect with your city’s movers and shakers. These are the people bringing great art, music, sports, parties and food to your hometown. And let’s not forget about the writers and photographers documenting it all and we don’t just mean us (but mostly, we mean us). Following these folks will ensure you never miss another great party, meal, or show in Tampa again.
Carlton Ward Jr. (@carltonward)
Do you like Florida wildlife photos? You should follow Carlton Ward Jr. He’s doing a lot to protect Florida’s wildlife. Check out his Florida Wildlife Corridor project @fl_wildcorridor, and you’ll see what we mean.
Photo via Carlton Ward Jr.Fringe Art Show (@fringeartshow)
Remember when we told you about all those cool art shows Fringe Creatives are putting up in breweries around town? The best way to find out when and where these shows are happening is to follow their Instagram feed.
Photo via Fringe Art ShowSelina Román (@selinaroman)
Tampa photographer Selina Román does a great job of capturing Florida, especially its seedy side.
Photo via Selina RománFountain of Pythons (@fountainofpythons)
This Tampa-based photography collective is always churning out interesting work.
And yeah, things are about to get weird. Just go with it.
Photo via Selina RománMatthew McGee (@thematthewmcgee)
Matthew McGee repeatedly gets voted Best Drag Performer in our annual Best of the Bay awards. We love him.
Photo via The Matthew McGeeChef Tony (@tonydecuisine)
Thai Prime’s Chef Tony has elevated food to an art form. He’s one of the best food stylists we’ve ever seen, and he’s sharing pics of his fabulous sushi creations on Instagram.
Photo via Chef TonyCam Parker (@painkillercam)
Tampa muralist Cam Parker is always out painting the town, meeting famous people, and painting them too. Just this year, he painted a kick ass mural of Dr. BBQ on the side of Ray Lampe’s (Dr. BBQ) new restaurant in St. Pete’s EDGE district; met Leslie Jones (and painted her portrait) before her appearance at Tampa Improv; and presented Janelle Monae with one of his, now-famous, musician portraits when she came to Jannus Live. He’s documented all of this and more on Instagram in fun, artistic self-portraits with friends, celebrities, and his latest artwork.
Photo via Cam ParkerSeparate Checks (@separate.checks)
This new Tampa artist collective is already rocking the Instagram world. Think of their Instagram account as an online gallery, where you can see interesting photography, poetry, paintings, and video. The account is thoughtfully curated by Adam Mathieu and Katelyn Montagna, who couple each photograph with an informative description or a statement from the artist. Follow them and feed your creative soul.
Photo via Nabil HarbKatelyn Montagna (@katelyn_montagna)
Enjoy some more stellar photography from Separate Checks’ Katelyn Montagna.
Photo via Katelyn MontagnaTampa Noms (@tampa_noms)
Tampa Noms is maintained by two awesome couples who love eating good food in Tampa and St. Pete. It’s a great place to discover local eats, and the food photography here is exquisite. Want one of your food photos featured here? Tag them @Tampa_Noms
Photo via Reservations for 2, please @reservationsfor2Tampa Theatre (@tampatheatre)
We all love movies, and the Tampa Theatre is one of the best places to see one. Stay on top of what they’re showing next by following their Instagram page.
Image via Tampa TheatreTampa’s Downtown (@tampasdowntown)
Remember when there wasn’t anything to do in downtown Tampa? Not anymore. Follow Tampa’s Downtown so you don’t miss any of the cool events. #TampasDowntown
Photo via Tampa’s DowntownFourth Friday Tampa (@fourthfridaytpa)
Don’t get confused over who’s offering discounts during Fourth Friday. Follow the official Fourth Friday Instagram feed instead. It’s good for your wallet. #FourthFridayTPA
Image via WaterworksArmature Works (@armatureworks_tampa)
They’re new. They’re hot. They have an Instagram Page. Follow Tampa’s Armature Works for lunch specials, night markets, outdoor movies, and other special events. #armatureworks
Photo via Francesca/invaligiaconchiccaSparkman Wharf (@sparkmanwharf)
Channelside is about to be fun again thanks to Sparkman Wharf. Follow them on Instagram to see what’s it’s all about. #sparkmanwharf #makewavestpa
Image via Sparkman WharfUPA Gallery (@upagallery)
UPA Gallery represents some of the best fine art photographers in (and outside of) Tampa. You want to see beautiful photography on Instagram, right? Follow these guys.
Photo via Julio Calvoillsol (@_illsol_)
Tampa muralists Michelle Sawyer and Tony Krol, a.k.a. Illsol, are the folks responsible for many of those cool murals you’ve been seeing around Tampa. Follow their page and find out what wall they’re painting next.
Photo via illsolTempus Projects (@tempus_projects)
Tempus Projects was the first gallery to hit Seminole Heights. Now they serve as an anchor for the area’s burgeoning arts scene. Follow them to stay on top of art shows in the Seminole Heights neighborhood.
Photo via Tempus ProjectsSandra Rodriguez (@srod2000)
Sandra Rodriguez loves focusing her macro lens on the insects in Tampa’s Lettuce Lake Park. We bet you’ve never seen insects like this.
Photo via Sandra RodriguezAmalie Arena (@amaliearena)
Follow the Amalie Arena to know when the big acts are coming to town.
Photo via Amalie ArenaThe Attic (@theatticyborcity)
Not all of us love arena shows (sorry Amalie). Sometimes, we just want to sit close to the stage in a small venue and enjoy a more intimate performance. If this sounds like you, then you should be following The Attic on Instagram. You can see concerts, comedians, and sometimes even plays here.
Photo via The Attic Ybor CityCrowbar (@crowbarybor)
Crowbar is another great alternative to seeing big expensive shows at Amalie arena from the nosebleed section. Get to know some of your local music talent here.
Photo via Crowbar YborYbor Chickens Society (@yborchickens)
Whether you want to admit it or not, we know you love those chickens. Now you can follow them on Instagram.
Photo via Ybor Chickens SocietyNicole Abbett (@nabbett)
CL’s lucky to have Nicole Abbett taking pics for us. Follow her on Instagram to see even more of her beautiful photography.
Photo via Nicole AbbettCass Contemporary (@casscontemporary)
Find out where Cass Contemporary Gallery is installing artwork around town. Photo via Cass Contemporary GalleryAaron Bass (@bre4king.pointe)
If Tampa cityscapes are your thing, then you should be following Aaron Bass.
Photo via APB PhotographyConrad Garner (@conrad_garner)
This one’s for the illustration and design fans out there. You should be following Conrad Garner. He’s won awards and shit.
Photo via Conrad GarnerHidden Tampa (@hiddentampa)
Hidden Tampa is collecting and curating Tampa’s best photography from local Instagrammers. Use #hiddentampa to have your photos featured.
Photo via Pep Rally IncPep Rally Inc (@peprallyinc)
If you’re like us, you get excited whenever a new mural goes up in town. So here’s another team of Tampa muralists for you to follow.
Photo via Pep Rally IncForking Around Town (@forkingaroundtown)
This Tampa blogger is eating great stuff all over the Tampa Bay area. Find out what our local restaurants have to offer. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite.
Photo via Forking Around TownFranklin Manor (@franklinmanortampa)
Football watch parties, frosé, Sunday brunch, and more parties. Need we say more?
Photo via Franklin ManorLanfranco Pescante (@nocturnalfranco)
Lanfranco Pescante has a really cute dog. What? You need another reason to follow his Instagram page? OK. He’s also the co-owner of Franklin Manor and Osteria.
Photo via nocturnalfrancoDavid Anderson (@mrnocturnal10)
You guys like to party? Meet the other half of the Franklin Manor/Osteria/Nocturnal Hospitality Group team.
Photo via mrnocturnal10Jenn Thai (@thisjenngirl)
This lifestyle blogger loves food, photography, and fun local events. And she has style.
Photo via Palmer HolmesWhen in Tampa (@whenintampa)
When In Tampa is always sharing great pics of Tampa. The page highlights Tampa’s best-looking food, buildings, sunsets, and landscapes. Think you’ve taken a great photo of Tampa? Share it with them using #whenintampa
Photo via When In TampaChris Fasick (@on.the.sauce)
Because you have to appreciate the beauty of a well-made cocktail.
Photo via Chris FasickChip Weiner (@photogfoodie)
Did you know that CL photographer Chip Weiner has a food blog? You can follow all of his foodie adventures @photogfood
Photo via Chip WeinerTampa Bay History Center (@tampabayhistory)
See what Tampa looked like in the olden days, and find out about new exhibits coming to the Tampa Bay History Center.
Photo via Tampa Bay History CenterGallery 221@HCC Dale Mabry (@gallery221hcc)
Hillsborough Community College’s art scene used to be all about Ybor, but that’s changing. Now the Dale Mabry campus has art too, and it’s good. Follow Gallery 221 on Instagram to find out when their next show is.
Photo via Gallery 221Olivia Stacey (@olivialstacey)
If you like sports and fashion, Olivia Stacey got you.
Photo via Olivia StaceyCher the Hefty Pom (@heftypom)
Yes, we’re telling you to follow a dog. This dog is special though — Cher keeps a professional photographer as a pet.
Photo via heftypomHard Rock Tampa (@hardrocktampa)
It’s nice to get your dinner and your entertainment all in the same place. Just remember…the house always wins.
Photo via Spanky SikwhipsTampa Bay is Awesome (@tampabayisawesome)
They’re based in Tampa, but they’re writing about food and events all through Tampa Bay. Show your Tampa Bay pride and follow them on Instagram. Because, yeah, Tampa Bay is awesome.
Photo via Tampa Bay is AwesomePhil (@kaphilkafish)
This rock photographer takes photos for CL, The Attic, and Rock Brothers. See what he’s shooting now on Instagram.
Photo via Phil DeSimone PhotographyScarfone/Hartley Gallery (@scarfonehartley_gallery)
Don’t miss another University of Tampa art exhibition. Follow their gallery page on Instagram.
Photo via Scarfone/Hartley GalleryCL Music Editor Ray Roa (@rayroa)
No one knows our local music scene like CL Music Editor Ray Roa. Follow him on Instagram for an inside look at our local music venues, concerts, and bands.
Photo via Ray RoaCity of Tampa (@tampagov)
You’re probably already following the official Instagram account of the City of Tampa. Don’t forget to show them what makes you #tampaproud
Photo via City of TampaHyde Park Village (@hydeparkvillage)
See what Hyde Park Village has to offer.
Photo via mavthefloofMatthew Manuri’s SoFloBulls (@soflobulls)
Local sports writer and USF grad Matthew Manuri wrote for Bulls247 (CBS Sports) before striking out on his own. Now he maintains SoFloBulls.com, an independent blog with lots of USF football photos and game highlights.
Photo via SoFloBullsOxford Exchange (@oxfordexchange)
If you’re the type who likes to curl up in a comfy chair with a good book and a cup of coffee, then you should be following Oxford Exchange on Instagram. Each photo is paired with a quote, often from a famous author.
Photo via Abigail Grace LucasThunderBug (@thunderbugtbl)
It’s possible that you might not be human if ThunderBug doesn’t make you smile.
Photo via ThunderBugTampa Magazine (@tampamagazine)
Tampa Magazine publishes a new issue every two months. You can purchase a copy online and have it shipped to you. Or you can just enjoy all the free digital content via their website or Instagram.
Photo via Tampa MagazineTampa Museum of Art (@tampamuseumofart)
You’ve got a pretty awesome art museum, Tampa. You should be following them on Instagram and visiting from time to time.
Photo via Tampa Museum of ArtQuaid Gallery (@quaidgallery)
How do you all feel about going to see some art in a garage? Oh come on. Don’t be a snob. Think of it as a little adventure. Follow Quaid gallery on Instagram so you know when they are showing new art in this Seminole Height’s garage. Seriously. It’s in a garage.
Photo via Taylor FinkeStraz Center (@strazcenter)
See what happens behind the scenes at the Straz.
Photo via the Straz CenterJobsite Theater (@jobsitetheater)
We know you all like to catch those big broadway shows at the Straz, but did you know that the Straz has its own theater company? Jobsite Theater is everything we love about live theater. It’s original, it’s intimate, and sometimes it’s challenging too. Follow Jobsite on Instagram to find out what’s showing next, and to get discount tickets.
Photo via Jobsite TheaterStageworks Tampa (@stageworkstampa)
Are you following Tampa’s longest running professional theater company? You should be. They put on a great show.
Photo via Stageworks TampaTampa Fringe (@tampafringe)
Most of the year, this account is pretty quiet, but come May it will be a flurry of activity. This is when Tampa Fringe takes over Ybor, cramming as many shows as possible into a single week. Fringe is a festival dedicated to non-mainstream theater. Shows are cheap and fun, and you really shouldn’t miss it.
Photo via Tampa FringeTampa Bay Lightning Loving (@tb.lightning.loving) This Tampa Bay Lightning fan page is definitely worth a follow.
Photo via Lightning LoveWorld in Manual (@world_in_manual)Tampa street photography in black and white (mostly).
Photo via World in ManualSandra Garrett (@sandrasaysrun)
We like how this runner/photographer sees Tampa.
Photo via Sandra GarrettAround Tampa (@aroundtampa)
Here’s another site you can share your awesome Tampa pics with. Use #aroundtampa.
Photo via Sandra GarrettMeyer Inspired Photography (@meyerinspired)
Photographer and art lover Lindsey Meyer is all over Tampa taking photos. Her feed is like a beautiful celebration of all things creative.
Photo via Meyer Inspired PhotographyBB art (@itsbbart)
This Tampa/NYC-based artist is literally painting the town. See what she’s working on now via her Instagram feed.
Photo via BB ArtThis Babe Eats (@thisbabeeats)
This food blogger likes to eat out in Tampa and Austin — two of the best food cities in the U.S. It’s food meets travel meets amazing food photography.
Photo via This Babe EatsJason Skeldon (@jasonskeldon)
This Tampa artist fully embraces pop culture in his artwork. We especially love how often Mickey Mouse appears in his artwork, because Florida.
Photo via Jason SkeldonLowry Park Zoo (@zootampa)
It’s like going to the zoo without going to the zoo. But if you do visit the Lowry Park Zoo, and you definitely should, use #ZooTampa for a chance to have your photo featured here.
Photo via ZooTampaFlorida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium)
The Florida Aquarium has all sorts of cuteness waiting for you — penguins, otters, lemurs and more. #floridaaquarium
Photo via The Florida AquariumShane Pendley (@shane_pendley)
Tampa artist Shane Pendley likes to tell a story with his paintings. That’s why he works in chapters instead of series. Follow him on Instagram for a sneak peek of his Painter’s Diary.
Photo via Shane PendleyShadow 1188 (@shadow1188)
Ybor City is one of this local photographer’s favorite places to shoot.
Photo via shadow1188Visit Tampa Bay (@visittampabay)
Visit Tampa Bay is sharing all the best photos taken in Tampa and St. Pete. Use #UnlockTampaBay to get one of your photos featured.
Photo via shadow1188USF Football (@usffootball)
The official page of USF football. They aren’t always winners, but we know a lot of you love USF football anyway. #bullstrong
Photo via USF footballTampa Bay Lightning (@tblightning)
Watch them score that goal one more time. The Tampa Bay Lightning is posting replays to their Instagram account so you can relive those special moments.
Photo via Tampa Bay LightningTampa Bay Buccaneers (@buccaneers)
The official Instagram of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. #gobucs
Photo via Tampa Bay BuccaneersBig Cat Rescue (@bigcatrescue)
You pretty much never get to see a leopard in person, so why not seek them out on Instagram. Tampa’s Big Cat Rescue has lots of pretty leopards, tigers, and bobcats for you to look at, either on Instagram or in person.
Photo via Big Cat RescueUniversity of Tampa Art Department (@utampaartdept)
Behind the art at the University of Tampa.
Photo via University of Tampa Art DepartmentPatrick Duffy (@pduffphoto)
This Tampa photographer is also a #cleargram editor.
Photo via Patrick Duffy PhotographyMelissa Galovic (@melissaannegalovic)
Melissa Galovic is based in Tampa, but this travel photographer is all over the place.
Photo via Melissa Galovic PhotographyJohn Weatherby (@whereisweatherby)
It seems like Tampa-based travel photographer John Weatherby is never actually in Tampa. The photo on the left was actually taken in Arizona. Find out where Weatherby is now by following him on Instagram.
Photo via Weatherby PhotographyUNATION stufftodointampabay (@stufftodointampabay)
There’s no shortage of stuff to do in Tampa Bay. Follow UNATION’s stufftodointampabay so you don’t miss any of the cool stuff. Use #stufftodointampabay to get featured here.
Photo via UNATION’s stufftodointampabayRaymond James Stadium (@rjstadium)
Find out what’s happening at Ray Jay.
Photo via Zak WaltersSoHo Hound (@sohohound)
We know you like dogs, and SoHo Hound is taking lots of pictures of lots of dogs.
Photo via SoHo HoundThe Bunker (@thebunkerybor)
It’s not just about the coffee and the insanely tempting pastries, the Bunker also hosts local art and music acts. Follow them on Instagram to find out which artist they are hosting next. And enjoy the pastry porn #ilovethebunker
Photo via The BunkerThe Bricks (@thebricksybor)
The Bricks is another one of those Ybor cafes displaying local art. Follow them on Instagram so you don’t miss any cool parties or art shows.
Photo via The BricksTampa Cocktails (@tampacocktails)
Next time you’re having a cocktail in Tampa, don’t forget to tag these guys. Alexis and Andrew started Tampa Cocktails in July 2018 after noticing that cocktails weren’t getting enough love on Instagram. Use #tampacocktails to have your Tampa cocktail featured here.
Photo via Tampa CocktailsTampa Bay Beer Buzz (@tampabaybeerbuzz)
If you love local craft beer releases, then these are your people. Use #TBbeerbuzz to have your brew featured.
Photo via Tampa Bay Beer BuzzInstagrammers Tampa Florida (@igers_tampa)
Here’s another curated collection of community-taken Tampa photos. Use #igerstampa to have one of your Tampa photos featured.
Photo via Daniel @iputworknBest Food Tampa (@bestfoodtampa)
You must really love your food Tampa. Here’s another community-powered Tampa food insta for you to follow. Use #bestfoodtampa to get one of your food photos featured.
Photo via Brianna @mangonanagirlThis is Tampa Bay (@thisistampabay)
“This is Tampa Bay” loves to re-share community photos of people, places, food and event in Tampa Bay. Use #thisistampabay to get one of your photos featured.
Photo via Patti @savesliveswilltravelFoodies of Tampa (@foodiesoftampa)
These food sites are all starting to blend together. Use #foodiesoftampa for a chance to be featured here.
Photo via Foodies of TampaTampa Coffee Scene (@tampabrews)
There’s some great coffee in Tampa if you know where to look. Tampa Brews can help you there. Use #tampabrews for a chance to have you coffee photo featured.
Photo via Karly AnneTampa Food Review (@tampafoodreview)
Send them your #TampaFoodReview
Photo via Tampa Food ReviewUSF College of the Arts (@theartsatusf)
Concerts, shows, plays…they have it all at USF. Follow the College of the Arts on Instagram to stay in the know.
Photo via USF College of the ArtsJess Phillips (@jessphillipsart)
CL music photographer Jess Phillips does some great work. Scrolling through her Instagram feed makes us wish we were at a great concert right now.
Photo via Jess PhillipsJenny Carey (@jcarey30)
Jenny Carey’s Sight Lines is one of the best art blogs around. In addition to being an excellent art writer, Carey is also a gifted travel photographer. Follow her on Instagram for a free look at her artful photography.
Photo via Jenny CareyBay Art Files (@bayartfiles)
Bay Art Files is a brand spanking new source of quality art reviews from Henry B. Plant Museum coordinator Jose Gelats. Gelats lives in Tampa, but the reviews cover both sides of the bay.
Image via Bay Art FilesJenna Rimensnyder (@jenna_rimensnyder)
CL food writer Jenna Rimensnyder is eating and drinking her way around town with her beau Jake Troyli. Follow her on Instagram to see what she’s writing about next.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderJake Troyli (@jake_troyli)
Watch Jake Troyli make some art. Every painting tells a story.
Photo via Jake TroyliSuzanne Williamson (@swphoto1)
Suzanne Williamson is another great artist to follow on Instagram. This Tampa photographer is also a curatorial assistant at the Tampa Museum of Art. Follow her on Instagram for local art news and cool photos.
Photo via Suzanne WilliamsonCreative Loafing Tampa (@cltampabay)
You’re following us on Instagram, right? It’s a great way to find out about our upcoming events, see what’s in this week’s issue, and win free stuff.
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