And just like that, February has arrived. It seems like 2024 only just started, but we're already saying goodbye to January.

February might be the shortest month of the year — even with the leap day — but there's still plenty to do in the Tampa Bay area. We rounded up 17 of the biggest + best events:

"Twelfth Night" | Thursday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $20+ | Take a trip to downtown Tampa to watch the famous Shakespearean comedy full of disguises, adventure, and iconic characters.

"Moulin Rouge" | Wednesday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 18 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $55+ | Marvel at this 10-time Tony Award winning musical which includes themes of splendor, romance, and decadence, reimagined for the stage based on Baz Luhrmann's movie.

Florida State Fair | Thursday, Feb. 8-Monday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $6-$16 | The annual event is back, featuring fair eats + drinks galore, animal shows, rides, games, and a host of other family-friendly fun.

UNCF Black History Month Walk for Education and HBCU Homecoming Festival | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Perry Harvey, Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa | $15-$35 | Enjoy games, live music, and browse small businesses — with money raised going toward scholarship funds and educational pursuits.
Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, 1900 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg | $37+ | Enjoy classic romantic tunes spanning centuries, from "Titanic" to orchestral tunes from bygone eras, performed in the haunting glow of candlelight.

Gasparilla Music Festival 2024 | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 | Times vary | Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd., Tampa | $53+ | Soak in the vibes and music over the weekend, with 50+ acts performing across five stages, plus proceeds benefit youth music education in Hillsborough County and local professional musicians.

Rod Stewart | Friday, Feb. 16 | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock, 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa | $303+ | Don't miss the chance to see one of the all-time leaders in record sales, with over 250 million sold throughout an illustrious decades-long career featuring countless ballads and pop tunes.

St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival | Friday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Vinoy Park, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | Pair a wide range of fresh seafood with a drink and some live entertainment while overlooking the water.

Art and Seafood on the Waterfront 2024 | Saturday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln., Safety Harbor | Price of purchase | This upscale food + art event showcases the best of the area, and offers multi-sensory delights.

And here's a bonus event for you. Ribs on the Ridge is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 16 + Sunday, Feb. 17 just a short drive from TBAY in Haines City (Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave.). The event is the culmination of the Triple Crown of BBQ which brings chefs from across Florida and beyond to compete for prizes + bragging rights. It's free to attend, but bring your wallet for the scores of local vendors cooking up tantalizing treats.