Seeing your favorite performer live can be expensive, but worth every penny. Just ask millions of Taylor Swift’s fans who turned her concerts into long-lasting memories. The trend these days is to restyle a concert excursion into a VIP event by renting a lovely hotel room, savoring a scrumptious meal and buying some new clothes for the occasion. Sound good?
We’re profiling three stellar acts who are bringing their superstar status and sold-out shows to Florida this summer.
Go ahead, splurge on a hotel and dinner. And make a weekend of it by adding one of the other attractions these cities have to offer. We’ve done the research. Just pick up your phone or log on.
Justin Timberlake’s 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour'
- Friday, June 14, Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. ticketmaster.com. Info: 800-653-8000 or amaliearena.com.
- Saturday, June 15, Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. ticketmaster.com. Info: 786-777-1000 or kaseyacenter.com.
Justin Timberlake can’t add enough shows to satisfy fans.
Due to ongoing demand for the NSYNC alum, in May Timberlake announced nine new dates for the “Forget Tomorrow World Tour.” In March, Complex reported this is Timberlake's fastest-selling tour to date with more than 1 million tickets already sold.
Seattle Times music writer Michael Rietmulder called Timberlake "one of this century's most well-rounded entertainers." Variety music writer Steven J. Horowitz said, “At 43 years old, Timberlake is just as sharp and exact as he’s been throughout his decades-long career, hitting every cue and note with intent and purpose.”
Expect some heart-pounding excitement at this entirely new show. Timberlake and his band, the Tennessee Kids, perform about 30 songs, and the concert concludes with Timberlake performing "Mirrors" on top of a floating rotating stage. He’s held in place by wires attached to a harness and has his feet secured to the floor, but it’s a surreal experience to see the singer/songwriter flying above his fans. This is Timberlake’s seventh headlining concert and his first in five years. There’s no doubt: Fans want SexyBack.
Morgan Wallen’s 'One Night at a Time World Tour'
- Thursday and Friday, July 11-12, Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. ticketmaster.com. Info: 813-350-6502 or raymondjamesstadium.com.
Country music loves a bad boy, and Morgan Wallen is a natural.
The 31-year-old country artist is young by country music standards considering his garnered success and cross-over fan-worship. Wallen may not know how to make nice, but he sure knows how to make music.
The Tennessee-born singer/songwriter competed on the sixth season of "The Voice" but was eliminated in the playoffs. Regardless, it landed him a record deal with Panacea Records, and he released his debut EP, “Stand Alone,” in 2015.
But when Wallen got picked up by Big Loud, his debut album, “If I Know Me,” kicked out three hit singles: “Up Down” (with FGL), “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin' You.” The album hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart but that pales beside the far-reaching success of his second album, “Dangerous: The Double Album,” released in 2021. It became the only album in the 64-year history of the Billboard 200 to spend its first seven weeks at No. 1. It spent a total of 10 weeks at that spot, the first album to do that since Whitney Houston’s “Whitney” in 1987.
But Wallen naturally attracts controversy. He was widely criticized for using a racial slur in jest towards a friend after a night of drinking and worked hard to make amends both personally and financially. Then in April, Wallen was arrested for throwing a chair off the sixth-floor rooftop at Eric Church’s Nashville bar. It nearly hit several police officers.
If the singer can stay out of trouble on tour, he’s sure to pack them in at the show. But even if he can’t, it’s pretty clear his fans will still love his music.
Janet Jackson with Nelly 'The Together Again Tour'
- Tuesday, July 16, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301, Tampa. midflorida.com
- Saturday, July 20, Kia Center, formerly Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. ticketmaster.com. Info: 407-440-7900 or kiacenter.com.
Janet Jackson has been busy — for the last half-century. Jackson continues to pack the seats at her concerts performing 36 sold-out shows on the first leg of her “Together Again” tour, making it the most lucrative tour of her career. She kicked off a new leg of the tour in June in California and she upgraded the act by adding Nelly as special guest.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s ninth concert tour is in celebration of Jackson’s 50 years in the entertainment industry and three other personal milestones: The 25th anniversary of “The Velvet Rope,” the 30th of “janet,” and 35 years since the release of “Rhythm Nation.”
Jackson’s creative wings are also being stretched with other passion projects close to her heart: Her documentary “Janet Jackson: Family First” based on the 2023 Together Again tour is the continuation of her earlier, super-successful, two-part documentary “Janet Jackson.”
There’s so much gleaming metal in the 58-year-old’s career, it’s hard to keep track: Five Grammys, two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a nomination for an Oscar, plus dozens of other awards.
The tenth and youngest of the Jackson children, Janet Jackson continues on her upward trajectory and there’s no telling where or if she’ll land.
More things to do:Bucket list: 55 best must-try things to do, tourist attractions in Palm Beach County
Things to keep in mind before booking
We've suggested hotels that are convenient, mostly within walking distance of the concert venue. Some are offering specials at the time of the concerts, some offer standing discounts to Florida residents or AAA members. To get the best deals, check the "offers" page on most hotel sites — that's where you’ll find deals and discounts.
Where to stay in Tampa
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District; 1155 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-525-9900 or hilton.com; Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens, 11408 N. 30th St., Tampa.813-979-1922 or hyatt.com; Hilton, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa.813-204-3000 or hilton.com; Aloft Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa.813-353-0555 or marriott.com; SpringHill Suites Tampa, 4835 W. Cypress St., Tampa.813-639-9600 or marriott.com. The Tampa Edition, 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa.813-221-4600 or editionhotels.com; Residence Inn by Marriott, 9719 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa.813-627-8855 or marriott.com; Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 8610 Elm Fair Boulevard, Tampa.813-490-1000 or ihg.com/holidayinnexpress; Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.866-388-4263 or casino.hardrock.com/tampa
A good concert revs the appetite: Where to eat in Tampa
Rusty Pelican Tampa — Founded in 1978, the Rusty Pelican is both a landmark for locals and an oasis for visitors. Palm trees, weeping willows, and twinkling market lights lifted by a cool bay breeze provide ambience while chefs provide fresh seafood and savory cuts of meat paired with fine wine or handcrafted co*cktails. 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa. 813-281-1943 or therustypelicantampa.com
Salt Shack On The Bay —For a casual South Florida experience, consider the Salt Shack on the Bay on Rattlesnake Point just off the Gandy Bridge in South Tampa. A “rustic-refined beach getaway” featuring fresh Gulf-caught seafood and tropical co*cktails. There’s often a wait for a table according to reviewers, but you can stroll the area or grab a drink at the bar and a Bermuda chair if you can. 5415 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa. 813-444-4569 or salt-shack.com
Elevage So Ho Kitchen — Located in the Epicurean Hotel, this stunning restaurant is a cultural melting pot of cuisines from Indian to Asian to Mediterranean, with one thing in common: These artfully designed entrees are as pleasing on the palate as they are on the plate. 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa. 813-999-8726 or epicureanhotel.com/taste
Note: You can also stay at this boutique hotel and take advantage of their Florida resident rate which is good for 30% off your room. Call 855-829-2536 or epicureanhotel.com
Kona Grill – Tampa —An innovative eatery just minutes from the venue, Kona Grill is part upscale scratch American cuisine paired with a modern sushi bar. They have a prix fixe steak dinner with a six-ounce New York strip with lobster butter, starting with a field of greens salad and finishing with cheesecake for dessert for $39. 4134 W. Boy Scout Blvd., #1, Tampa. 813-877-5938 or konagrill.com
Big Ray’s Fish Camp on the Riverwalk — This venue on the Tampa Riverwalk next to the Tampa Convention Center has a 360-degree waterfront bar serving craft co*cktails and beer (The Sail) and Big Ray's Fish Camp on the Riverwalk, home of the award-winning Grouper Sandwich and other fresh seafood cuisine with a Tampa twist. 141 E. Brorein St., Tampa. 813-274-8954 or bigraysfishcamp.com
Other things to do in Tampa
Find yourself wanting to stay awhile since you've already come this far? Tamps has plenty to do either before or after the concert.
The Florida Aquarium — The Florida Aquarium has a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including sea turtles and sharks, lemurs and otters, with the goal of building awareness and inspiring conservation. flaquarium.org
Sparkman Wharf — A mix of eateries, shopping, wellness venues and live music. sparkmanwharf.com
Port Tampa Bay — With cruises ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line setting sail out of Port Tampa Bay. It’s amazing to see the ships lined up, but the whole region is full of shopping and dining opportunities, which are designed to lure cruisers off the boat to experience some local culture. porttb.com
Tampa Museum of Art — tampamuseum.org
Ybor City — Just a little northeast of downtown Tampa, Ybor City — Tampa’s Latin Quarter — is always hopping with food and music, and its vintage shops and boutiques sell unique Latin-inspire merch. Plus, there’s a plethora of Cuban and Latin American eateries. Housed in a 1920s bakery, Ybor City State Museum has exhibits on the cigar industry. ybor.org
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — Just a couple miles from downtown Tampa, find Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is worth a trip all by itself.buschgardens.com/tampa.
Adventure Island Tampa Bay Water Park — If you love water parks, and who doesn’t, you’ll love Adventure Island. adventureisland.com
ZooTampa at Lowry Park — With more than 1,000 animals to meet, there’s always something new to see at the zoo. zootampa.org
Tampa’s Riverwalk — A 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River with spectacular views and close to eateries and nightlife. thetampariverwalk.com
Where to stay in Orlando
AC Hotel Orlando Downtown, 333 S. Garland Ave., Orlando; marriott.com or 407-635-2300. The Delaney Hotel, 1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. staydh.com or 407-329-9275. Aloft Orlando, 500 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-380-3500 or marriott.com.
Where to dine in Orlando
Delaney’s Tavern at the Delaney Hotel — Here’s a situation where you’re going to want to eat where you sleep. The hearty New American cuisine is offered as lighter fare in small plates and shareables to full robust entrees that you’re going to remember almost as much as the show. 1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-849-0801 or eatdt.com.
The District Gastrobar —Just the look of this place will get your mind in gear. It calls itself “a well curated modern speak easy with a nostalgic vintage ambiance.” It’s decorated with pieces of Prohibition and 1940 era inspired artwork. An antique bronze tin ceiling, historic 1900 brick, vintage lighting, and food to match. 534 W Church St, Orlando. 407-237-0366 or thedistrictgastrobar.com.
The Monroe — The Monroe boasts 4,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space located in Creative Village. The menu serves nostalgic, childhood favorites (fried green tomatoes are on the menu with mushroom toast and for entrees find fried chicken and meatloaf. There’s also mac & cheese and carrot cake. The midcentury space has a main dining room, a bar and lounge/study, and daytime coffee bar. 448 N. Terry Ave., Orlando. theMonroeOrlando.com or 407-734-2102.
Other things to do in Orlando
Everyone knows the big theme parks including Walt Disney World, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot and Universal Studios. But want to go a bit off that beaten path? You can navigate to these spots:
Gatorland — Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve founded by Owen Godwin in 1949. See alligators and crocodiles up to 14-feet long as well as little baby gators bred in the marsh. There’s a free flight aviary, a petting zoo (the fuzzy kind) and, for the thrill seekers, Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. 407-855-5496 or gatorland.com
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium — Artifacts and oddities from around the world, some famous and some obscure, but all creepy. Ripley’s newest Orlando attraction, Ripley’s Mirror Maze, is adjacent to the Odditorium. You can get combo pricing on both attractions. 407-345-0501 or ripleys.com
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium — Find Florida's only 360-degree underwater tunnel where you can come face-to-fin with sharks and a rescued sea turtle. 855-450-0680 or visitsealife.com/orlando.
Madame Tussauds Orlando — This is the only place that most of us will ever be surrounded by A-list celebrities and our favorite superheroes. Right now, Florida residents can get discounted admission online only. madametussauds.com
Where to stay in Miami
The Elser Hotel, 398 N.E. Fifth St., Miami; 833-228-1576 or theelserhotel.com. Holiday Inn, 340 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 888-465-4329 or ihg.com; CitizenM Miami, 700 NE Second Ave., Miami; 786-744-7052 or citizenm.com.
Where to dine in Miami
Verde — This affordable waterfront American eatery is located on the first floor of the Pérez Art Museum Miami. Features “new American fare,” which means they have lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are tables outside with views of Biscayne Bay. 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. 786-345-5697 or pamm.org/en/dining
Madisons Restaurant and Bar — In the Fortune House Hotel, this American/Latin fusion restaurant serves food all day from 77 a.m. to 10 p.m. Or visit Madisons poolside full-service bar under the palm trees on the sixth floor, open every day from 11 a.m. to sunset. 185 S.E. 14th Terr., Miami. 305-349-5256 or fortunehousehotel.com
Crazy About You — An eclectic menu featuring the flavors of Spain, Italy and America is served at this stylish waterside bistro on the first floor of The Mark on Brickell. The kitschy décor is interesting and amusing. 1155 Brickell Bay Dr #101, Miami. 305-842-3615 or passionrestaurantgroup.com
Talkin' Tacos Brickell — This highly rated and low-priced popular chain taco restaurant has something others don’t: A late night menu (they close at 2 a.m.) with satisfying Tex-Mex favorites and new dishes like the beef birria grilled cheese with onions and cilantro. In the Lifted Smoke Shop Brickell, 97 S.W. Eighth St., Miami . 305-602-4816 or talkintacos.net
Other things to do in Miami
Bayside Miami — More than 150 shops, stores and restaurants and specialty food purveyors occupy this indoor/outdoor space on Biscayne Bay. Electronics, jewelry, clothing and specialty stores are scattered around the huge green space with an outdoor amphitheater for live concerts. 305-577-3344 or baysidemarketplace.com
Jungle Island — Find adventure in the heart of Miami with a lush tropical landscape inhabited by hundreds of extraordinary animals from across the globe. Adjacent to the Miami Children’s Museum. 305-400-7000 or jungleisland.com
Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel — At Bayside Marketplace. Get incredible views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline from one of 42 climate-controlled glass gondolas that fly nearly 200 feet above the ground. Fully wheelchair accessible. The ride lasts between 12 and 15 minutes. Tickets are $24. skyviewsobservationwheels.com
Fox in a Box — This escape room center has a variety of puzzles for you and your friends to solve. If you’ve never done an escape room challenge, this one is rated one of the top activities in Miami. It’s also frequently booked for corporate team building because it teaches people to work together. 786-630-3330 or foxinaboxmiami.com
Not our top 3, but certainly concerts worth considering:
- Luke Bryan with Josh Ross — June 13, Vystar Veterans Arena, Jacksonville.
- Carlos Santana with Counting Crows — June 14, Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, and June 16 at Amalie Arena, Tampa.
- Alanis Morissette with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and Ingrid Andress — June 19, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa.
- Kid Cudi– “The Insano World Tour” — July 5, Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, and July 6 at Amalie Arena, Tampa. Pusha T and Earthgang open.
- Zach Bryan with The War and Treaty — July 21, Kia Center, Orlando.
- Missy Elliott with Busta Rhymes, Ciara — July 30, Kia Center, Orlando.
