While Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is easily one of the Tampa Bay area's best parks when it comes to a scenic destination for relaxing and recreation in the city, this Downtown area has grown into one of the best outdoor spaces for an intriguing variety of fun and free events in Tampa.

In addition to hosting the first-ever, and by all signs successful, Gasparilla Music Festival earlier this year, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park plays home to Rock the Park, a free monthly concert series featuring some of the best musical acts from Tampa and beyond.  We'd be hard pressed to think of a better way to enjoy live music than a free, evening concert against the illuminated backdrop of the Tampa skyline.  The next Rock the Park takes places on Thursday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Speaking of music, Curtis Hixon Park is gearing up to host the Irish 31 Summerfest on Saturday, September 8.  Presented by Irish 31, the contemporary Irish restaurant in Hyde Park, Summerfest 2012 will feature concerts from American Idol winner David Cook, Edwin McCain, and Clearwater's own Juliet Simms who recently won the second place spot on the most recent season of NBC's The Voice. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased here.

In addition to live music, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts a handful of regular events well-suited for the active lifestyle in Tampa.  The new Park Cart presented by the urban development catalyst REALM can be found at Curtis Hixon Park every day lending out kick balls, Frisbees, and games to borrow free of charge.

Curtis Hixon also hosts Yoga in the Park every Sunday evening at 6 p.m.  Head out to exercise with a free, hour-long yoga class as the sun goes down over Downtown Tampa.  The class is designed for all experience levels.  All you need is a mat and some water.

Both the Park Cart and Yoga in the Park will cease operations as the 2012 Republican National Convention takes over Tampa from August 27-30, but will resume as normal on September 1.

Sound good?  Check out our Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park business listing to see all the upcoming events at the park and explore this prime destination for fun in Downtown Tampa.