Tampa Rush Concert Weekend
Forty-six years between concerts. Three days in Tampa. One unforgettable weekend.
Sometimes a weekend getaway starts with a destination. Other times, it starts with a concert you simply don't want to miss.
For us, it was Rush.
I'd last seen Rush perform in 1980. Forty-six years later, Gina and I headed to Tampa for their Fifty Something Tour. What began as plans to see the band in Dallas turned into a better opportunity when additional shows were announced.
We made a three-day getaway of it, enjoying an extraordinary dinner at Bern's Steak House, exploring Tampa without a rigid itinerary, and experiencing a concert that exceeded every expectation.
It wasn't an inexpensive getaway, but it was a weekend we'd gladly do again.
Below you'll find our complete weekend story, along with individual articles covering the concert, accommodations, dining, sightseeing, transportation, and what we learned along the way.
Start with our weekend overview, or explore any of the individual experiences below.
Our Tampa Rush Weekend: The Plan, the Concert, and the Unexpected
What started with concert tickets for Dallas turned into a three-day Tampa getaway with better seats, memorable dining, spontaneous sightseeing, and a few surprises along the way. Here's how it all came together.
Bern's Steak House: Was It Worth It?
A legendary Tampa steakhouse, an extraordinary Delmonico, a remarkable dessert room, and a dinner that wasn't inexpensive. We share what made the experience special and whether we'd gladly return.
READ MORE →
Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk: Our Review
Two nights along Tampa's Riverwalk gave us a convenient base for the weekend. We share our experience with the room, location, parking, complimentary shuttle, and a few things that could have been better.
READ MORE →
Rush Fifty Something Tour: Our Concert Experience
Forty-six years after my first Rush concert, I finally saw the band again. From incredible musicianship to emotional tributes and a few unexpected moments, here's why this performance exceeded every expectation.
Exploring Tampa: A Day Without a Rigid Itinerary
With a full day before the concert, we set out to explore Tampa at our own pace. From breakfast and local discoveries to waterfront attractions and rooftop dining, here's where our curiosity took us.
READ MORE →
Uber vs. Lyft vs. Waymo in Tampa: A Real-World Price Comparison
Three ride options, different prices, and one interesting question: Is a driverless taxi actually a better deal? We compared real Tampa fare quotes, pickup times, tipping, and rewards to see how the options stacked up.
READ MORE →