Affiliate Events

Event Listing

Affiliate events at SOF Week are independently organized gatherings that complement the main program, offering additional opportunities for networking and collaboration. These events are hosted by industry partners and organizations to enhance the overall SOF Week experience. An item listed as an affiliate event does not automatically grant it Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) status. For more information on how to apply, please view the website below:

WAG Information


Please see the list of below events that have been submitted in conjunction with SOF Week.

Sunday, 4 May Events

Veterans, Guns & Cigars Tampa

Join Meritorious for a premier range-day event during SOF Week on May 4! This high-energy event blends marksmanship and elite networking with SOF operators, defense leaders, contractors, law enforcement, and veteran nonprofits. Compete solo or in teams, or attend to watch and connect. Ticket proceeds sponsor active-duty warfighters to attend free, and DoD personnel can request free tickets.
WHEN: Sunday, 4 May, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range
3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
meritorious foundation logo gold

Monday, 5 May Events

SOF Week Welcome Reception

WAG Approval: Approved

The SOF Week Welcome Reception is the kick-off event that launches SOF Week. It provides a relaxed setting for attendees to network and engage with the global special operations community.

WHEN: Monday, 5 May, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sparkman Wharf, Downtown Tampa

sof week welcome reception

Tuesday, 6 May Events

The 38 Challenge

WAG Approval: Approved
Presented by Black Rifle Coffee Company

Join us May 6th for The 38 Challenge at SOFWEEK 2025 in Tampa, FL—honoring USMC Captain Matthew Brewer. Through physical,
mental, and emotional adversity, we unite to break the stigma surrounding veteran mental health. All are welcome to this powerful morning of purpose, connection, and resilience. Let’s fight the silent war together and support those who served.

WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
WHERE: Cotanchobee Park, Downtown Tampa

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SOF Select Show

WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Oasis Ballroom, Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd. Tampa, Florida
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A Night for NOORI

WAG Approval: Approved
The Global SOF Foundation and Cellebrite invite you to an exclusive fundraiser honoring the unbreakable bond between U.S. and Afghan Special Operations Forces while exploring the deeply personal journey of rebuilding a life after war. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, purpose, and impact. Bring the fun, and the funds!

WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: SOF Week Team Room
JW Marriott H.B. Plant Ballroom | Level 2
a night of noori

SOFstock Concert

The SOF Stock Concert at SOF Week offers an unforgettable night of live music and entertainment, bringing the special operations community together in a lively and engaging atmosphere. For sponsorship opportunities, please visit the website below.


WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Amalie Arena, Downtown Tampa

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SOFstock Battle of the Bands

Submit your band for a chance to play at SOFstock and win recording time at 4Rail Studio in Arizona or a studio in the DC Metro area. Bands will be selected to compete in the SOFstock 2025 Battle of the Bands during the week of May 5-9, 2025. Each finalist band member and guest will attend the event for free. The winner will be determined by our celebrity judge panel. International Band participation is welcome.

WHEN: Tuesday, 6 May, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Amalie Arena, Downtown Tampa

sofstock 2

Wednesday, 7 May Events

SOF WEEK Exhibition Athletic Training (SWEAT)

WAG Approval: Approved

SWEAT is an interactive fitness and readiness challenge at SOF Week that engages military, industry, and partners in a high-energy test of endurance, teamwork, and problem-solving—highlighting the resilience of the Special Operations community.

Brought to you by Global SOF, F45, and Spartan Race.

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 May, 6:00 a.m.

WHERE: Cotanchobee Park, Downtown Tampa

SIGN-UP: Once you have access to the app below, you’ll be able to sign up for SWEAT and add it to your personal agenda.

To do so, download the Official SOF Week Event App, sign in with your SOF Week registration, and then locate the SWEAT session to add it to your personal agenda.

25sw sweat sponsor logos

SOF Select Show

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 May, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Oasis Ballroom, Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd. Tampa, Florida

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The Impossible Foundation Benefit Concert

The Impossible Foundation announced a special fundraising performance featuring three-time Grammy-nominated singer, multi-platinum-selling recording artist and cofounder, Joe Nichols, and rising star,
Annie Bosko. All proceeds from the event will go to The Impossible Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that has been established to combat warfighter suicide in the special operations community.

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 May, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Dallas Bull
3322 US-301, Tampa, FL 33619

SOF Week TIF Benefit Concert

Military Special Operations Family Collaborative (MSOFC) Team Room

The SOF Team Room is a community event that highlights information and resources on topics every service member, veteran, and family will confront in or after service.

The LIVE Team Room will be led by Col. Michael Foote & Monika Fletcher of The Honor Foundation, and it will feature live discussion on three topics:

  • Rally Point: A conversation on the value of leisure & quality time – key components of Operation Healing Forces (OHF’s) retreat and health programs available to all SOF. Led by Chris Stowe and Billy Delong of OHF.
  • Beyond Exposures: A must-hear discussion on cancer screening and precision medicine for SOF service members and veterans. Led by Robert Newson, Chief Community Officer at SOTERIA Precision Medicine Foundation, former Navy SEAL, and cancer survivor. (With Guest Oncologist/researcher TBC)
  • Continuous Pursuit: Purpose goes beyond a job, duty, or title. Join Benjamin Bunn, Deputy Executive Director at Warrior Rising, for a conversation on finding the next mission and set the right tone after SOF.

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 MAY, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: SOF Week Team Room
JW Marriott H.B. Plant Ballroom | Level 2

FREE RSVP
msofc team room logo

Warrior Ethos SOF Social

Warriors Ethos hosts its annual fundraiser aboard the historic WWII-era USS American Victory. Enjoy hits from the 70s and 80s by the Stay Up Lates, food from Mission BBQ, a full bar, and live cigar rolling. All are included with your donation, accepted online or at the door. Don’t miss this unforgettable night on this historical ship.

WHEN: Wednesday, 7 May, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: SS American Victory
705 Channelside Dr., Tampa, Florida

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Veteran Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Search and Succession a Tampa Fireside Chat with Owners in Honor

Join us for an evening of purpose-driven conversation with veteran leaders, wealth advisors, and community champions. This fireside chat will explore the path from military service to business ownership and the power of legacy through acquisition.

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Embarc Collective
802 E Whiting Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Hosted by: Owners in Honor

veteran entrepreneurship through acquisition

The Green Beret Roast hosted by Special Forces Charitable Trust and proudly sponsored by Raven Advisory

You’ve seen them in combat, heard the legends. But have you seen a Green Beret… roast another Green Beret? Come stoke the fire with SFCT & Raven Advisory as we turn up the heat, taking aim at the heroes who *thought* they were untouchable! No safe zones. Just full-send hilarity! Camo optional. Thick skin is not!

Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: Doors open at 6 pm
Location: Oxford Exchange
420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

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Thursday, 8 May Events

SOF Select Show

WHEN: Thursday, 8 May, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Oasis Ballroom, Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd. Tampa, Florida

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USSOCOM Awards Ceremony & Dinner

The closing USSOCOM Awards Ceremony and Dinner takes place on the evening of Thursday, 8 MAY.

WHEN: Thursday, 8 MAY from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Marriott Water Street, Grand Ballroom

HALO Happy Hour

Celebrate the close of SOF Week by joining the Green Beret Foundation at American Social from 6:00pm – 8:00pm for their annual HALO Happy Hour! Network with Green Berets, members from the Special Operations community, and with defense industry professionals and leaders. This year’s event will feature live music from Scooter Brown Band, limited-release merchandise, and prizes only up for grabs to those in attendance.

WHEN: Thursday, 8 May, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: American Social
601 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602

halo logo

Saturday, 10 May Events

2025 Raymond James Spartan Stadion

WAG Approval: Pending

The 2025 Raymond James Spartan Stadion brings the thrill of Spartan racing to the iconic Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL Buccaneers. This Honor Series event challenges participants to conquer thousands of steps, navigate concourses, and race across the 100-yard turf field. Racers will push their limits in the Ultimate Stair Challenge and earn a commemorative medal in this unforgettable experience.

WHEN: Saturday, 10 May, 2025

WHERE: Raymond James Stadium

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Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG)

Please be advised that the Department of Defense (DoD) no longer provides “blanket” Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) determinations for external events taking place around SOF Week. Events listed below may qualify as a WAG pursuant to 5 C.F.R. § 2635.204(g). All personnel are strongly encouraged to consult with their supervisor or ethics advisor prior to attending any event listed.
An event does NOT require a WAG Approval to occur; however, an event without a WAG Approval may have restrictions on military/government employee attendance


Interested in Applying?

To request Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) approval, complete the required form with details about your event, including its purpose, attendees, and sponsorship, then submit it to Courtney Bilyeu by March 3, 2025. Once reviewed, qualifying events may receive WAG approval, and applicants will be notified of their event’s determination status NLT May 2, 2025. Events that receive WAG approval will be listed above.