<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>It’s a busy time of year with new events, festivals, and more and we’ve got them all on our top picks of things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay!
There’s a lot on our curated guide of things to do, but you can also check out some of these top stories this week:
Featured Tampa Bay Events
Wine Down Wednesdays & Tasting Tuesdays
- Every Second Tuesday and Last Wednesday of the Month
- JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
Experience elevated coastal dining and drinking at its finest with the monthly recurring events at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach’s bar and restaurant. Join them every second Tuesday for Tasting Tuesdays, where from 6-8pm, you can indulge in a journey of spirits and small bites perfectly paired to delight your palate. Then, unwind every last Wednesday of the month at Wine Down Wednesdays, featuring an intimate formal wine pairing dinner at 7pm with limited seats available. Elevate your evenings with exquisite flavors and coastal charm, exclusively at their seaside establishment.
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Tiki Bar
November 18 – December 31 from 5pm – 10pm daily
The Ocean Hai patio at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach will transform into the area’s Sippin’ Santa Tiki Bar! This tropical Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar offers a fun, festive escape, complete with twinkling lights, rockin’ music, and the scent of coconut in the air. Sip on holiday cocktails with a tropical twist in an over-the-top, immersive setting filled with vibrant decorations.
Sippin’ Santa is your perfect spot to embrace the holiday spirit—beach style!
Kick off the season in style on November 22nd at our Ugly Sweater Party! Dress in your tackiest holiday sweater and enjoy 10% off tropical holiday cocktails all night.
Holidays at Tampa Theatre
- Nov. 24 – Jan. 5
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a show – you’re coming for an experience. Some of the jolliest of those experiences are sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show, or making the weekend merry and bright with a late-night REWIND or festive holiday concert. And savvy elves know that tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Amber Brooke Farms 2nd Annual Winter Fest
- Friday-Sunday, December 6-8 & 13-15
Imagine a winter wonderland of fresh strawberries. At this Winter Fest, pick your own juicy berries, enjoy activities, delicious food, and live music. Create lasting memories with loved ones at this unforgettable holiday event!
For family-friendly things to do in Tampa, check out Tampa Bay Parenting.
Things to Do This Weekend in Tampa Bay
Aqua Lanterns Chinese Festival of Lights
- Now through December 30: Wednesday-Sunday Evenings & Select Holiday Dates
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s luminous new after-hours experience, Aqua Lanterns! As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape filled with stunning illuminated sea creature sculptures up to 13-feet tall. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium. Featuring dazzling lantern displays, Aqua Lanterns will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and on select dates during the holidays!
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Daily November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Tampa
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster., visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping. Christmas Town is included with admission.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- Friday, November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025
- Tampa
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The park sparkles with lights and festive holiday decorations. Guests can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink while taking in views of the Tampa River Walk. The Shops of Winter Village will feature five boutiques from local markets and the Icicle Craft Kitchen of Winter Village will serve up some seasonal holiday treats.
STILL SHINING MOVIES AND MUSIC SERIES
- November 22-24
- Spa Beach Park in St. Petersburg
Celebrate resilience and community following hurricane Milton at the St. Pete Pier with live music and family-friendly films under the stars. This free event features popular movies like Encanto, Finding Nemo, and Jaws, paired with five musical bands playing against the stunning backdrop of Spa Beach Park. Bring your own chairs and blankets for an unforgettable weekend.
Holidays at Tampa Theatre
- November 24 – January 5
- Tampa Theatre
When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a show – you’re coming for an experience. Some of the jolliest of those experiences are sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show, or making the weekend merry and bright with a late-night REWIND or festive holiday concert. And savvy elves know that tickets make great stocking stuffers!
Sunset Zipline Adventures at Empower Adventures
- Friday, November 22-Sunday, November 24, various times
- Tampa
Featuring their two longest zip lines totaling over 1,200 feet and a stunning 200-foot suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss!
Bands, Brews, & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar at RE Olds Park
- Friday, November 22-Sunday, November 24
- Oldsmar
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Bands, Brews & BBQ – Celebrate Oldsmar. The Friday festivities feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music for an unbelievable night of fun along the shoreline of upper Tampa Bay. Saturday Festivities will feature over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, plus a great array of music.
Live music at Sparkman Wharf
- Friday, November 22-Sunday, November 24 at 6 pm
- Tampa
LED Mini Golf at Epperson Lagoon
- Friday, November 22 from 7 pm-10 pm
- Wesley Chapel
Light up the lagoon with LED mini golf in the Hub.
Taylor Swift Dance Party at Krate at The Grove
- Friday, November 22 from 7 pm-10 pm
- Wesley Chapel
Are you ready for it? Gather your fellow Swifties and get ready to shake it off as DJ Shannon C plays Taylor Swift’s most iconic hits back-to-back-to-back! Be sure to come dressed in your favorite era to never go out of style. This free event is all ages, so bring everyone and make the whole place shimmer.
Urban Kai Sunset Paddle Happy Hour
- Friday, November 22 at 7pm
- Departing from Armature Works
Enjoy discounted Happy Hour pricing on Fridays for SUP and kayak rentals to take in the sunset on the Hillsborough River.
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Ice Center
- Friday, November 22 from 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm
- Wesley Chapel
Start your weekend off on the right skate on the ice for a 2-hour public skate session! There will be a live DJ, colored lights, and so much more.
Shake it Off at Sparkman Wharf
- Friday, November 22 from 8 pm-10 pm
- Tampa
Swifties unite! Get ready to dance through every era while crafting your own Taylor-coded creations and indulging in delicious, themed drinks and bite all against the backdrop of Sparkman Wharf.
Pinocchio
- Saturday, November 23-Sunday, November 24
- St. Pete Opera
Fast-moving, colorful, and comical, this one-hour opera adapted from Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale includes captivating scenes and songs that highlight the opera’s heartwarming message of the importance of family, friendship, and always telling the truth. Featuring easy-to-understand English lyrics with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Verdi – Pinocchio is the perfect introduction to opera for the young and the young at heart!
Sarasota Medieval Fair
- Saturday, November 23-Sunday, November 24
- Sarasota
The Sarasota Medieval Fair is a rustic cultural and ceremonial reenactment celebrating the history of our European ancestral forefathers including traditional farming technique demonstrations, baking/cooking demonstrations with local ingredients (cheese turning, smoked turkey legs, roasted nuts, roasted corn, produce, jams, cakes, etc.), equestrian tournaments and performances, animal rides, blacksmithing demonstrations, educational history lessons, a petting zoo, children’s activities such as a hay maze, coloring/painting, storytelling, coat of arms/family heritage research activities, archery contests, and an assortment of local crafters who sell traditional/historic based items sourced locally, and much more!
Miles for Moffitt
- Saturday, November 23 at 7 am
- Tampa
Miles for Moffitt is Tampa Bay’s premier community-wide movement of courage and hope, raising funds for life-saving cancer research which is at the core of Moffitt’s mission.
Community Health Fair at University of Area Community Park
- Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-2 pm
- Tampa
This year’s event will feature health screenings, health and wellness vendors, flu shots, and giveaways.
India Festival at Florida State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, November 23 from 10 am-10 pm
- Tampa
India Festival Tampa Bay is a festival of arts and dances in which nearly 1,000 participants showcase their talents and participate in the dance competitions. All proceeds generated at this event are invested back into the community to promote youth education and maintain the Indian Heritage, a culture that is known worldwide for its music, festivals and dances. The ticket windows will open at 8 am on the day of the event.
Tampa Bay Holiday Market at The Coliseum
- Saturday, November 23-Sunday, November 24
- St. Pete
Local vendors will be offering everything you need to get in the holiday spirit! Start your Christmas shopping early, including home essentials, unique handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more!
Midtown Tampa Craft Festival
- Saturday, November 16-Sunday, November 17 from 10 am- 5 pm
- Tampa
Discover unique, handcrafted creations at the Midtown Tampa Craft Festival! Set in the heart of Tampa’s arts district, explore a curated selection of artisan goods, enjoy international dining, and take in the scenic views, public art, and vibrant atmosphere.
Pinocchio
- Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 at 3 pm
- St. Pete Opera
Fast-moving, colorful, and comical, this one-hour opera adapted from Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale includes captivating scenes and songs that highlight the opera’s heartwarming message of the importance of family, friendship, and always telling the truth. Featuring easy-to-understand English lyrics with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Verdi – Pinocchio is the perfect introduction to opera for the young and the young at heart!
Sunday Market in the Park
- Sunday, November 24 from 10 am-2 pm
- England Brothers Park
Head to Pinellas Park for a Sunday morning market with up to 80 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, home decor, gifts, souvenirs, and more. There will also be food trucks and vendors with refreshments, meals, and more.
The Market: Thanks for Giving at Water Street Tampa
- Sunday, November 24 from 10 am-3 pm
- Tampa
Shop over 60 local food and wellness-focused vendors with an array of fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted, fair-trade, vintage or eco-friendly products. This month, join The Market at Water Street Tampa for “Thanks for Giving” where they celebrate the season of giving with family-friendly activities and opportunities to support the community. Bring non-perishable food items for their food supply drive or conveniently purchase pre-built donation bags from Publix on-site to donate directly to Feeding Tampa Bay. Your contribution will help provide meals for those in need this holiday season. Kids and families can enjoy complimentary arts and crafts, including making placemats, Thanksgiving notes for family and friends, and custom bookmarks to take home. You can also create your own holiday centerpiece with The Roaming Petal!
Sunday Special – Espresso Martinis
- Sunday, November 24 from 2 pm-11:45 pm
- Mandarin Heights
Head to Mandarin Heights on Sunday for $7 espresso martinis.
Save the Date: Upcoming Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay
More Things to Do – Ongoing Tampa Bay Events
St. Pete Shuffle Friday Nights
Fridays from 7-10pm
St. Pete
Learn to play shuffleboard with help from St. Pete Shuffle’s staff and volunteers, who will get you set up on a court and teach you how to play.
$10; free for members and their guests
Date Night at Color Me Mine
Hyde Park
Enjoy a BOGO studio fee for couples every Friday at 5 pm until 8 pm.
Related: The Best SoHo + Hyde Park Tampa Restaurants for Date Night
Immersive Movies at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Saturday, September 28 from 11 am – 4 pm
Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will offer two new movies next week: Turtle Odyssey and T-Rex, beginning Saturday, August 17. The 25-minute-long movies will run between 11 am and 4 pm, as an added guest experience in the Visitor Center’s Dolphin Tale Theater. Narrated by Russell Crowe, Turtle Odyssey explores the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean.
The film follows Bunji from a hatchling into adulthood as she swims thousands of miles, meets incredible creatures and has some really wild encounters. Included in general admission cost.
Live Music on Water Street
Water Street in Tampa
Enjoy live music on Water Street nightly from 6 pm-9 pm.
FloridaRAMA
Permanent exhibition open Thursdays – Mondays
800 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) is a permanent indoor immersive, explorable art and technology experience in St. Pete, Florida. Over 60 local and international artists were commissioned to make art for you to immerse yourself in and enjoy.
$27 ($25 for Florida Residents)
First Wednesday of the month, 7pm (Mar – Oct) 6pm (Nov – Feb)
St. Pete Pier
Join The Body Electric Yoga Company every first Wednesday evening for a yoga class at St. Pete Pier. The class will be grounding but fun, with lots of modifications offered to accommodate everybody.
FREE
Thursdays from 4-8pm
Tampa Museum of Art, downtown Tampa
Every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm, the Tampa Museum of Art offers Art on the House where admission prices change to pay-as-you-will, and visitors choose whatever admission price they want to pay. Bring the family and celebrate 100 years of art in Tampa with exhibitions that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporary art.
Choose your own admission price
Fridays from 7-10pm
St. Pete Shuffle, St. Pete
Learn to play shuffleboard with help from St. Pete Shuffle’s staff and volunteers, who will get you set up on a court and teach you how to play.
$10; free for members and their guests
Saturdays from 10-11:30am,
St. Pete
Tour begins at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg Visitors will hear the inside stories of the making of over 30 murals found in the four-block tour. Limited to 20 people, must book before 4 p.m. the prior day. Bring water for hydration and the necessary rain gear if the weather looks threatening.
$20
Looking for more things to do this week?
Check out this guide to family-friendly events in Tampa Bay from our sister publication Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Heading to Orlando? Here’s a guide to the best Orlando events this month at the theme parks and beyond.