<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
- Now – January 5, 2025
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
Two locations available: Eustis and Williston
WILLISTON: December 6 & 13, from 4pm – 8pm
December 7, 8, 14, 15, from 11am – 8pm
EUSTIS: December 6 & 13 | 4pm – 8pm, December 7, 14, 15, from 11am – 8pm
December 8, from 10am-2pm
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.
YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium
- Friday, November 29-January 5, 2025
- Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is excited to introduce an all-new holiday experience for 2024: YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium. Guests are invited to dive into the magic of the season with the immersive event that brings coastal holiday traditions to life. See the towering Christmas tree made from upcycled beach materials, stroll along an enchanting tree trail in the Aquatic Lounge, meet Santa at a special meet and greet in Santa’s Wharf (select dates only), enjoy special character appearances by Rocky and Tango, and embrace coastal holiday vibes with breathtaking sand sculptures.
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 29 -Sunday, December 1, 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!
Live music at Sparkman Wharf
- Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1 at 6 pm
- Tampa
Silent Disco at HOB Brewing Co.
- Friday, November 29 from 6 pm-10:45 pm
- Dunedin
Dance to all of your favorite hits from the past 40 years. Headphones can only be purchased at the event and are limited to the first 150.
Urban Kai Sunset Paddle Happy Hour
- Friday, November 29 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.
Kacey Musgraves – Deeper well world tour
- Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm
- Tampa
Country superstar Kacey Musgraves brings her Deeper Well World Tour to Amalie Arena.
Friday Night Meltdown Public Skate at AdventHealth Ice Center
- Friday, November 29 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.
Holiday Sip & Sprout Plant Festival at Metals and Nature
- Saturday, November 30 from 9 am-2 pm
- Plant City
Celebrate Small Business Saturday and the holidays with a botanical twist at Metals and Nature’s Holiday Sip & Sprout Plant Sale. Skip the crowded stores and enjoy the season in a unique, serene setting as you shop a beautiful selection of plants, from lush tropicals and hardy succulents to festive holiday greenery and rare botanical finds. There will also be kid-friendly crafts, a petting zoo, seasonal bites and sips, and more.
Florida Strong Open Farm Day at Hearts & Dreams Ranch
- Saturday, November 30 from 11 am-3 pm
- Dade City
Shop local vendors at the community market to help support those affected by Hurricane Milton. There will be food available, a DJ, petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, and Florida Farm fun.
Shopapalooza Festival at Vinoy Park
- Saturday, November 30- Sunday, December 1
- St. Petersburg
Shopapalooza features more than 350 local makers and small businesses, so come get your holiday memories started! In addition to all the shopping, there are dozens of food trucks and other eating options, craft beers, live entertainment, a kids zone, sensory activities, Santa meet and greet, and so much more. Thier huge Insta-worthy Glam Lounge will give you a nice place to relax, and plenty of photo ops!
Sarasota Medieval Fair
- Saturday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
- 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!
Sunday Market in the Park
- Sunday, December 1 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.
Cirque Christmas Show at Epperson Lagoon
- Sunday, December 1 from 1pm-4 pm
- Wesley Chapel
See Cirque Vertigo’s Holiday Spectacular! This show will blend breathtaking acrobatics, gravity-defying stunts, and enchanting seasonal joy at 1 pm and 3 pm in The Hub.
Grinch Brunch at Mirada Lagoon
- Sunday, December 1 from 2 pm-4 pm
- San Antonio
Whoville’s finest is visiting the Lagoon! Purchase from their specialty brunch menu, snap a photo with the Grinch and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Holiday Skate at Amalie Arena
- Sunday, December 1 from 3 pm-5 pm
- Tampa
Enjoy skating, seasonal cheer, and memorable moments with family and friends. Plus, get a game ticket to come back and cheer on the Bolts! Sessions are 45 minutes and include holiday music, photo ops, complimentary skate rental, hot cocoa, and treats. There will also be a Toys for Tots donation.
Sunday Special – Espresso Martinis
- Sunday, December 1 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.