As we pay tribute to the Veterans who stand guard here in America and around the world, we gather to enjoy some of the coolest events in Tampa Bay this holiday weekend. Thank you, Veterans, for your service.
New Theater Thursday
Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure
freeFall Theatre, St. Pete
Eric Davis and Matthew McGee reprise their roles as Holmes and Watson in this adventure that has even more danger, more laughter, more romance, and more mystery than the smash hit production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville a few seasons back. Five actors blithely play over 40 roles in a hilarious new adventure. An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace at stake, Holmes and Watson join forces with American actress Irene Adler to take down cunning criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty and his network of devious henchmen.
Now through Sunday, December 15th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
The Mountaintop by Katori Hall
American Stage, DTSP
In “The Mountaintop,” see Dr. King as you’ve never seen him before as he reflects on his life, struggles, and hopes for the future. But he’s not alone—enter Camae, the sassy and mysterious hotel maid with a lot to say. Through poignant dialogue and powerful monologues, “The Mountaintop” offers a humanizing portrayal of King, revealing the man behind the myth and highlighting the complexities of his life and work.
A story about doubt, faith, and history in the making.
Now through Sunday, November 24th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
LIMITED: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Straz Center – Morsani Hall, Tampa
I’ll be seeing this show for the THIRD this week, that’s how much I love this Tony Award (including Best Musical) winning show. The set and costume design are stunning, and the story, a bawdy, poignant, and very funny interpretation of the classic, La Boheme, is beautiful. You’ll know the words to every song, and the lyrics beautifully advance the plot! As the promos say, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and, above all…Love. It is more than a musical — it is a state of mind. Treat Yourself!
Now through Sunday, November 10th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Mini Review: Gorey Stories – Presented by Jobsite Theatre
Halloween may be over, but if you haven’t shaken your craving for the macabre, and still want a ‘treat’, Gorey Stories (Based on the short stories of Edward Goey), is sure to satisfy. I had the pleasure of seeing this production on opening weekend, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. With rehearsals shortened because of, you know, hurricanes, this cast still came through with one of the tightest ensemble performances I’ve seen. The set design and costuming are so visually striking, you’ll be sure to experience that ‘wow’ moment we love so much. The stories are set to music in a most delightful and hilarious way and the individual performances are as good as the ensemble. Colleen Cherry’s vocals provide yet another ‘wow’ moment.
Luckily for us, this show continues this weekend, and on through next weekend, ending on the 17th. It’s Theatre Tampa Bay recommended and very popular, so get your tickets now! Directed by the amazing David M. Jenkins, with music direction by the equally amazing Jeremy Douglass
Straz Center – Shimberg Playhouse
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Ongoing…
The Hillsborough County Fair
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Tampa
Come one, come all – to the fair! Nothing beats the sights, sounds, and flavors of a county fair. There’s so much to enjoy from competitions to circuses – lumberjacks to tractor pulls – rides, games, concerts, juried art, and too many events to fit here. You and the fam or a group of friends are sure to have a blast whatever you decide to enjoy. There’s truly something for everyone!
Now through Sunday, November 11th
Find tickets, event schedules, and more information HERE.
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
Tropicana Field, St. Pete
Be a part of the excitement at the Largest Circus on Earth, featuring the world’s smallest person, awe-inspiring human cannonball, 7 Man-team in the Globe of Death and a spectacle like never before, all under the World’s Largest Big Top Arena. Remember to come hungry to savor all the Circus treats available. Enjoy the circus midway with the World’s Largest inflatable slides, face painting, bouncy houses, pony rides, and more! There’s something for everyone in the family, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Now through Sunday, November 11th
Find tickets, events, and more information HERE.
Saturday
For a Good Cause: PARTY ON THE PLAZA Featuring #NOFILTER
The Mahaffey, DTSP
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater Plaza with live music, food, and fun, all to benefit the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. Rock out with #NOFILTER, the dynamic local band bringing the best hits from today and the classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. All proceeds directly support youth educational programs, giving Tampa Bay students the chance to experience the performing arts.
Saturday, November 9th @7pm – 10pm
Find more information HERE.
Red Bull Flutag
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa
What happens when teams gather on the Tampa waterfront to launch the most bizarre “flying machines” you’ve ever seen? Well, you’ve got yourself the Red Bull Flutag. Welcome to the world’s most creative, exhilarating, and downright loony event where extraordinary, man-powered flying machines defy the laws of gravity. Marvel at the surreal engineering, laugh out loud at the team antics, and get caught up in all the fly or sink drama. In the link below, you will find pretty much everything you need to know to find your marks during the wackiest, aeronautical show of the year. It’s truly an entertainment unicorn, so don’t miss it! Please note that the event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, November 9th @12pm – 4pm
Find more information HERE.
For a Good Cause: Salute & Sip Veterans Day Block Party
Bayboro Brewing, St. Pete
Bayboro Brewing is partnering with Signatures for Soldiers, a nonprofit that supports disabled and homeless veterans. Proceeds from the event will go towards an annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration, which provides meals for local veterans.
Here’s What’s Happening:
Delicious House made Barbeque & Drinks, Live Music throughout the day, Local Vendor Market, and Raffles with Fantastic Prizes: Participate in our raffles for a chance to win great prizes while supporting recently disabled and homeless veterans.
Special Perks for Veterans:
Exclusive Lunch: Kick off the day with a special lunch just for veterans.
Veteran’s Tab: Enjoy complimentary drinks all day through our Veterans Tab. Patrons buy beers for veterans throughout the year, allowing for veterans to drink for free on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July.
Saturday, November 9th @12pm
Find more information HERE.
HUGE Annual Events
**Registry Spotlight Event**
This week, we couldn’t pick just one. BOTH of the following events are such an integral part of life in the ‘Burg. SHINE (appropriately named for this spotlight), has faced so many obstacles this year, and yet is back for its 10th Anniversary – bigger and better than ever. The way these murals decorate and define our cityscape has SHINE and The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance ‘Shining’ in the @REGISTRYSPOTLIGHT.
SHINE Mural Festival Special Event – Inner Reflections
FloridaRAMA, St. Pete
Over the past decade, SHINE has become one of the most anticipated events of the year and is known around the world. This year, after challenging storm delays and funding cuts, the SHINE Year 10 exhibition at the Morean Arts Center successfully kicked off the festival last weekend. SHINE is in full swing! Join in Saturday evening during Second Saturday Artwalk for Inner Reflections.
Celebrate 10 years of SHINE and the 10-day festival at FloridaRAMA featuring a solo show and book release by 2023 artist Chris Dyer, custom installations from 2021 artists Nicole Salgar and Ricky Watts, DJ and special performance by Woes Martin (2021) and The Mighty Giants, Giano Currie’s interactive photography experience, After Hours Photoshoot and more. The event is free and open to the public. Of course, there are many events on the SHINE agenda, so keep up with Weekend Top 10, and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance for schedules and updates. The Artists will be working through the week, and the festival runs through November 17th with a big closing celebration.
Saturday, November 9th @8pm – 11pm
Find tickets and more information on this event HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
The special feeling you get at a Pops in the Park concert is not like anything you’ve experienced. Community, picnics, incredible music – all on the magnificent downtown waterfront. It’s one of those events you absolutely must attend at least once. That’s why The Florida Orchestra and Vinoy Park share in the #RegistrySpotlight.
Pops in the Park – The Florida Orchestra
Vinoy Park, DTSP
Talk about a St. Pete mainstay! Join the party in the park for one of the biggest traditions in Tampa Bay. You bring the blanket and a picnic and we’ll provide the perfect soundtrack of free music under the stars. No better way to impress a date or spend quality time with the whole family. Featuring movie music, Broadway hits and classical favorites. Admission is always free!
Saturday, November 9th @6:30pm
RSVP and find more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Thursday, November 9th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
STORM AID: A Day Long Concert Event for Hurricane Relief
Cage Brewing, St. Pete
Friday, November 8th @3pm – 11:55pm
Find concert schedules and more information HERE.
Blackberry Smoke: Be Right Here Tour
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Friday, November 8th @7:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
La Lucha and Friends: Sunday Concert Series
Peace Memeorial Presbyterian Church, Clearwater
Sunday, November 10th @3pm
Find more information HERE.
Have a Beautiful Fall Top 10 Weekend! Thank you, Vets
Cindy
Don’t forget to send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com
