An impossible decision awaits you, as you try to figure out what to do this weekend in Tampa Bay! Just click, read on, and let
Registry Tampa Bay help you decide your next adventure!
Theater Thursday
American Idiot
The Straz Center, Morsani Hall, Tampa
Don’t miss this classic, multi-Tony winning stage production of a Green Day soundtrack brought to life in one of the most high energy musicals you’ve ever seen! A high-concept rock opera, AMERICAN IDIOT explores disillusionment, consumerism, and the manipulation of the media and government through a trio of friends struggling to find meaning in a world they barely recognize. “a pulsating portrait of wasted youth that invokes all the standard genre conventions [only] to transcend them through the power of its music and the artistry of its execution, the show is as invigorating and ultimately as moving as anything I’ve seen on Broadway” – The New York Times.
Now through Sunday, August 9th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
Reviews are unanimously and enthusiastically positive for this timely and poignant production of love and service.
Catch it before it closes next week. Tampa Rep shines in the #RegistrySpotlight!
Ongoing: Dear Jack, Dear Louise
Straz Center, Shimberg Playhouse
U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship before it even starts. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Lend Me a Tenor) tells the joyous, heartwarming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II and the results are anything but expected.
Now through Sunday, July 26th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
Tampa Bay Rodeo
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover
Florida sunshine meets cowboy grit at the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, thundering into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds July 17-18! Grab your boots and get ready for two high-energy nights of FULL RODEO action, with the region’s top cowboys and cowgirls competing in bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, and other crowd-favorite rodeo events.
Friday & Saturday, July 17th & 18th
Find tickets, event schedules, and more information HERE.
Powerstories Presents: Predictor
Stageworks Theatre, Tampa
Powerstories Theatre is proud to present Predictor by Jennifer Blackmer, which tells the remarkable true story of Margaret “Meg” Crane. What began as a simple idea in a pharmaceutical lab became a revolutionary tool that gave women privacy, autonomy, and answers in their own homes.
This sharp, funny, and surreal new play takes audiences inside Meg’s whirlwind of imagination and determination as she battles corporate resistance, societal expectations, and her own doubts. Moving fluidly through past, present, and future, Predictor is both an absurdist comic romp and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to fight for agency in a world determined to silence you.
Opens Friday, July 18th through Sunday, July 26th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Saturday
37th Annual PAVA Cool Art Show
The Historic Coliseum, St. Pete
It’s truly one of the mainstay art shows that we wait for with anticipation each July. The historic Coliseum ballroom is packed with artists and vendors of every conceivable genre and taste. If you’ve never been, here’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about. I guarantee you, you won’t go home empty handed. Food, drink, and ample parking are available.
Saturday & Sunday, July 18th & 19th
Find times, vendors, and more information HERE.
SharkCon
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
SharkCon comes back bigger and better in 2026 with the stars of the shark world, celebrities, photographers and more! When you experience SharkCon, you will dive deep into the world’s oceans. Everyone is connected to the ocean, but there are so many more secrets to learn about its amazing inhabitants. SharkCon is an event suitable for the casual consumer of shark lore, to the most intense aficionado of shark science. If it’s about sharks, it’s at SharkCon! There numerous FREE engaging activities for you and the kids to sink your teeth into, but that’s just where the fun-frenzy begins. There are speakers from National Geographic’s SHARKFEST, Shark Week and Animal Planet. There are over one hundred vendors of shark and ocean related merchandise,
Saturday & Sunday, July 18th & 19th @9am – 5pm
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
Ybor Gangster Speakeasy Fundraiser featuring Paul Wilborn
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa
From the Ybor Chamber – “Hear award-winning author Paul Wilborn’s staged readings from his new novel, The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall. Based on a real Tampa mobster, this humor-filled adventure follows a retired criminal and driver. Join this FMoPA fundraiser event featuring an evening of exciting gangster-themed activities: – Dress in your favorite gangster attire: fedoras, finger waves, and bold red lips. – One-night viewing of Tampa Tribune photos of the actual Charlie Wall murder scene and gangster photojournalism. – Speak-easy vibe with special hooch and light finger food. “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.”
Dress Code: 1920s/1930s Mobsters & Flappers. Dress to impress, or the bouncer might look the other way.
Main Event: A special reading by Paul Wilborn from his gripping new book, The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall.
The Crime Scene: A thrilling look into the infamous, unsolved murder scene of Tampa’s original mob boss himself.
Password at the door: Charlie sent me
Saturday, July 18th
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
Sunday
We’ve been following some of the fun watch parties that have been going on around Tampa Bay, and even though the USA was eliminated, the finals are “afoot” (get it?), so it’s still very exciting and a great chance to hang out with neighbors and friends. Watch the biggest match in soccer with an unforgettable FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party in the heart of downtown St. Pete! Catch every moment of the action on big screens while enjoying unbeatable game-day specials, including 50% off wings and pizza. And every time a goal is scored, everyone at the bar gets a complimentary Cassis Shot to keep the celebration going!
Sunday, July 19th @3pm
Find tickets/RSVP and more information HERE.
Al Downing Honors – Honoring Distinguished Jazz Contributors
The Palladium Side Door Cabaret, St. Pete
The 2026 Al Downing Honors, featuring jazz vocalist Allison Nash, hosted and emceed by Mendee Ligon, pays tribute to individuals who have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Jazz in the Tampa Bay area. By proclamation in 2023, the City of St. Petersburg Arts, Culture, and Tourism acknowledge, celebrate, and recognize July 19th as Al Downing Day of St. Petersburg. Alvin J Downing (1916-2000), 2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame Inductee, Jazz Music Icon, Tuskegee Airman, Professor of Music at Gibbs High School and St. Petersburg College, and known as the Ambassador of Jazz by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation. Joining on stage: Patrick Bettison on keyboards, an internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist and composer. Alejandro Arenas on bass, known for his work with La Lucha as a bassist, producer, and arranger. And on drums, Mark Griffith, whose credits include Hot Tonic and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band.
Sunday, July 19th @4pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Men at Work
BayCare Sound, Clearwater
Saturday, July 18th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Lynyrd Skynyrd & Loverboy
Florida State Fairgrounds
Saturday, July 18th @6:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
The Fixx
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Monday, July 20th @6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend, everyone!
Cindy
