Seafood, art, and jazz festivals abound in Tampa Bay this weekend and so much more – many free events too! Enjoy this pre- Thanksgiving weekend in Registry Tampa Bay style!

Thursday and Beyond

 

Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup
Treasure Island Gulf Front Park, Treasure Island

Come check out this four-day battle to see who the “best of the best” is in creating massive sand sculptures on the Treasure Island. These are master sculptures on a world-class level bringing their creativity right here to Tampa Bay. There will be a beach food court, beer garden, and arts and craft marketplace. Kites and night-fly’s will be available, and fireworks will be on display Saturday night. The festival will extend this year to the following weekend as well. It’s a perfect, free family outing.

Thursday – Sunday, November 16th – 19th
Find event schedules and more information HERE.

 

 

Festival of Trees
The Long Center, Clearwater

Imagine a huge gymnasium space filled with dozens of fully decorated Christmas trees. It’s just a great way to begin the holiday season and for a good cause. Festival of Trees is a magical event that benefits The ARC Tampa Bay Foundation and their mission to provide inspiring programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Trees are donated by community businesses and there will be music, choir and dance performances. Thousands visit this event each year and there is a special opening night event you can attend for ther full winter wonderland experience.

Opening Reception (Premier Night) – Thursday, November 16th @6pm – 10pm

Friday -Sunday, November 17th, 18th, & 19th @10am
Find, tickets, event hours, and more information HERE.

 

 

Friday

 

35th Annual Tarpon Springs Seafood festival
Craig Park on Spring Bayou, Tarpon Springs

Florida is a wonderful place for seafood and an even better place for festivals. Bring the two together and you have the makings of a very satisfying weekend. Come to Tarpon Springs, home of the world-famous Sponge Docks, and enjoy all your mouth- watering favorites along beautiful Spring Bayou. There will be lots of vendors and a full three-day lineup of live music. Save some lobster bisque for me!

Friday – Sunday, November 17th-19th
Find Event/concert schedules and more information HERE.

 

 

33rd Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival
Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach

Clearwater is certainly earning the title of Jazz Central in Tampa Bay. The lineup of bands and jazz personalities for the Suncoast Jazz Festival is very impressive and the event runs over three days on beautiful Sand Key on the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, lots of vendors and food trucks will be on hand as you listen to some of the best jazz music around on one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Friday – Sunday, November 17th – 19th
Find tickets, event schedules, and more information HERE.

 

 

Saturday

 

**Registry Tampa Bay Spotlight Event**

The competition is stiff this weekend as there are so many long running and unique events. Florida CraftArt is truly a pioneer of the St. Petersburg arts scene, and the CraftArt Festival is one of the most anticipated such events in Tampa Bay.  So, welcome to the #RegistrySpotlight!

26th Annual Florida CraftArt Festival
Central Avenue, St. Pete

For over a quarter century, visitors and locals flock the 500 block on Central Avenue, DTSP at this time of year to attend one of the only juried art shows in the Southeast showcasing the best in contemporary fine craft.  Offered in conjunction with FCA’s holiday show, Unwrapped: Handmade Holidays, The CraftArt Festival features artist demos, music, children’s tent, and lots of great food from local restaurants and food trucks. The event is free, dog-friendly and an absolute must-attend for your holiday shopping.

Saturday and Sunday, November 18th & 19th @10am
Find festival hours and more information HERE.

 

 

Dunedin Celtic Music Festival
Highlander Park, Dunedin

The Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation hosts this amazing Celtic music festival as a way to fund Scottish cultural programming in the community. Get ready for an impressive lineup of live music from noted local and Pipe bands – Mudmen, SYR, Clovers Revenge, and much more. The Isle of Sky Dancers will entertain with traditional and entertaining dance.

Saturday, November 18th @10am – 5:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

 

 

30th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival
Main St., Dunedin

Dunedin is doing double duty this weekend with the Celtic Festival and the Downtown Craft Festival. Make time to visit both. Dunedin is such a charming place – one of the oldest cities on Florida’s West Coast. The festival features some of the country’s finest artists and crafters offering their homemade wares for your holiday shopping. An expansive green market rounds out this long-loved event.

Saturday & Sunday, November 18th & 19th
Find festival hours and more information HERE.

 

 

Cars & Couture – Fire and Ice 13th Annual Collector’s Gala
Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa

This special evening combines two favorite obsessions – hot cars and hot fashion. This feast for the eyes exhibits the high-end automotive craftsmanship of luxury and exotic cars alongside an unforgettable, on trend fashion show. The gala benefits Autism Speaks and is lauded as a much-anticipated annual event. So come out, dress up, and have a wonderful evening at this unique and beautiful event.

Saturday, November 18th @6pm – 10pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

 

 

Sunday

 

Friendsgiving
St. Petersburg City Theatre, St. Pete

Here’s a lovely way to get some turkey and all the fixings before Thanksgiving. The St. Peterburg City Theatre is hosting a holiday potluck and BYOBoard game night. What a wonderful way to support community theater. Entry is pay what you can at the door. Meet up with your theater/turkey/game loving neighbors and friends and support this century old fixture of the Tampa Bay arts community. They deserve it, and so do you!

Sunday, November 19th @6pm – 8pm
Find more information HERE.

 

 

**Concert Corner**

 

Popa Chubby
Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, Safety Harbor

Saturday, November 18th @7:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

**Special Note**On Saturday, The Center (SHAMC), celebrates its 7th anniversary with a day-long celebration, live music, and a wild animal print umbrella parade. Check it out!

 

Bruce Hornsby
The Nacy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Saturday, November 18th @8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

 

Dwight Yoakam
The Sound, Clearwater

Saturday, November 18th @6:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

 

Pinellas Youth Symphony Holiday Concert
The Palladium, St. Pete

Sunday, November 19th @3pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

 

Have fun and stay safe out there!
Cindy

Send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com