There might be a chill in the air, but that doesn’t stop all the fun that awaits you this weekend in Tampa Bay. So, layer up and find your joy – whether it’s barbeque and oysters, rare gems, dolphins, lovely flora and fauna, international films, or a very unique local art show – you’re sure to find something especially for you on our finely curated calendar! There are also jammin’ concerts, and good causes to support, so make a plan, gather your people and get out there! All the links and info are right here, and to entice you further, there are TWO amazing spotlights this week – one especially for Second Saturday. Registry Tampa Bay has your fun weekend covered, so please, read on….
Thursday
Dunedin International Film Festival
Multiple Venues, Dunedin
For filmophiles: 48 films from around the world are gracing screens throughout the charming town of Dunedin. (The event started Wednesday.) Pick and choose your favorites, attend discussions and talk backs, meet producers, directors, and stars, and get the full experience of international cinema. It’s a jam-packed weekend, so click the link, buy your passes, and come up with your plan of attack. There’s simply nothing like a great film festival. While you’re at it, treat yourself, and book a night (or at least dinner), at the historic Fenway, a waterfront hotel as charming as the city. That will surely round out the experience!
Now through Sunday, January 12th
Find tickets, screening times, and more information HERE.
Newly Opened: Aqua Lanterns at CMA – Chinese Festival of Lights
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater
Is there anything more beautiful than the sight of lit paper lanterns floating away to wherever your imagination takes them? This luminous new after-hours experience, featuring dazzling lantern displays will blow you away! As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape, filled with stunning illuminated sculptures, up to 13-feet tall, of whales, penguins, jellyfish and other sparkling sea creatures. 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.
Now through February 2nd
Find tickets, events schedules, and more information HERE.
New Theater Thursday
Green Cheese by Guy R. Newsham
LAB Theatre Project, Tampa
In Green Cheese, a casual game night spirals into a high-stakes battle where friendships, careers, and marriages hang by a thread. Secrets simmer, alliances shift, and every roll of the dice could change lives forever. It’s God of Carnage meets Trivial Pursuit, where winning might just be the ultimate loss. Support local theater!
Thursday, January 9th (Opening night, Friday) through Sunday, January 26th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
The Ladies of the Camellias
The Francis Wilson Playhouse, Largo
The world’s two most famous actresses, Sarah Bernhardt & Eleonora Duce, are playing the same role in dueling productions. Mayhem ensues as they meet and the verbal weapons are played. Clever and funny, with a touch of slapstick!
Thursday, January 9th through Sunday, January 19th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
St. Petersburg Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show and Sale
The Historic Coliseum, DTSP
Imagine the spectacle of 15,000 square feet of minerals, precious and semi-precious gems, and fabulous jewelry! It’s here, once again, this weekend at the beautiful, historic Coliseum. It is always so mind blowing to me to be reminded just how beautiful the natural world really is – and when you see hundreds of thousands of gems in one place, it’s a definite “wow” moment. Admission is only $5 and there’s ample parking, so come downtown and take home something pretty just for you.
Friday – Sunday, January 10th – 12th @10am – 5pm
Find more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
Anyone who has seen the Mandala Project in past years, knows why it’s in the spotlight this week. Celebrating local talent followed by the ancient tradition of mandala making by Tibetan Monks – it’s simply NOT to be missed!
Opening Party: The Mandala Project 2025
Florida CraftArt, DTSP
The Mandala Project is an invitational exhibition featuring works by over 80 renowned regional artists in conjunction with the annual Tibetan Monks Sacred Arts Tour (January 13-18, 2025). Now in its second year, The Mandala Project invites artists to explore the mandala’s timeless symbolism through their own creative lenses. The exhibition opening this weekend allows visitors can meet the artists and explore a wide range of mandala-inspired works. This celebratory event features live beats by DJ CUB and a cash bar.
During the run of the exhibition, from January 13th to 18th, Tibetan Buddhist monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery come to the Florida CraftArt exhibition space to create a dazzling sand mandala. Various special events accompany the Sacred Arts Tour: Learn more here.
Friday, January 10th @5;30pm – 8:30pm
Find more information HERE.
Saturday
Plantopalooza lll
Sunken Gardens, Old NE, St. Pete
Food, vendors, prizes, and much, much more! Surround yourself with nature this weekend and bring a bit of it home. Free w/ Garden admission.
Find more information HERE.
Tampa Bay Barbeque Festival & Competition
Vinoy Park, DTSP
For foodies: What could be better than sitting waterside, enjoying some smokey barbeque, sipping on a cold beer, playing cornhole and listening to some great live bands? The annual Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival at Vinoy Park is a festival full of rich & smoky brisket, juicy chicken,, fall-off-the-bone ribs and delicious craft beer & cocktails.
Features Include –
> Over 100+ Barbecue Dishes from Florida’s Best Competition Barbecue Teams!
> Cast your vote for Tampa Bay’s Best Barbecue Team!
> Live Mural Artists
> Great Craft Beers & Cocktails
> Live Music by Great Bands & DJ’s | See Schedule Now
> Games, Prizes & Tons of Fun
Saturday & Sunday, January 11th & 12th
Find tickets, music lineups, times, and more information HERE.
**Second Saturday Spotlight**
There are so many events surrounding Second Saturdays in St. Pete, so each month, we’ll feature and spotlight one of them!
This month: Creative Clay
For a Good Cause: Creative Clay’s Second Saturday ArtWalk – A 30 Year Retrospective
Creative Clay, St. Pete
Join us for January ArtWalk for our exhibit, Retrospective 30: Featuring 30 Years of Creative Clay’s Artists. Opening to the public on January 11, 2025, 5-9pm, the exhibit presents recent paintings, sculptures, and ceramics made for the exhibit alongside older works. Tour our studios and visit our Creative Thrift store for artists’ supplies and treasures! CraftTee will be on site doing live T-shirt printing of two of our Creative Clay designs. Enjoy portrait drawing by the artists of Creative Clay, and live music performance by Koala Fire. Food sponsored by Golden Dinosaur.
*Also, check out the Friday Art Market on Friday the 10th for a huge ceramics and merch sale!
Saturday, January 11th @5pm – 9pm
Find more information HERE.
Sunday
For a Good Cause: Tampa Oyster Fest
Tabella’s on Delaney Creek
For foodies: Well shucks, it’s time to celebrate the sea born wonder that is the oyster. Fried, baked, raw – the possibilities are endlessly delicious, so come on out to Tabella’s on the Causeway, join your friends, and arrive early to get ready to enjoy your all-inclusive experience of oysters, barbeque, low country boil, open bar, live music, a bourbon and wine pull, and some fun and games. Tickets are going fast, so order today. Proceeds benefit Frameworks.
Sunday, January 12thth @1pm – 5pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Friday, January 10th @8pm
Find tickets HERE.
Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom
The Floridean Social, St. Pete
Friday, January 10th @6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE. (21+)
STYX w/ Special Guest: Loverboy
Baycare Sound, Clearwater
Saturday, January 11th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Rock the Rocks Music Festival & Market
The Original Crabby Bill’s, Indian Rocks Beach
Saturday, January 11th @12pm – 10pm
Find more information HERE.
A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett featuring Members of the Coral Reefer Band
The Palladium, DTSP
Saturday, January 11th @8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
Don’t forget to send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com
