Two iconic Festivals, spooky fun for kids AND grown-ups, and great art events and concerts. It’s all right here in Tampa Bay! Hope you enjoy these events specially curated just for you.
Thursday and Beyond
Ya La’Ford: HENGE – Unearthing Ancestral Memory
HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building, Gallery 114, Tampa
If you are plugged in to the Tampa Bay arts scene, then you are, no doubt, familiar with the work and prolific public art installations of our own Ya La’Ford, an internationally recognized and collected artist. This is a very special solo show hosted by the HCC Art Galleries including a number of new original works. The exhibit opened in August, but tonight is a special reception and artist talkback event. HENGE invites viewers to “reconsider symbols from ancient civilizations as keys for navigating the shapes and patterns of modern life.” Ms. La’Ford is one fascinating individual, so make some time for this opportunity.
Thursday, October 19th @5pm – 8pm (Doors open at 4pm with live performances in the lobby)
Find more information HERE.
Opening – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley & Adapted for the Stage by Nick Dear
Jobsite Theater – Shimberg Playhouse @ Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
In keeping with a long tradition of Halloween offerings, Jobsite brings the intense and spine-tingling adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to the Shimberg playhouse stage. “Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s creature (Paul J. Potenza) is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker (Giles Davies). Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.” It’s the perfect Halloween treat for theater lovers.
Runs through November 12th
Find tickets, performance schedules, and more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
44 years and it just gets bigger and grander, with more headlining acts each year. The premier Jazz festival in Tampa Bay shines in the #RegistrySpotlight this weekend.
44th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday
The Sound at Coachman Park, Clearwater
Enjoy four days of some of the best music you could wish for – Gladys Knight, Average White band, The Beach Boys, Kenny Wayne Sheperd Band, and much more! The Clearwater Jazz Festival has become a concert gold standard here and now with the beautiful new Sound venue, it promises to be more spectacular than ever. Get your tickets to this world-class concert series today.
Thursday, October 19th – Sunday, October 22nd
Find tickets, show schedules, and more information HERE.
Dirty John’s Freakenstein
The Studio @620, St. Pete
If you’re looking for a little “adults only” Halloween fun and you’re in the mood to laugh, look no further than the Studio @620 for this three-night freak fest featuring John Huls, Jay Hoff and their troupe of fantastically filthy weirdos. It’s a skit comedy format where absolutely no limits are observed. You’ve been warned. It’s just a great time and all your friends will be there, so why not? Adults 18+
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 19th, 20th & 21st @9pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Saturday
Old Southeast Artist Enclave Studio Tour
The Chattaway, St. Pete
Here’s a great opportunity to tour artist studios as you stroll the beautiful waterfront neighborhood of the Old Southeast just south of DTSP. It’s a self-guided tour starting when you pick up your map at the information tent located in the parking lot of the iconic Chattaway’s restaurant on the corner of 4th St S and 22nd Ave S. There will be more than a dozen OSE artists exhibiting their studios and residences, featuring painters, sculptors, potters, printmakers, and more. Follow the OSE logo signs throughout the neighborhood to find your way. Best of all, it’s free!
Saturday, October 21st @10am – 4pm
Find more information HERE.
Pumpkin Fest 2023
Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
As part of Third Saturdays at the Pinewood Cultural Park, there are fun, free activities at all three park venues – Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village, and the Creative Pinellas Gallery. The headliner is Pumkin Fest from 12pm -4pm with a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, a scarecrow contest and other family friendly activities. At the gallery, to wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, Creative Pinellas and 4-H have teamed up to offer drop in arts and crafts activities throughout the day. From 11am-1pm there will be a special mask workshop for ages 7-13 (space is limited – get there early).
Heritage Village (10am-4pm) will have a self-guided Halloween book walk, docent tours, and from 12pm-3pm, adoptable pets in Halloween costumes!
So much amazing Fall fun, and all for free. Enjoy!
Saturday October 21st – park is open 7am – 5pm
Find more information and activities schedules in the links above.
**Bonus Registry Spotlight Event**
For almost a half century, the International Folk Fair has been teaching us and our children about diverse cultures around the world. There’s simply nothing else like it, so SPIFFS deserves a share of the #RegistrySpotlight.
48th Annual SPIFFS – St. Petersburg International Folk Fair
Albert Whitted Park, St. Pete
Since 1975, SPIFFS has been the premier event celebrating the diverse communities of the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions of a wide array of global cultures. The colors and activities will bring the senses alive, and while you’re having such an amazing time, you just might learn something about your neighbors from around the world.
(School Days – Thursday & Friday, October 19th & 20th)
Public – Saturday, October 21st @10am – 6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
The Heights District’s 6th Annual Fall Fest
Armature Works, Tampa
It’s become one of the biggest events of the year in the Heights District and promises lots of perfect seasonal fun for the whole family. What could be better than a riverfront pumpkin patch, petting zoo, live music, bounce houses, featured food and drink, and lots of activities for the whole family? The beautiful Armature works always has lots to do, see, eat, and enjoy. The event is free, but there are several activities that require a ticket and there is a charge to park.
Saturday & Sunday, October 21st & 22nd
Find more information HERE.
DARK/SPACE
SPACE (855 28th St S), St. Pete
Come lurk in the shadows of the bus terminal turned art gallery for another intriguing, themed show curated by Chad Mize and Michelle Tannu. Though the inspiration is “DARK,” a nod to the season, the interpretations are as broad and varied as the imaginations of the many participating artists. They delve into “punk, metal, horror, and sci-fi subcultures to bring you the gritty, grimy, gooey, and even grotesque” exhibition that will be sure to put in the “spirit” of the moment. It’s sure to be another great arts experience from the masters.
Saturday, October 21st @7pm – 11pm
Find more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
See above for details on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Tampa R&B Music Experience -Tyrese, Monica, Tank, and more
Amalie Arena, Tampa
Friday, October 20th @ 7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Changes: A Bowie Odyssey
The Floridian Social, St. Pete
This is a fully produced stage extravaganza dedicated to the music of David Bowie.
Saturday, October 21st @7pm
Tickets and more information HERE.
Have fun and stay safe out there!
Cindy
Send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com
