Big name concerts, Cool Art, a rodeo, anime art – even french fry and ice cream festivals! There are so many unique choices this weekend, so let Registry Tampa Bay help you curate the perfect weekend. Also, check out the mini review for Jobsite’s latest production.

**Mini Review**

Puffs – or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Presented by Jobsite Theatre
Jaeb Theatre at the Straz Center, Tampa

Picture it. We return to a certain school for would-be wizards in England. You know, the one that produced a certain lightning bolt scarred phenom named Harry. Turns out (who knew), there are lots of other students there too, and like most schools, there are groups and clicks to deal with. This school of Magic is no exception – except these groups are assigned by some shenanigans with a magic hat and an enchanted computer. We meet the Braves, the Smarts, The Snakes….and the title characters, the Puffs – a group representing the school’s lowest expectations. They are the uncool, the unmagical, and the unaccomplished – or are they?

Puffs by Matt Cox takes us on their journey through seven (age 11-18) years of school, growth, friendship, and hilarious antics.  I can report, without hesitation or hyperbole, that I laughed through the entire show. This is indeed one of the tightest and best ensemble performances I have had the pleasure to see. The timing of this large cast through some pretty complex blocking, lighting, and sound cues, was flawless. The characters are as endearing as they are funny. If I had to pick some favorite performances, which is pretty difficult considering how wonderful everyone was, it would be Troy Brooks as Oliver – a totally lovable nerd and math genius who comes of age at the school. You see, feel, and laugh through his evolution because of his spot on portrayal.  I also really enjoyed the performance of Ben Sutherland as Cedric, leader of the Puffs. You can feel his dedication to the group and his passion for success. Sutherland’s suave and enthusiastic delivery was just the right tone for the role. It’s just a bonus that he appears in several scenes shirtless. Of course, Matthew McGee as the Narrator is always a comic delight. He is especially adept at improv audience interactions that add even more laughs to the show.

Set design of the school interior by Chris Giuffré and Sklar Jay, was all pro and provided the perfect backdrop for all the many antics that occur. Stage managing is often one of the most difficult and unsung roles in any production, but the job done by Jaryn McCann in precisely orchestrating two hours of pretty complex timing and cues, is to be roundly applauded. Big kudos to the entire behind the scenes crew – costumes, lighting and sound were all top tier.

Puffs is simply a pure delight and a wonderful distraction in complex times. The word is out, and tickets are going fast, so don’t sleep on this one friends. Order your tickets today per the link below.  Puffs runs about 2 1/2 hours total with intermission, so plan accordingly.

Puffs runs now through Sunday, August 3rd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.

Thursday

New Exhibit: Tales of Winter the Dolphin
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers the ‘Tales of Winter the Dolphin’ exhibit, a new immersive experience that celebrates Winter’s inspiring journey. Visitors can explore Winter memorabilia, movie props, and her real prosthetic tails, learning about her rescue, rehabilitation, and legacy.
This exhibit honors Winter’s enduring spirit and her role in inspiring ocean advocacy and conservation efforts.

Now through September 30th
Find tickets, show schedules, and more information HERE.

Opening: LAB Laughs – An Evening of Comedic Shorts
Lab Theatre Project, Tampa

We all could use aa good laugh, yes? Well look no further than the opening of this hilarious comedic event. LAB Laughs is an annual comedic short festival. Each year they filter through submissions from around the world to find two hours worth of humor and fun to share with its audiences. All original shorts, never produced, giving mirth a new home bringing new laughter to life in Tampa.

Thursday, July 17th through Sunday, August 3rd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.

Opening Reception: International Photography Competition 2025
Tampa Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa

If you love incredible art photography, then don’t miss heading over to FMoPA for the Opening Reception of the 2025 International Photography Competition exhibition. This juried group exhibition features winning works from FMoPA’s 2025 International Photography Competition, selected from over 2,500 global submissions. This stunning exhibit will be on view until August 24, 2025.

Thursday, July 17th @5:30pm – 7pm (exhibit runs through August 24th)
Find exhibit tickets and more information HERE.

Friday

Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Festival
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover

Yee Haw! Pack up the fam and get ready for some bucking bronco reality at the fairgrounds this weekend! The best cowboys and cowgirls in the Southeast are saddling up at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds for a FULL RODEO, featuring 2 action-packed days of bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and bull dogging. The fun starts before you enter the arena as the Family Festival kicks up the excitement with LIVE MUSIC, tasty food, and exciting activities for the whole family.
It’s Florida’s Hottest Show on Dirt so grab your friends and family and come on down for a night of dust, adrenaline and unforgettable memories!

Friday & Saturday, July 18th & 19th
Find tickets, performance schedules, and more information HERE.

French Fry Festival
3 Daughters Brewing, St. Pete

Here’s a mouthwatering way to enjoy your Friday night. Some of our favorite local food trucks will be on-site at 3 Daughters, serving their delicious take on everyone’s favorite form of potato – the french fry! There will also be live music by Mr. Whiskers & The Nine Lives! Each participating food truck will be creating a signature dish for your taste buds to revel in. So, we have delicious local brews, every conceivable kind of french fry, and great live music. all of it sounds delicious!

Friday, July 18th @6pm – 11pm
Find more information HERE.

Saturday

PAVA Cool Art Show
The Historic Coliseum, DTSP

PAVA’s (Professional Association of Visual Artists) signature event, the Cool Art Show is back for the 36th year at the St. Peterburg Coliseum. Cool Art has become one of the most anticipated shows of the year.  The juried fine art/ fine craft booth show will fill every square inch of the venue with member treasures featuring ceramics, digital art, drawing & pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media 2D, mixed media 3D, painting, photography, sculpture, wood, and much more. Bring your wallets, because you’re sure to leave with a new prized possession.

Saturday & Sunday, July 19th & 20th
Find more information HERE.

Anime & Comic Art Exhibition
Imagine Museum, St. Pete

Imagine Museum, METROCON, and Tampa Bay Comic Con invite you to explore anime, comics, and storytelling reimagined as fine art. Graphic Worlds blends jaw-dropping glassworks, immersive multimedia, and iconic pop culture in a dynamic celebration of fandom. Each Session Includes:
Cosplay Contest – Strut your stuff with music, quotes, or scene recreations
Trivia Battle – Lightning rounds test your anime IQ—winners from each session face off on Sunday.
Each day is jam packed with activities and there will be delicious Korean and Japanese Food trucks available outside. This one will be fun, so dress up and don’t miss it! Also, there is an opening reception on Saturday evening from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

Saturday & Sunday, July 19th & 20th @10am – 5pm
Find more information HERE.

**Registry Spotlight Event**

Hannah Hockman, a 26-year-old theater director, is realizing a dream as she heads the rebirth of the historic Beach Theatre after a decade of dormancy. Be a part of the ongoing and recharged history of a truly beloved space and congratulate this visionary young woman.

The Beach Theatre Grand Opening – A New Wave: The Revival of The Beach Theatre
Beach Theatre, St. Pete Beach

Saturday, July 19th @2pm
Find tickets, and more information HERE.

Sunday

Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival 2025
The Pier, DTSP

The Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival is a sweet celebration of summer featuring the best frozen treats from local ice cream shops, food trucks, and dessert makers across the region! Indulge in classic favorites and creative new flavors while enjoying music, games, and waterfront views. Whether you’re a fan of cones, cups, or sundaes, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Come cool off and treat yourself at the coolest festival in Tampa Bay!

Sunday, July 20th @11am – 8pm
Find more information HERE.

**Concert Corner**

Toto + Men At Work + Christopher Cross
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa

Saturday, July 19th @6:45pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

Counting Crows – The Complete Sweets! Tour with special guest The Gaslight Anthem
The BayCare Sound, Clearwater

Sunday, July 20th @6:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.

Darius Rucker
Seminole Hard Rock Event Center, Tampa

Sunday, July 20th @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