It’s time to celebrate Dad, so Registry Tampa Bay has some eclectic ideas for you to show him the best time ever! Also – Tampa Fringe opens, freeFall has a cool season finale, and the Morean opens a new exhibit. All the best of this weekend is right HERE!
Thursday
Tampa International Fringe Festival
Kress Contemporary & The Commodore, Ybor City
It’s time, once again for the all-encompassing Ybor entertainment extravaganza that is Fringe!
This year features 32 shows, ranging from theatre to dance, sideshow to kids shows. (Speaking of kids shows, for 2025 Kids Fringe on Saturday is now FREE!)
Shuttles are available between venues where you can choose from live music, readings, performances, seminars, demos over the coming week. The schedule is chock full of content – entertaining, informational, and outside the box offerings. Make plans to attend on multiple days and have a blaxt!
Now through Sunday, June 22nd
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
**Mini Review**
Fat Ham
American Stage, DTSP
For this weekend and through the next, you have the opportunity to enjoy another first-rate production at American Stage. Fat Ham, written by James ljames, is a contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This re-telling of the centuries old classic embodies the Bard’s themes of family love, drama, and betrayal, but it also updates the dynamic in ways that honor current social constructs represented by Pride, Juneteenth, true crime, and more. James has also successfully turned a pretty dark drama into a hilarious yet poignant comedy. I laughed through most of the one hour and 45-minute run time that absolutely flew by. (No intermission)
The ensemble cast gives a clinic on comic timing and chemistry. The interactions and choreographed movement (choreography credit to PAD, Helen R. Murray) are spot on, seamless, and add greatly to the fun of it all. We see all the angst and growth of ‘Juicy,’ the Hamlet counterpart, thoughtfully yet comically played by Deimoni Brewington – no small feat. A standout performance for me was delivered by Jefferson A. Russell who played both ‘Pap’ the father’s ghost, and ‘Rev’ the uncle who very quickly turned stepdad after Pap’s untimely and suspicious demise. He was all the things – loud, boisterous, treacherous, oversexed, cruel, and completely hysterical. Props, though, to the entire cast – Janelle Richardson as ‘Tedra,’ the dance-happy mom/queen with divided loyalties, Andresia Moseley as the colorful and stylish ‘Aunt Rabby,’ Mykail Cooley as the street-smart, yet loyal ‘Larry,’ Jai Shanae as the intense and semi-defiant ‘Opal,’ and Julien Barini-Brown as the stalwart, yet secretive ‘Tio.’ Loved them all.
I wanted also to give props to the entire creative team, specifically lighting and set design – two components that help make everything else work. Lighting design by Hailey LaRoe is effective in transitioning the audience from reality to a world of inner thought and fantasy. Scenic design by Jonathan Dahm brilliantly shows us all of the ways a pesky, demanding ghost can make an entrance. And while we’re on the creative team, costume designer Wendell C. Carmichael – well, you know what you did. So good. Even Props by Meyah Fortier and sound by Tosin Olufolabi were carefully thought out and totally worked.
Director, Raymond O. Caldwell has brought Tampa Bay audiences an oh so admirable iteration of a very successful Broadway play. Get your tickets for
Fat Ham today. Time is running out!
Runs through Sunday, June 22nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
Opening – The House of Future Memory
freeFall Theatre, St. Pete
freeFall’s all-new interactive production, The House of Future Memory, opens this weekend. Based on Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man” monologue from
As You Like It, this surprising and innovative performance will bring together the talents and imagination of the actors with the dreams, fears and desires of the audience to create a unique evening of storytelling and theatre that can only happen once. freeFall’s 2024/2025 Season Finale is reminiscent of the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from the 80’s. Be sure to get your tickets today!
Opens Friday, June 13th and runs through Sunday, July 13th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Saturday
Opening Reception – Passages: Janet Gentlewind Folsom
The Morean Arts Center, St. Pete
Passages is an exhibition honoring the extraordinary life and work of Janet Gentlewind Folsom, a beloved artist, mother, wife and friend. A member of the Morean for 30 years, Janet’s vibrant portraits and still-life paintings were a highlight in annual members exhibitions. Her painting won Best of Show in the Morean’s 2015 All Florida Juried Exhibition, and the Morean displayed a solo show of her work in 2018. Enjoy the opening reception and catch up with friends and neighbors who support the arts community.
Saturday, June14th through Saturday, June 5th
Find more information HERE.
Father’s Day Ideas
2025 Father’s Day BOGO Admission
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Enjoy a free day for Dad at the always fascinating Florida Aquarium. It’s a perfect family day viewing and enjoying the myriads of sea life on display at one of the largest public aquariums in the Southeast. The colors, critters, and wide-eyed wonder of both children and grown-ups will make for a memorable day celebrating Dad.
Sunday, June 15th @9am – 5pm
Find more information HERE.
FATHER’S DAY AXE-TREME FUN
Hatchet Hangout, St. Pete & Clearwater Locations
Thinking outside the box for Father’s Day? Axe throwing is always a fun idea to celebrate with family and friends. Hilarity is sure to ensue, and everyone will definitely have a great time. Bring your dad, grandpa, uncles and all father figures for an axe-tastic time filled with axe-throwing, fun friendly competition, and unforgettable moments.
Sunday, June 15th @11am – 12am
Find reservations and more information HERE.
Father’s Day Public Skate Special
AdventHealth Center Ice, Wesley Chapel
Dad will love a chance to do a little ice skating in Florida! Get free admission for him this Father’s Day at one of the premier ice rinks in the Tampa Bay area. Dad gets his free admission with a child’s regular admission cost. Skating is just a fun experience for the whole family and a great way to show Dad how much you appreciate him. Make memories while having the time of your life.
Sunday, June 15th @12pm – 8pm
Find more information HERE.
$5 Dad’s Day
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, Pinellas Park
This is the perfect way to spend a special day with Dad. With cars from 7 countries and 56 manufacturers in the collection, there is plenty to see and enjoy. Learn about the engineers and innovations that have contributed to the development of the automobile as you go back in time and around the world.
The TBAM has been a part of this special day for so many Dads over the years and we are excited to make more memories again this year!
Sunday, June 15th @1pm – 4:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
Skipper’s has been a long-time favorite venue in Tampa Bay for 4 decades. What better time to shine the spotlight on them than on Father’s Day? See why Skipper’s has been here all these years and enjoy some great Sunday afternoon acoustic music by a great artist.
Dad’s Day Acoustic Sunday Brunch w/ Fil Pate
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa
What a great way to celebrate Dad in the fun and casual atmosphere of Skipper’s. Enjoy the acoustic stylings of Fil Pate – a performer, music teacher, sound tech, booking/promoting consultant, bandleader, certified stringed instrument luthier, studio musician, producer and marketing advisor. The man covers most all aspects of the vast music industry! The food (aka grouper!) will be fresh and so will the entertainment. Dad will love it.
Sunday, June 15th @1pm – 4pm
Find more information HERE.
Barrel & Bond: FATHER’S DAY Bourbon Pairing Dinner
Lilac Restaurant, Tampa
Looking for an elevated experience for Father’s Day? Here’s a wonderful option. The event will begin with an assortment of chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, followed by a personalized dining experience featuring guest’s choice of appetizer, entrée, and a bourbon-infused dessert. Menu highlights include Wagyu Filet Mignon, Sea Bream à la Plancha, and a selection of Lilac’s Michelin-rated classics, all thoughtfully paired with expressions of Angel’s Envy bourbon. Each guest will leave with a custom gift including a Glencairn glass and a bottle of Angel’s Envy featuring an exclusive Father’s Day engraving—a perfect keepsake to mark the moment in lasting style. Celebrate the fathers and father figures in your life with a night of exceptional taste, crafted spirits, and timeless appreciation.
Sunday, June 15th @6pm (First Seating)
Find reservations and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Nikki Glaser: Alive & Unwell Tour (Five Shows – Two Venues)
The Mahaffey & The BayCare Sound
Mahaffey – Thursday & Friday, June 12th & 13th
BayCare Sound – Sunday, June 15th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE (Mahaffey), and HERE (BayCare Sound)
FREE Event – Riddim Music Festival
Water Works Park, Tampa
Sunday, June 15th @11:30am – 6pm
Find line-up, and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
