Happy Back to School! Celebrate the (eventual) return of Fall with another fun-filled weekend in Tampa Bay – a return to the 60s , Shakespeare, Fitness, comic art, a birthday party for Warhol and so much more! There’s something for everyone here, so mark your calendars!
Theater Thursday
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]
Jobsite Theatre, The Straz Center, Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa
Having shrunk Shakespeare’s wit and wisdom into manageable morsels of madness, Jobsite returns to tear around the stage in doublets and Chuck Taylor’s on a riotous romp through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays plus the sonnets all in an hour and a half.
In this cult hit, the full works of the Bard have been edited into just 90 minutes. All 16 comedies are distilled into one short sketch and the historical plays are performed as a football game. The complete works of William Shakespeare in one evening? Ambitious? Foolhardy? Insane? Absolutely!
Now, through Sunday, August 24th
Find tickets. performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
Monster Jam
Amalie Arena, Tampa
Get ready for non-stop excitement as Tampa roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air! The world’s best drivers tear up on the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in four competitions: Racing, Skills, Donuts, and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.
Friday – Sunday, August 15th – 17th
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
Warhol Birthday & Pop Art Party
FloridaRAMA. St. Pete
Join in the fun for a Warhol Birthday & Pop Art Party! Celebrate Warhol’s famed Factory and enjoy a night of Andy, Marilyn & Elvis impersonators, interactive screen tests and photo opportunities. View Warhol and Pop inspired works by local artists , groove to a curated Warhol’s Factory soundtrack and enjoy special performances by “Elvis.” Dress in your best 70’s attire for a fun night celebrating Pop Art!
Friday, August 15th @7pm – 11pm
Find tickets more information HERE.
Our Wildest Dreams Opening Reception
The Nielson Center for Visual Arts, St. Pete
Dreams are more than just our subconscious thoughts or our daily admirations. Dreams are incarnations of our truest selves; various layers of consciousness that, as they are peeled back, bring us closer to our spiritual origins. Dreams show us our deepest desires and our greatest fears all while being the subconscious drivers of our creativity. Whether we are asleep or awake, our dreams dictate our choices and bring us closer to our truest, most innocent selves. This August, The Lof is introducing its debut show – “Our Wildest Dreams” – a series of art installation dreamscapes that carry the viewer through settings of beautiful fantasy and unsettling nightmares. Discover the core beliefs that drive creative thinking, and become consumed by an environment that captures the spiritual origin of art.
Friday, August 15th @6pm – 9pm
Find more information HERE.
Saturday
FitFest Tampa Bay
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
Welcome to FitFest, formerly known as the Tampa Bay Strength And Fitness Expo, now re-imagined and expanded to become the largest sports festival and fitness expo in Florida. FitFest is the pinnacle event where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and industry professionals converge to celebrate the power of physicality, strength, and endurance. With a rich history of showcasing top-tier talent, hosting world-class competitions, and featuring industry-leading exhibitors, our event has become a beacon for those seeking unparalleled inspiration and cutting-edge innovations. Join us as we unite an entire community in a collective pursuit of fitness excellence at FitFest, where passion, camaraderie, and boundless possibilities await.
Saturday& Sunday, August 16th & 17th
Find, schedules, and more information HERE.
Afternoon at the Manor: Victorian Tea Party
Jekyll Hyde Park Manor, Tampa
I’m heading across the pond in a few weeks, so high tea is on my mind. You are cordially invited to Afternoon at the Manor, a most distinguished affair where the clinking of fine china and the flutter of lace gloves fill the air with refined anticipation. This elevated Victorian high tea promises an afternoon of elegant indulgence, where society’s finest gather beneath chandeliers to sip and socialize in true Regency fashion. Prepare to be delighted with a sumptuous selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and other exquisitely prepared delicacies—each course served with the grace and grandeur one would expect of a lady or gentleman of standing. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their finest Regency or Victorian-inspired attire.
Saturday, August 16th – Seatings start @10am
Find more information HERE.
8th Annual Bulls Block Party
1920 Ybor & Along 7th Ave, Ybor City
Support your USF Bulls with a great party, as the college football season is about to start. USF’s Greater Tampa Alumni Chapter’s biggest event of the year is back! Join us as we take over Ybor with USF pride, exclusive perks and unforgettable energy. Festivities kickoff at 2 p.m. at 1920 Ybor with free drink samples, food, live entertainment and special remarks from USF Football Coach Alex Golesh. The after-party continues down 7th Avenue with exclusive drink deals and Bulls-themed fun at over a dozen participating venues.
Saturday, August 16th @2pm – 4pm
Find more details HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
This just looks cool, and as I am a child of the 60s, anything hippie themed appeals. Also, as long-time friends of RTB know, we have long been about the cars – the point being, you can never see enough VW buses! Slap on some tye dye and enjoy!
Hippie Fest
Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs
Travel back to the era of peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll at the Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest! This vibrant celebration brings a blast from the past to the charming streets of Tarpon Springs at the iconic Sponge Docks. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the 60s and 70s with live bands playing classic psychedelic rock, folk, and groovy tunes that will have you dancing. Explore a colorful marketplace filled with unique vendors offering handcrafted goods, tie-dye apparel, retro art, jewelry, incense, and much more. Bring your good vibes, your VW’s, don your best hippie attire (bell bottoms and flower crowns encouraged!), and enjoy delicious food, community spirit, and family-friendly fun. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate nostalgia, music, and artistry in a laid-back, positive atmosphere. One of the main highlights is the VW Bug and Van Show, a must-see for car enthusiasts and those who love a bit of retro charm. It’s always a far-out time!
Saturday, August 16th @2:30pm – 9:30pm
Find more information HERE.
Panel + Exhibit Opening: Drawn to Action – The Cover Art of Amanda Conner
Imagine Museum, St. Pete
Join us for a special evening celebrating the art, stories, and creators behind some of the most iconic comic book characters of our time. This exclusive event marks the opening night of Drawn to Action: The Cover Art of Amanda Conner—a new gallery exhibition featuring original cover art and rare works by the legendary artist herself.
Amanda and Jimmy have been instrumental in shaping Harley Quinn’s character in the comic books, especially during their highly successful run on the Harley Quinn comic series beginning in 2013.
Live Panel Discussion: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Don’t miss a one-time-only conversation with comic book power duo Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl, The Pro) and Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane, Harley Quinn), moderated by pop culture writer and comic historian C.M. Ramsburg.Together, they’ll explore Amanda’s creative process, behind-the-scenes stories, and the lasting impact of their work in comics. The panel will conclude with a brief audience Q&A.
Saturday, August 16th @5:30pm – 8:30pm
Find tickets, and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Gabriel “Fluffy Iglesias
Seminole Hardrock Entertainment Center, Tampa
Thursday, August 14th @8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters,
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Friday, August 15th @8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
