Two Days ago, it was ‘Giving Tuesday.’ Please consider donating to your favorite non-profit organization. It’s never too late! Many are still suffering from state funding cuts and 2 major storms. ‘Tis the season to spread good tidings and maybe a little cash for good causes.
New Theater Thursday
It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play Presented by: Tampa Repertory Theatre
Shimberg Playhouse @ The Straz Center, Tampa
I love the nostalgia and “over the topless” of a vintage-style radio show. That, and the fact that It’s a Wonderful Life is an integral part of my holiday consciousness, make this production by Tampa Rep a must-see (or should I say ‘hear’) stage production this season. Ring in the holidays with a heartwarming twist! Frank Capra’s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” leaps to the stage as a live 1940s radio play. Join in for a nostalgic evening as some of Tampa Bay’s top actors bring the story of George Bailey to life, complete with sound effects and festive cheer. This beloved tale reminds us that no one is a failure who has friends, and that the true meaning of Christmas is richer than any fortune. There will be a special reception and celebration on the 19th.
Thursday, November 5th – Monday, December 23rd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Tinseltown, USA and Wonderful Life
American Stage, DTSP
American Stage will get a festive makeover and transform into Tinseltown USA, an immersive holiday experience! Enter a magical winter town and create your own adventure in this self-paced experience. For a short time, leave Florida behind and become a resident of Tinseltown USA where the whole family can take part in holiday fun. If you attend this magical holiday experience between December 5th and 8th or December 12th and 22nd, you can enjoy Wonderful Life, a one person retelling of the classic Capra story.
Thursday, December 5th – Sunday, December 22nd
Find tickets, performance time, and more information HERE.
The Wizard of Oz
Francis Wilson Playhouse, Clearwater
A magical journey to the Emerald City and beyond with Dorothy and all her wonderfully weird friends as they follow the YellowBrick Road to make their wishes come true. This timeless classic comes to technicolor life on stage to celebrate the Holiday season.
PLEASE NOTE: Thursday, December 19th performance will be a begin at 7:00, and we encourage our audience to wear a fun Oz themed costume for that night only.
Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 22nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
For a Good Cause: 6TH ANNUAL Catch for Christmas Bowling Night
Bowlero, Tampa
The 6th Annual Catch for Christmas Bowling Night is sure to be the best bowling night yet! Grab your friends or host your holiday work party and fill up the lanes with Bucs fans decked out in their Retro creamsicle attire for Mike’s 11th season as a Buccaneer. Mike will visit each bowling lane to take a group photo with guests and will have signed photos to hand out. Buy your tickets before the spots all fill up.
Proceeds support the Mike Evans Family Foundation Catch for Christmas program, in which Mike and Ashli provide holiday gifts and experiences to local kids and families.
Friday, December 6th @6pm
Find tickets, and more information HERE.
Saturday
ArtJones
Waterfront District, Gulfport
If you’re jonesing for ART, then come to ArtJones: Gulfport, Florida’s Annual Artist Studio Tour.
22 artists located in 8 studios and galleries throughout Gulfport. Take a bike, drive your car or hike around (though not all the studios are close to one another). This is a free, self-guided tour where we welcome YOU into our private studios, ateliers and galleries to meet the artists, see the process and buy art. ArtJones is a FREE event. You’ll find food, music, art, friends and endless inspiration.
Saturday & Sunday, December 7th (@10am – 5pm) & 8th (@11am – 4pm)
Find more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
Not only is Creative Pinellas foregoing it’s biggest annual fundraising opportunity, but they are still putting on the party for the benefit of the arts community of Pinellas County recovering from 2 devastating storms and 100% state arts funding cuts. No doubt that level of community support deserves to shine in the #RegistrySpotlight! (Plus, it’s a great party!)
For a Good Cause: Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, Largo
This annual fundraising event, normally benefiting Creative Pinellas, has changed its focus this year to assist in hurricane recovery for artists throughout Pinellas County. It’s a grand evening celebrating multiple arts genres with great food, live entertainment and meet and greets with this year’s impressive list of participating artists. Here’s how the proceeds will benefit the arts community:
- Help an artist return to their studio: Not only have many artists lost their homes, but they have also lost their studios.
- Support housing stability for artists: Many artists are now scrambling for places to live; your support will help pay rent or help them find new places to live
- Help our cultural community regain their livelihood: Your donations will help artists and arts organizations continue their creative work, speeding up the cycle of recovery.
Saturday, December 7th @6pm – 9pm
Find tickets (VIP available), and more information HERE.
The Nutcracker – Presented by Tampa City Ballet
USF Theater 1, Tampa
No holiday season feels complete without seeing a live performance of this Tchaikovsky classic. It’s a treat for the senses, featuring some of the most beautiful music you can imagine – a true fairytale ‘en point’. Each year, The Nutcracker performances rings in the holiday season as a long-held tradition celebrated around the world. In the Tampa Bay Area, TCB brings together audiences of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this family event. Supporting students of dance and taking advantage of affordable tickets are even more reasons to check out this production.
Saturday & Sunday, December 7th & 8th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
2024 Downtown St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade
Downtown Waterfront, DTSP
A lovely part of warm weather winters is the ability to enjoy this bright and beautiful holiday tradition in St. Pete. Bring the whole family and enjoy all the colors, creativity, and waterfront beauty the parade offers each year. Why drive around looking for holiday lights when you can sit or stand in one spot and just watch them float on by. It’s genius, I tell you.
Saturday, December 7th @7pm
Find route details and more information HERE.
Sunday
Ybor City Cigar Festival
Centennial Park, Ybor City
Here’s something for all of you cigar aficionados out there. Nothing defines Ybor City’s history more than becoming the mecca of hand rolling the world’s best cigars. Since 1994, the Ybor City Cigar Festival has grown into the largest event of its kind in the world! Enjoy the cigar making demos, live entertainment, food & drinks, and cigar vendors from across the globe. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event, so check out this celebration of history, and admission is FREE.
Sunday, December 8th @11am – 5pm
Find more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
For a Good Cause: The Many Moods of Christmas
First Presbyterian Church, DTSP
Friday, December 6th @7pm
Find more information HERE.
Elf in Concert – Presented by The Florida Orchestra
The Straz Center, Tampa
Saturday, December 7th (2 performances)
Find tickets and more information HERE.
The Next Big Thing
Baycare Sound, Clearwater
Saturday, December 7th @12pm – 11pm
Find tickets, entertainment lineup, and more information HERE.
America – Ride On Tour
The Mahaffey, DTSP
Saturday, December 7th @7pm
Find tickets, and more information HERE.
Marly Music Series | St. Pete Baroque
Museum of Fine Arts, DTSP
Sunday, December 8th @1pm
Find more information HERE.
Drew Harrison: In the Spirit of John Lennon
The Straz Center, Tampa
Sunday, December 8th @7:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
Don’t forget to send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com