Things to do in Tampa Bay | September 3rd – 6th 2021

This weekend is jam-packed with tons of fun with an extra day for Labor Day heading to St. Pete Walking Mural Tour, Florida’s Largest Home Show, and Safety Harbor’s Market on Main to name a few.  Let me know what events you have attended. I love the hear from you!  If you have an event you would like me to feature, just let me know. 

Family Friendly Events

Busch Gardens Events 2021  Tampa Florida Check out link for Special events Aug 13th – Oct 31st (Bier Fest), Howl-O-Scream Sept 10th – October 31st, Kids Weekends Oct 2nd – Oct 31st and from Nov 12th – Jan 2nd Christmas Town.

Nathan Benderson Park Rec Days! Saturdays and Wednesdays thru September 22nd 11am – 3pm

Tusks to Tails: A Fossil History of Florida  Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water St Tampa, (813) 228-0097 10 AM  – 5 PM extended thru January 2022

Train Rides:  The first Saturday of every month, all ages can climb aboard an accurately modeled scale locomotive for a 1-mile loop through the lush scenery of Largo Central Park, which includes a waterfall pond. Face masks are required while waiting in line, at the depot and on the train. Free (donations appreciated). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive.

10th anniversary of Dolphin Tale: This September marks the 10th year since hit movie Dolphin Tale put Clearwater Marine Aquarium on the map, and the aquarium is celebrating all month. Film props from the movie set will be on display in the original Winter Zone location and there will be screenings of both Dolphin Tale movies daily in the new theater. All activities and screenings are included with admission. $32.95, $26.95 ages 3-12, free for 2 and younger. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. 727-441-1790. cmaquarium.org.

Orlando Events

Leu Gardens Fairy Doors: Visitors to Leu Gardens in Orlando may notice a magical touch when visiting the 50-acre grounds. The Fairy Doors have returned for a fourth year. Running through Sunday, the exhibit features 20 one-of-a-kind fairy doors hidden throughout the gardens. A map guides visitors along the way and provides a narrative for each door. For example, a door belonging to Piper, a music fairy, is decorated like a piano. $10, $5 ages 4-17, free for 3 and younger. 407-246-2620. 1920 N Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org. Please note: Last Day for this Event on Sunday September 5th.

Halloween Horror Nights: Halloween attractions like this one at Universal Orlando are back earlier than ever, maybe to make up for being canceled last year. This event is not intended for young children, as Universal takes advantage of Hollywood special effects to dial up the horror. There will be 10 haunted houses, including one based on Beetlejuice and another based on Netflix’s Haunting of Hill House. There are five scare zones and two spooky shows, and you can enjoy some of the theme park’s top rides. Creepy favorite Jack the Clown returns to celebrate Halloween Horror Nights’ 30th anniversary. It opens at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and runs select nights through Oct. 31. $70.99-$122.99. Universal Studios, Orlando. orlando.halloweenhorrornights.com.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend…
Additional list of Events to many to mention link

FRIDAY, September 3rd

Gothic Soirée at the SpookEasy Lounge 7pm – Midnight 1919 East 7th Ave Tampa, Dress in your Gothic best and we’ll set the mood – serving kava, botanical teas, and coffee all evening. Gothic dress code is not required, but definitely encouraged! Don’t have gothic attire? That’s okay – we’d still love to host you. thru December 17, 2021

St. Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix Starts 5PM – 10PM This motorsport event visible from the shore in downtown St. Petersburg will include the double bill of offshore powerboats and Jet Ski racing. There will be some 40 powerboat teams and 60 AquaX racers from all over the world in two days of racing. The boats will also be on display throughout the weekend at Vinoy Park. Find a schedule and VIP tickets at p1offshore.com. Free for spectators; VIP $100-$500. St. Pete Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

SATURDAY, September 4th

Ybor City Saturday Market 9am – 1pm  Centennial Park Ybor City Join us at Historic Ybor City Centennial Park this Saturday  for this free, open-air market! At the Ybor City Saturday Market, you’ll find amazing products made by local artists, artisans and independent businesses. Gourmet foods & sauces, teas, coffees, cupcakes, cookies, French macarons, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique, one of a kind gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, handmade bath and body products, candles, and so much more!!

Saturday Morning Market  Williams Park Summer Market until Sept 11 from 9am – 1pm Williams Park   *** Please note, according to CDC rules if you are fully vaccinated you no longer need to wear your mask at Market.

St. Pete Walking Mural Tour  Hear the inside stories of the making of murals found in the Central Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg. The four-block tour begins at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m. Call 727-821-7391 or email gallery@FloridaCraftsmen.net to book a tour. There is a firm limit of 10 attendees, you must book online by 4 p.m. the day before.  

GeckoFest: Gulfport’s 20th annual festival celebrates the end of summer with music, dancing, food and an American Bandstand or gecko-themed costume parade and contest. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Downtown waterfront district near the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 727-322-5217.

St. Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix see below scheduled times: This motorsport event visible from the shore in downtown St. Petersburg will include the double bill of offshore powerboats and Jet Ski racing. There will be some 40 powerboat teams and 60 AquaX racers from all over the world in two days of racing. The boats will also be on display throughout the weekend at Vinoy Park. Find a schedule and VIP tickets at p1offshore.com. Free for spectators; VIP $100-$500. St. Pete Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

SUNDAY, September 5th

Yoga in the Park-SunAM-Julian B Lane from 10:30am – 11:30am every Sunday thru October 24th

St. Petersburg Powerboat Grand Prix see below scheduled times: This motorsport event visible from the shore in downtown St. Petersburg will include the double bill of offshore powerboats and Jet Ski racing. There will be some 40 powerboat teams and 60 AquaX racers from all over the world in two days of racing. The boats will also be on display throughout the weekend at Vinoy Park. Find a schedule and VIP tickets at p1offshore.com. Free for spectators; VIP $100-$500. St. Pete Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

Safety Harbor’s Market on Main From 10am – 3 pm every Sunday for local hand-crafted items, local food vendors, produce, fresh orange juice, pickled products, and much more! 401 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL 34695-3648

Cuban Sandwich Festival: More than 20 contestants from around the world compete for best Cuban sandwich in the world at this dog-friendly festival with live music, dancing, and cultural vendors. The event typically features an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for biggest Cuban sandwich. Free (food/drink additional). 12:30-4:30 p.m. Centro Asturiano, 1913 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-229-2214.

Monday, September 6th

Labor Day Party!! Starting at 11AM  Free  · 4307 W Main St, Tampa, FL 33607-4122 We are getting everyone together for a BBQ on Labor Day! Bring whatever meat you want to grill or bring a side! BYOB
 

Mark your calendar for these Future Events: 

Seminole Heights Sunday Market Morning 4500 N. Nebraska Avenue Tampa 11AM – 3 PM  Find 30 of your favorite local vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, jams, dips, bath & body, local art and lunch bites provided by food vendors and food trucks. Sept 12th

Beards & Bands For Bradley Benefit For BH3
Park Square at Fishhawk 16132 Churchview Drive, Lithia| SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021 AT 12 PM – 9 PM

Tampa Bay Home Show – Tampa Convention Center 10am – 5 pm on October 23rd and 24th  EVERYTHING FOR THE HOME – INSIDE AND OUT!Come on out and meet the home improvement experts at the Tampa Bay Home Show. Plan to spend the day discovering great exhibits, giveaways, door prizes, seminars, and so much more. See the latest trends in home remodeling: from kitchen and baths to flooring, to windows and home protection.Free admission! Daily giveaways!

Tampa Bay Women’s EXPO Saturday September 11th from 10am – 4pm Florida State Fair Grounds Entertainment Hall 4800 US Hwy 301 Tampa The Tampa Bay Women’s Expo is a showcase for the latest products and services for women and families with shopping, beauty, health, nutrition & fitness.

Ybor City Saturday Market 9am – 1pm  Centennial Park Ybor City Join us at Historic Ybor City Centennial Park this Saturday  for this free, open-air market! At the Ybor City Saturday Market, you’ll find amazing products made by local artists, artisans and independent businesses. Gourmet foods & sauces, teas, coffees, cupcakes, cookies, French macarons, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique, one of a kind gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, handmade bath and body products, candles, and so much more!! Sept4,11,25 Oct 2,16,30 Nov 6,20,27 Dec 11,18

Second Sunday Art Walk + Vendor Fair at Armature Works 11am – 3pm Free The event will feature a rotating cast of artisanal artists and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, wood-work, gifts plus so much more in the Gathering space at Armature Works. Held the Second Sunday of the Month Sept 12th, Oct 10th, Nov 14th and Dec 12th

Family Fun Run location Highland Recreation Complex Largo FL (727) 518-3016 for more information – Spooky Trail Fun Run – Fri, October 8 at 7pm

Oktoberfest Tampa 2021  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 4PM – 6PM The Festival of Gemütlichkeit is hosting it’s 11th Annual event on October 8, 9, 10 – 2021 in downtown Tampa! Featuring our Outrageous Bavarian Games, live music, cold beer and Bavarian fare. Fun for all ages

Reggae Rise Up Florida Festival 2021 October 21 – October 24 from 5PM to 10PM
VINOY PARK
701 BAYSHORE DR NE
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
33701
THURSDAY 10/21:
ARTIST TBA
FRIDAY 10/22:
Damian “jr gong” Marley + Tribal Seeds
Fortunate Youth + (TBA) + BALLYHOO!
Giant Panda Guerilla Dus Squad + (TBA)
Vana Liya + CLoud9 Vibes + Tribe Of I
SATURDAY 10/23:
Slightly Stoopid + SOJA
Collie Buddz + HIRIE + The Expendables
(TBA) + Keznamdi + The Elovaters
The Ries Brothers + 4th & Orange + Tropico Blvd
SUNDAY 10/24:
Dirty Heads + Iration
(TBA) + The Movement + Badfish
Landon Macnamara + Katastro + Resinated
DUBBEST + Summer Survivors