If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (December 15-17), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, December 16
Katy Perry Witness World Tour
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Get ready to rock, Tampa! Katy Perry is bringing her Witness World Tour to Amalie Arena.
Elf at Curtis Hixon Park
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: A good-natured and charming comedy about Buddy the Elf’s search for his biological family and the rejuvenating power of the Christmas spirit, Elf is poignant and family-friendly besides showcasing a hilarious and completely unrestrained performance from Ferrell. This film will be presented as a FREE community screening at Curtis Hixon Park as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership's Winter Village event. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, so please don’t forget your blankets or folding lawn chairs. Refreshments will be available for sale from Tampa Theatre and a variety of other Winter Village vendors.
Balloonapalooza Winter Spectacular
When: Dec. 15-17
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa
Cost: $15
Info: The Balloonapalooza Winter Spectacular is a weekend-long event that features tethered hot air balloon rides, hot air balloon night glow shows, carnival rides, food, arts, crafts, and much more!
Related: Check out these Christmas lights in Tampa Bay
Saturday, December 17
Tampa Jingle Bell Jog 5K
When: 7:30 a.m.
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa
Cost: $30
Info: The Tampa Jingle Bell Jog 5K is an annual running event that champions all things associated with the festive winter holidays. Jingle Bells, Santa, Mistletoe, Egg Nog, Reindeer, Elves! Most events give out a shirt with your entry, but not this one! All participants will receive a Santa suit costume! You will also receive a pair of Jingle Bells to tie to your running shoes! The sights and sounds of running Santas will take over the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa! All finishers will be treated with a holiday-themed medal!
Guy Harvey Weekend at Busch Gardens
When: Dec. 16-17
Where: Busch Gardens at 10165 N McKinley Drive Terrace Park, Tampa
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Guy Harvey will be at Busch Gardens this weekend to talk about ocean health and the plight of sharks in the wild! Meet-and-greets and autographs are available as well.
It’s a Wonderful Life at Curtis Hixon Park
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: Watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year, and you’ll see a different message in it every time. On its face, it’s a heartwarmer about treating your fellow man with fairness and love, knowing that they will stand behind you when you need them. This film will be presented as a FREE community screening at Curtis Hixon Park as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership's Winter Village event. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, so please don’t forget your blankets or folding lawn chairs. Refreshments will be available for sale from Tampa Theatre and a variety of other Winter Village vendors.
Story: Celebrate Christmas with mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs
Sunday, December 18
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $32.25
Info: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at Amalie Arena on Sunday! The group has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse, and its annual winter tours a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition.
18th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on the Hillsborough River
When: 6 p.m.
Where: 1204 West Flora Street, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: The 18th Annual Holiday Boat Parade is a celebration of life on the Hillsborough River in Tampa! The parade starts on the Hillsborough River at Lowry Park Boat Ramp and goes upriver to end between the I-275 & Nebraska Ave. bridges. Each boat will be decked out in Christmas lights and holiday fun.
Story: Experience a winter wonderland this Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Steve Earle & The Dukes
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Capitol Theatre at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater
Cost: $39.50
Info: Grammy Award-winner Steve Earle and The Dukes are making a stop at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater!
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