TAMPA BAY, Fla. - If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (August 24-26), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, August 24
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
When: August 24-26
Where: Tropicana Field at 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg
Cost: $20
Info: Come watch the Rays take on the best team in baseball this weekend! Tampa Bay will host the Boston Red Sox for a 3-game series. First pitch is Friday at 7:10 p.m.
Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Raymond James Stadium at 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Cost: $40
Info: The Bucs are looking to grab their third preseason victory Friday night. Tampa will face off against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium at 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 25
Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest
When: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Morean Center for Clay at 420 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg
Cost: $5 General Admission | $15 Cupcake Entry Fee
Info: The Morean Arts Center invite you to compete in a city-wide search for St. Petersburg’s BEST CUPCAKE! A $15 entry fee allows each participant to enter one submission. A minimum of 4 delicious cupcakes are required for entry so that the judges can taste each submission. Participants in the contest are encouraged to bring sufficient quantities for the public to taste, but not required. General admission is only $5.
New Port Richey Caribbean Carnival and Festival
When: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Sims Park, New Port Richey
Cost: Free
Info: The 3rd Annual New Port Richey Caribbean Carnival and Festival incorporates elements of Carnival, including lavishly costumed performers in a Carnival Parade through the downtown, into Sims Park where attendees can enjoy Latin and Caribbean Food, cold beverages, and a variety of live music throughout the day and evening. This is a free, family-friendly, multi-cultural event that celebrates the spirit, food and music of the islands and brings area residents together to enjoy the Caribbean experience. A Carnival Street Parade will start at 2 p.m. from Grand Boulevard at Gulf Drive and travel down Grand to Sims Park.
Lakeland Beer and Bacon Festival
When: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: RP Funding Center at 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland
Cost: $35
Info: The Lakeland Beer & Bacon Festival will feature over 80 local Florida craft beers including a craft homebrew contest. Tons of bacon-centric dishes will be available for sale along with cocktail sampling, music, and games. Tickets are limited!
Monster Jam Triple Threat Series
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $15
Info: Monster Jam Triple Threat Series brings adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country. These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most. More trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action! Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles --- Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs.
USF Bulls Block Party
When: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Italian Club of Tampa at 1731 East 7th Avenue, Tampa
Cost: $20
Info: Get ready to join fellow USF Alumni & friends as they color Ybor City green and gold at one of the largest and most heralded USF alumni events in Florida! Last year over 1,000 USF Bulls attended this event and with your help we can make this year bigger and better in 2018! This event features access to special guest speakers (including new Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly), FREE giveaways, and entry to our participating locations offering food and drink specials. Funds raised go to support the USF Alumni Association Greater Tampa Area Chapter, USF Athletics, and scholarship endowments.
FC Cincinnati vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al Lang Stadium at 230 1st Street South, St. Petersburg
Cost: $25.85
Info: The Rowdies are taking on FC Cincinnati Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium! Tickets start at $25.85.
Sunday, August 26
BierFest at Busch Gardens
When: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Busch Gardens at 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Toast to new traditions at Bier Fest! While blending the local Tampa Bay craft scene with Florida’s best thrill rides, Bier Fest creates a unique food and beer celebration. This all-new event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will run on weekends from August 25 through September 16, including Labor Day. More than 100 beers from 60 different breweries around the world will rotate through the four-weekend festival. Bier Fest is included in park admission and also features live entertainment and flavorful fare.
National Dog Day Celebration
When: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Hyde Park Village at 744 South Village Circle, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: The National Dog Day Celebration in Hyde Park will include a DJ, balloon artist, hot dogs from Wicked Wiches, doggy adoptions by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and other fun doggy vendors including That Dog Ice Cream! Bring your pups for a day full of fun!
Wizard of Oz at Tampa Theatre
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Tampa Theatre at 711 North Franklin, Tampa
Cost: $10
Info: The Wizard of Oz is playing at the historic Tampa Theatre this weekend! The classic film begins at 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10.
Stars Align Tour: Jeff Beck & Paul Rodgers, Wilson of Heart
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds at 4802 US Highway 301 North, Tampa
Cost: $18
Info: Jeff Beck and Paul Rodgers are bringing their Stars Align Tour to Tampa! They will be performing with Wilson of Heart at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $18.
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