TAMPA, Fla. — If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (January 24-26), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, January 24
Steve Martin and Martin Short
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
Cost: $151.25
Info: Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short return with their critically acclaimed comedy tour Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t! This celebrated comedy show redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century.
Forks & Corks
When: January 23-27
Where: The Ringling Museum of Art at 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Cost: SOLD OUT
Info: Savor local flavor during the SunCoast’s premier Food and Wine Festival. Forks & Corks will showcase the palate-pleasing products of an international cast of visiting winery owners and winemakers alongside the deliciously diverse cuisine of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants.
Saturday, January 25
Urban Air Adventure Park—Grand Opening
When: 10 a.m.
Where: 6250 Commerce Palms Drive, Tampa
Cost: $14.99
Info: Urban Air is opening a location in New Tampa! It offers a variety off attractions that are perfect for all ages and fitness levels, including a sky rider coaster, spin and flip bumper cars and a giant trampoline zone! The first 200 customers to buy an Ultimate Pass at the door on opening day will receive a free Basic Pass, every week, for 52 weeks!
Gasparilla
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Bayshore Blvd, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Since 1904, pirates have been invading Tampa for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest! The Gasparilla Invasion will start at 11 a.m. when the world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, sets sail at the south end of Hillsborough Bay. The Parade of the Pirates begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. And remember, this year is all about #BeadFreeBay—an anti-littering awareness campaign to remind the public that throwing beads and other litter in the water is prohibited.
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Grand Central District Beer Day - The Dark Side
When: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Grand Central District, St. Pete
Cost: FREE
Info: Six breweries. Six Dark beers. One great cause. The Grand Central District breweries will be brewing up a special dark beer to celebrate the season and the community. All dark beers to be released on Saturday, January 25. The specific style from each brewery to be announced soon. Participating breweries are 3 Daughters Brewing, If I Brewed the World, Right Around the Corner, Pinellas Ale Works, Avid Brewing and Grand Central Brewhouse.
Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank Opening Event & Dessert Reception
When: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Florida Holocaust Museum at 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg
Cost: $9
Info: “Let Me Be Myself” tells the story of Anne Frank in a modern way, addressing current day issues of identity, exclusion, and discrimination. This exhibition will also feature a virtual reality component from Force Field VR and Oculus Studios that allows the visitor to travel back in time to Anne Frank’s hiding place, the “Secret Annex.” The Opening Event and Dessert Reception is free for The FHM members.
Star Wars Episode VI Live
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Ruth Ekerd Hall at 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
Cost: $52.75
Info: Experience Star Wars as never before with Ruth Eckerd Hall's live performance of Star Wars Live In Concert: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. This concert will feature the full- length film on the big screen with The Florida Orchestra performing the music of John Williams.
17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival
When: January 25-26
Where: 411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Cost: FREE
Info: St. Armands Circle will once again come alive with hundreds of gallery-style booths filled with every medium of fine art during the 17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival. The popular free, outdoor event takes place along the Boulevard of Presidents and St. Armands Circle. More than 200 national and international artists are set to display their fine works from across the globe in a prestigious show encompassing life-sized sculpture, fine jewelry, exquisite works of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor.
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Clearwater Running Festival
When: January 25-26
Where: Coachman Park at 301 Drew St, Clearwater
Cost: price varies by race
Info: The picturesque course runs along The #1 Rated Beach in America, Clearwater Beach, and includes: 5K, 5-Mile, Half-Marathon, Marathon, 50K Ultra and Relays (2 person half, 4 person marathon). Enjoy the Expo at 3 p.m. and a Zumba/Warm Up Class at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and register for races on both days!
Suncoast Sports Festival
When: January 25-26
Where: Florida State Fair Grounds at 4800 US-301, Tampa
Cost: $16 adults | $11 kids (ages 4-9)
Info: Come join the nation’s best athletes in gymnastics, trampoline & tumbling, Taekwondo, parkour and more as they compete against each other at the Suncoast Sports Festival.
Sunday, January 26
10th Annual After Gasparilla Cleanup
When: 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Where: Bayshore Blvd, Tampa
Cost: FREE (register here)
Info: The pirates will soon ship off through Tampa Bay and are anticipated to leave quite a mess after a weekend of partying. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and the City of Tampa need your help to keep our paradise litter free. Come on out the day after the main festivities to help remove litter and debris from the parade route and surrounding streets. Here’s a map of meeting locations.
That Golden Girls Show!A Puppet Parody
When: 2 p.m.
Where: The Straz at 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $45.50
Info: That Golden Girls Show! is a brand-new parody of classic Golden Girls moments - with puppets! Get ready for an evening of cheesecake, laughter, jazzercise, shoulder pads, sex and the elegant art of the quick-witted put down.
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