What's happening in Ybor City Tomorrow

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all!  Travis here with the cool Tampa Bay area events taking place in Ybor City tomorrow, Nov. 7.  There some neat things to do in Tampa Bay, so listen up. 


Ybor Art Walk (at Various locations) - from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Ybor Art Walk, a monthly art event sponsored by Ybor Art Association, will take place in history Ybor City.


The Art Walk is a self-guided tour of over 20 participating artistic venues in Ybor City. This month, Square One Rocks! will kick off at 11:00am at the Ritz Ybor (www.ritzybor.com).


No street closures are planned and for more information and a brochure, visit www.YAAOnline.org


Kraftz for Kids (at 1923 East 7th Avenue) - it happens from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  You can indulge yourself in some crafty creations!  


Jezabelles and Her Wandering Gypsies are hosting a FREE event each Saturday for the entire family.   For more information and a schedule, call  813 / 247-1923 or email jezabelle-gypsies@hotmail.com 


Ybor City Saturday Market at Centennial Park East Pavillion from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  If you are looking for fresh produce or a November shopping adventure, then this is the place for you. 


Visit the Ybor Market this Saturday in Centennial Park.  For more information, please contact Lynn Schultz at 813/241-2442 or visit www.ybormarket@yahoo.com.


and there you go...so get out and start exploring Tampa's historic Ybor City.  and keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

So Who's Coming to Zoofari With Me Tomorrow!

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Alrighty then, a little more than 24 hours till we get to head out to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo tomorrow for the annual Zoofari festival, and Jerm can't wait! With the many Tampa Bay area events going on this weekend, this bad boy is gonna be up there with the best I assure you!

The 23rd annual Zoofari at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will feature a variety of deliciously delectable food from more than 60 Bay Area restaurants!

One thing I do know is that I will do my best to sample food from all 60 vendors, which means that one of you may have to wheelbarrow me out of that place at some point.

There will be open bars, six bands throughout the Zoo featuring Sister Hazel on the main stage and a whole lot of other tastiness.

I would suggest you get there early, as the lines will be pretty crazy and the parking lot I can almost guarantee will overflowing, which is a good thing, because the more the merrier!

As usual I'll be tweeting live from the event and taking pictures when not stuffing my face, so hopefully I'll see you there! In the meantime stay tuned in for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Richard's Run for Life

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is for a good cause! 


The 8th Annual Richard's Run for Life, a 5K Run/Walk benefiting H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute will take place this Friday evening,  November 6 beginning at 7pm. 


The event will start and end on 9th Avenue in Centennial Park in Ybor City.  The event will follow the standard Ybor City 5K run route. 


Set up for the event will begin at 5pm and breakdown will be completed by 9pm.  In order to accommodate the event, several streets will be closed during the race between 6-8 pm to include the following:


Nick Nuccio Parkway between Nebraska Avenue and Interstate 4
Palm Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 21st Street
9th Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets
19th Street between 8th and Palm Avenues


After the race, food and refreshments will be served in Centennial Park.  For more information, visit www.richardsrunforlife.com


And there you have it everyone!  Make sure you come out and run with Richard to benefit H. Lee MOffitt Cancer Center!!!!  get your running shoes on and I'll see you out there. 


Until then, keep checking back for other great things to do in Tampa Bay!  
 

What's Happening in Ybor City...

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay area events...well, really events taking place in historic Ybor City. 


Ybor City's special event season has officially begun and November's theme is "Celebrating Cigar Heritage".  That means, some awesome Tampa Bay entertainment for all of you. 


For a calendar of this month's special events, just click here


If you happen to be in Ybor City, the Ybor City Ambassadors will be distributing these calendars to merchants this week. 


If you want more information about other special events, just visit www.YborOnline.com


Enjoy...I love Ybor City, so make sure you get out there and have some fun.  And keep checking back for other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Jerm Goes to Zoo Boo with the Carjavals...

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Jerm at ZooBoo with Princess Anahi!So this past weekend was Halloween of course, and normally my Halloweens are reserved for me siting on the couch and making every effort to not answer the door when trick or treaters come by. Yes I know that sounds awful, but I truly have never gotten into the whole trick or treat, dress up in a costume deal I guess. Yes I know what you are thinking... what a party pooper!

Well this year I decided to switch it up a bit and spend it with my friends the Carvajals and their two little girls at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for the annual Zoo Boo event. 

We got there around 7pm Friday night and it was already packed with pint sized trick or treaters decked out in their scariest costumes. This year’s spook-tacular event featured 12 frightfully fun attractions. Little ones could walk into a world of dazzling lights and friendly Halloween scenes at Little Tyke Boo House, join Frankenstein and friends at his foam party, meet creepy crawling creatures and more.

We pretty much hit everything, and by the end of the night, those two little girls had me dragging tired and hungry! Luckily for us though, the fine folks from Domino's were outside offering up free pizza slices.

It's TinkerBell!This was really a cool event, as basically the entire park is decked out in Halloween garb, with some of the animals still on display. for the kiddies as well as the grown-ups to interact with. The girls got to touch the Manatees, see a baby version of Ivan the Blogging Owl.

We heard that there was a cool animal magic show back at the Safari Lodge, but didn't get a chance to make it back there...bummer, but it definitely gives us something to look forward to next year. If you have never been before, Zoo Boo is a must for any family, or boring friend of the family guy like myself!

That's all for now, stay tuned throughout the week as we will be giving you updates for one of our favorite Tampa Bay area events this weekend at the Annual ZooFari festival at Lowry Park Zoo as well! Come back and visit us soon as well for cool kid friendly things to do in Tampa Bay!

Lots of Tampa Fun for AOPA!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Convention Sales
Hello everyone!  Well, it’s another beautiful day in Tampa Bay!  Especially if you’re down here for the AOPA Aviation Summit and you call a cold weather city your home.  But the weather isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy while visiting our fair town.  In between all the great conference events I’m sure you’ll be checking out, there are a lot of local haunts to explore as well.   Tampa’s got something for everyone! 

Are you into fine dining?  Hop on the streetcar in front the Tampa Convention Center, take a leisurely 20 minute ride to Ybor City and check out one of our favorite local landmarks, The Columbia Restaurant!  Besides having Spanish food that would make my Abuelita proud, it has the distinction of being the largest Spanish restaurant in the world!  Pick up an authentic sangria pitcher at the gift shop on your way out.

If you enjoy exploring local history, the Tampa Bay History Center, located just a couple blocks from the Tampa Convention  on The Riverwalk near Channelside, is the place for you. The History Center highlights our colorful past including Tampa’s cigar factory era.  With interactive exhibits and fun activities, the History Center is perfect for fledgling historians of any age. 

Raise your hand if you love to shop (I would raise both of mine, but I’m typing)!! Well, then you’ll love the world class Tampa Bay shopping opportunities you can find at the International Plaza.  With department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as shops like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s, International Plaza is a place where world class shopping meets upscale dining and nightlife. 

I could keep going about my great town, but other duties call.  Have fun exploring Tampa while you’re here!  And if you don’t get to do everything you wanted to, then come back just for fun another time! Ciao for now!

Jam out this weekend with the Reggae Jerm Jam

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment for everyone!  This Sat., Oct. 31 (that's right, Halloween), the Raggae Jerm Jam hits Tampa Bay. 


It all happens from 2-9pm at the Bayanihan Arts And Events Center (at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive in Tampa). 


About the show:
The Reggae Jerk Jam is truly a wholesome family event that brings all the authentic tastes and sounds of the Caribbean directly to you. Share the music, love and the laughter of what makes the Caribbean unique and let it lead you all the way to your heart and soul.


Tickets are $10, but children 12 and under free!  Just head over to www.reggaejerkjam.com to get more details.  But, no matter what, make sure you plan on heading out to cool festival. 


Be back later with more cool Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Columbia Restaurant Hosts Florida Conversations

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with more cool Tampa Bay entertainment!  This just in from the history center...on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7pm the Tampa Bay History Center will present a Florida Conversations lecture featuring USF Historian Andrew Huse and Columbia Restaurant owner Richard Gonzmart.


The two will discuss Huse’s new book, The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture and Cuisine.


Although the Florida Conversations Lecture Series is normally hosted by the Tampa Bay History Center, this special installment will be held at the Siboney Room at the Columbia Restaurant’s Ybor City location.


Huse, a historian with the University of South Florida Libraries Department of Special Collections, worked closely with the Gonzmart Family to write this new centennial history of the famed Tampa restaurant.


In The Columbia Restaurant, Huse provides an in-depth look at the people who made the restaurant great. With a historian's eye for accuracy and a storyteller's ear for anecdotes, Huse traces the fortunes of the Columbia from the founder, Casimiro Hernandez Sr., to his great-grandson, fourth-generation restaurateur Richard Gonzmart.


Florida Conversations features authors covering the history, culture and people of Florida and is presented through a partnership with the University of South Florida Libraries Florida Studies Center.


Here's a great part about this event...it's FREE and open to the public. For additional information or to find out about upcoming lectures just head over to www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.  Have fun all you history majors and fans!


And keep checking back for more cool Tampa Bay area events, and other things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Seafood and Arts...a one-stop shop!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Travis here with a truly delicious event – the Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival.  As far as Tampa Bay area events go, this one is at the top of the list to attend.  From Nov. 7-8, sun, sand and plenty of seafood line the shores of Tampa Bay for the annual Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival. 


More than 20 vendors and restaurants offer visitors tastes of their seafood specialties, including shrimp, cracked conch, grouper sandwiches, clam chowder, alligator and oysters. 


In addition to the seafood, an arts and crafts area has nearly 100 displays of hand-crafted goods, wood carvings, furniture, jewelry, stained glass items and commercial exhibits. Other entertainment includes a boat show, children’s court and exotic animals. 


There’s something for the entire family, so head out and enjoy a day full of food, culture and fun!  Admission is $5 for adults and children (under 12) are FREE.  Plus, parking is free!  Visit www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org to get more details. 


So, put it on your calendar and get ready for a great time!  And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Howl-O-Scream Giveaway Time!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by jeremy fairley
Okay guys here it is, its time for Jerm to give away some Howl-O-Scream tickets, so I hope you guys got your trivia hats on!

Now as I said yesterday, this is a pretty sweet prize we are giving away so to make it more interesting, I searched for the hardest trivia questions that I could find, so I actually don't think anyone will figure this one out! Today's winner will recieve a 4 - pack of tickets with front of the line fear passes, and tickets to fright feast!

Being the nice guy that I am though, I am going to tell you where to find all of these answers. See the trivia question below and answer the three questions by visiting the Howl-O-Scream website. If you haven't been there yet, its a cool little interactive website (after you view the YouTube video) with tons of facts about the Howl-O-Scream exhibits and some interesting facts about Ms. Vayne and her crew. Navigate around the site to find the questions.

Here are the rules, as we are going to switch up the format this time... If you have ever played trivia with us on Facebook then this format will be somewhat familiar to you are used to. 

I mentioned above where you can find the answers, and once you have found them, come back to this blog and leave your answers in the comments section, along with your first and last name. From there, we will take the first five with the correct answers and those names will be entered into a drawing where we will pull the name of the lucky winner. 

Okay guys here go the questions:
  1. As the youngest of Ms Vayne's crew of bloodsuckers, the adorable Anya hails what region of South Florida?
  2. Name one of two of the prized possessions that Ms. Vayne holds dear.
  3. This Don Juan like character, and the only male member of Ms. Vayne's crew has origins that go back to 16th Century Spain where he first met Ms Vayne at the coronation of what Spanish King?
Alright gang and that is pretty much it! As always I'll be announcing the lucky winner at 5 p.m. today with an additional blog post so be on the lookout for that!

Until, stayed tuned for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and keep checking back for more updates on all of these great Tampa Bay area events!

It's Zoofari Time!!!

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang...Travis back and of course we're taking you through some very cool Tampa Bay area events!  Today we are talking about an event we all look forward to each and every year - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's Zoofari!


Known as one of the largest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Tampa Bay Area, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo invites food lovers to its 23rd annual Zoofari feeding frenzy. 


The event features great food sampling from dozens of the Bay area’s best restaurants, open bars, the “Art Safari” wildlife art auction, and live music throughout the event.  The Zoo welcomes Florida favorite Sister Hazel on the main stage, and additional artists Jason Young, Nate Najar, Alan Darcy, and The Vodkanuts in locations throughout the Zoo.  


It is a fundraiser, so tickets are $75 online at LowryParkZoo.com, $80 by phone 813-935-8552 ext. 276, or $85 at the door the night of the event. 


VIP/group packages are available in the “Rhino Club” with exclusive use of the beautiful Safari Lodge. Individual Rhino tickets start at $135 with group packages available.  Admission tickets are all-inclusive and the event is rain or shine. 


if you need more info, head over to www.lowryparkzoo.com!  And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events! 
 

Guavaween Community Meeting Next Week

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here.  We bring you so many Tampa Bay area events that we thought we should tell you about the opportunities to get involved in them too.  We just got this information from the City of Tampa. 


There'll be a Guavaween Community Meeting next Wednesday, oct. 28 at 6:30pm..."In an effort to assist in making this event safe, profitable and efficient for all of us." 


It'll take place at the Italian Club Cantina (that's at 1731 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City). 


In case you weren't aware, Guavaween 2009 will take place Saturday, October 31 and is one of Tampa's coolest events. 


If you want to take a look at some general information and rules for Guavaween, just click here.


If you need to know what streets will be closed and what vendors are participating, click here. 


So, make sure you attend and have an impact on this year's Guavaween Festival. 


And of course, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Tampa Bay History Center Building Gets New Name

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a Tampa tourism update.  This is breaking news in from the county, so listen up! 


In today’s regular Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the motion carried 7-0 to rename the Tampa Bay History Center building the 'J. Thomas Touchton Tampa Bay History Center.'


The renaming of the building was brought forward by Commissioner Rose Ferlita to honor the dedication and drive Touchton demonstrated to make the new facility a reality. Touchton, the founding chairperson, spent 20 years actively raising both endowment and capital funds for the History Center project. 


Plus, the Touchtons are in the process of donating their historic map collection of more than 3,000 items to the History Center. These maps and charts represent some of the “Florida” map-makers visions that have been created over the past 400 years.


The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District, and serves as the County's official repository for historic artifacts. With a total cost of $52 million, $17 million provided by the County, the History Center includes 25,000 square feet of exhibit areas, featuring 12,000 years of local history, interactive displays and multiple theaters, plus a gallery that features temporary exhibits.


In addition, a research library is staffed by the Hillsborough County Library system. The Columbia Restaurant operates the Columbia Cafe, complete with a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar in Ybor City, founded in 1905.


If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.


and there's your breaking news update!  Check back for more Tampa tourism updates, as well as information on great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

CineBistro

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by lindsey norris
CineBistro Bar

The folks over at Hyde Park Village's new CineBistro had me over on Tuesday morning for the media preview and I must say - yum! Beyond the amazing food, the place is just beautiful in design and detail. I think this theater will be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. The grand opening is tomorrow evening. The opening week's lineup includes: Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love StoryThe Stepfather; Couples Retreat; Law Abiding Citizen; Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are; and The Boys Are Back with Clive Owen.You can purchase tickest online by clicking here. And just to tease you a bit, here are some photos that are too good not to share! 

I hope everyone has a chance to get out and attend this year's 20th Anniversary Clip Film Festival! Tonight's screenings include Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2, Butch Factor (both at Tampa Theater), City of Borders and Chef's Special (both at Muvico Baywalk). For a complete listing of times, schedules, parties and events click here.

Anyone attending tonight's USF Bulls game vs the Cincinnati Bearcats? I'll be there. Don't forget it's a "green out" and they are asking all fans to wear GREEN! Go Bulls!

Clip it, you know you want to

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by lindsey norris

So we're in the midst of the 20th Anniversary of the Clip Film Festival this week. Can you believe it? Twenty years "celebrating life in pictures"! Anyone been to any screenings or special events yet? I was unable to attend opening night, as I was out of town for a work obligation and I'm sorry I missed it. Las year's celebration was incredible and I can only imagine how they planned to top themselves for the 20th Anniversary. Screenings and special events are happening daily on both sides of the Bay. For a complete schedule, click here.  

I'm looking forward to attending this afternoon's media preview of the new CineBistro @ Hyde Park Village. Thanks for the invite, Katy. The grand opening happens this Friday, October 16th. You know the drill - high-end food, bar, great service, plus all your favorite films. Should be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. It's also the home of the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival.

Speaking of Gasparilla, just got word of their next event via press release, here's a snipit: 

The Gasparilla International Film Festival in conjunction with Brokenmold Entertainment is proud to present a special performance by acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Butcher live in concert at the Market on 7th Ave in Ybor City on October 22. The show will benefit the Gasparilla International Film Festival and will be preceded by a screening of the independent film, Visioneers, starring Zach Galifianakis, who was most recently seen in 'The Hangover' and the new series on HBO, Bored to Death.  Tampa fusionists Poetry 'n Lotion will close out the evening.

Should be a great event! Full details, including show times are online. Hope to see you there.

A shout out to the Guzzo Brothers who kick off filming today of their latest indie project, 'Caged Dreams'. I'm visiting the set this week so I'll be sure to snap some photos to share. Good luck guys!
 

Tampa "Chillounge Night"

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Convention Sales

Greetings, its Maria here with a Tampa Bay event that is sure to bring heat to the streets of downtown Tampa and this hot will not be about the weather but an event thats sure to provide a cool blast with an opportunity to just chill ... outdoors … that is...

Tampa’s 1st Annual Chillounge Night
Saturday Oct 10th from 6pm – 11pm

Downtown Tampa is the place to be for the Chic Stylish Outdoor Lounge Party

Four city blocks downtown near the historic Tampa Theatre will be decorated with hundreds of daybeds and plush couches & will be transformed into a South Beach-style outdoor lounges.  Tampa’s Chillounge Night will have an array entertainment, dancing, fine foods and drinks along with a fashion show, opera performances, and Cleopatra parade on beds, cigar lounge, a Brazilian Samba parade and much more!


Tampa’s Chillounge Night will be held from 6pm till 11pm - Admission is $20 at the gate, $15 in advance and limited VIP tickets $75. (All VIP tickets include: food, gift bag, cigar and drinks in the special VIP Lounge area). 

So come get your chic on for an enchanted evening to mix & mingle or check out the captivating sights and simply chill … but you must be 21 years old to enter and enjoy this event!

This evening of entertainment will also benefit the community and a local charity - The Friends of the Festival in honor of TIGLFF’s 20th anniversary.

Keep coming back for more information about this and other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 

Peace!

The Chillounge Night party is the brainstorm of Floridian gallery owner Rainer Scheer, for more information on Chillounge events click here .

$10 Shriek Peek Weekend...

Monday, September 21, 2009 by Partner Pulse
When the sun goes down, the frights come out at ZooBoo – a multi-night Halloween celebration at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Join me for a haunting good time exploring spooky trails, haunted houses and things that go bump in the night. Who am I exactly? Well, let’s just say I’m no koala. I’m the one hiding in the depths of the shadows and making ZooBoo guests wonder what is – and isn’t – real.

This year’s spook-tacular event features 12 frightfully fun attractions. Shriek Peek Weekend kicks-off the Halloween festivities at the Zoo September 25 & 26 when tickets are only $10 per person. Little ones can walk into a world of dazzling lights and friendly Halloween scenes at Little Tyke Boo House, join Frankenstein and friends at his foam party, meet creepy crawling creatures and more. Everyone can enjoy riding an eerie-horse drawn carriage, strolling through mysterious trails and free unlimited Zoo rides throughout the night like Gator Falls in the darkness and the all new Tasmanian Tiger family roller coaster.

Those ready for a heart-racing experience will enjoy discovering the shadowy dark side of the Zoo in five haunted houses. But, be careful how far into the shadows you wander or you’ll realize just how real I am.

Dont forget to Purchase tickets and front-of-the-line “Boo Passes,” and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Florida attractions.

Window Dressing

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by lindsey norris

Ok, I need your help! We've been offered the chance to participate with Hyde Park Village as they celebrate the opening of Cobb Theater's Cinebistro theater/dinner concept in October. They are asking local organizations and merchants to decorate storefront windows and tie it around movies, making movies, Hollywood, etc. They've asked the Film Commission to participate in this "showcase" and I'm hoping to put together a beautiful window with props from locally-made projects. If you have anything to donate (you will get it back), please contact me via email ASAP so that we can coordinate the pick up/drop off. I need your help to make this window look great! 

On the film festival front, I have to give props to the folks over at the Gasparilla International Film Festival who invited me to join them last Friday evening at their Annual Benefit and Art Auction at The Ritz Theater in Ybor City. The event was a smashing success, raising money for the 2010 festival and offering support to Tampa's local art community. I'm didn't get the piece I was bidding on (bummer) but I hope the gentleman who outbid me enjoys his portrait of Audrey Hepburn. You can see pictures from the event here.

On the topic of the Gasparilla International Film Festival, their next Global Lens screening will happen on September 24th. 'Song from the Southern Seas' by Marat Sarulu, a film from Kazakhstan, will screen at Studio@620 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $8 at the door ($5 students/seniors), but members of the Gasparilla International Film Festival may attend free.  Beer and wine will be served!

Finally, the Tampa Film Network invites you to attend a "Producer's Panel" next Friday, September 25th, 2009 from 7:30-10pm at The Art Institute of Tampa. Local producers will discuss the role of Producer in filmmaking, what it takes to be successful, and how to avoid failure. The event is free and open to the public. Hey, you might just learn something!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. A lot of great Tampa Bay film community events happening out there - go check one out! 
 

Event Guide for this Weekend in Tampa Bay!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.  Let's just get to it shall we??!!

Tommy Davidson hits the Tampa Improv in Historic Ybor City (Centro Ybor) on Friday at 8pm!  This Actor, stand-up comedian, musician, and singer will be a blast to listen to and experience, so head out there and get ready to laugh!!!

Next, head out to the World's Largest Garage Sale at the Florida State Fairgrounds!  It's Saturday from 9am to 10pm.  This two-day, huge garage sale event showcases more than 400 booths of merchandise inside the Expo Hall and outdoor displays with assortment of vehicles and water crafts.

There will be a business trade show area, a health and wellness section with free screenings and exhibitors, a music stage with live celebrity karaoke, and free giveaways every hour. Children 17 and younger are free (accompanied by adult), and adults are $5! 

Don't miss the football action at the hometown USF Bulls take on Charleston Southern at Raymond James Stadium!  Kickoff is 7pm and there's sure to be some hard-hitting action...so tune in or get out there and cheer them on in person! 

What would a weekend be without Free Line Dance Lessons??!!  It's Saturday at 8pm at Slingshots here in Tampa!  So, if you love to Dance, come hang out at Slingshots on Saturday (and Saturdays) and learn from the best. Every Saturday from 8-10 they offer the best in line dance lessons.... from the oldies but goodies... to the newest in country.  Remember there is no cover before 10 so the lessons are completely FREE!

We'll leave you with "Upstairs/Downstairs" at the Tampa Bay Hotel on Sunday at 2pm!  this is the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa campus, so make sure you check this one out, because this place is really cool.  They will present single-character vignettes that bring the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life with live theater.  Trust me, this will be one to see. 

Now, this is just a taste of what's happening this weekend, so if you know of more events, please chime in and let us know!!!!!! 

Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events!  

New Exhibit Stampedes in to History Center

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some great Tampa Bay entertainment for the whole family.  We are going back in time at the Tampa Bay History Center this time.  Here are all of the details:


The Tampa Bay History Center will debut its new third-floor, 2,000-square-foot temporary exhibit gallery with Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition!  It debuts this Saturday, September 19th and continues through December 19.


Florida Cattle Ranching chronicles the history and culture of one of Florida’s oldest industries. Southern pioneers, Florida “Crackers” and Florida Seminoles all play a part in Florida’s ranching legacy, which began when Spanish explorers brought cattle and horses to Florida in the 16th century.


To date, cattle ranching remains an integral part of the state’s economy.  This exhibit features oral histories, Florida folk music, cowboy art and documentary footage. 


The History Center will celebrate the launch of their first traveling exhibit with a public opening on Saturday, the 19th.  Opening day activities will include whip-making demonstrations, children’s activities, and a book signing with author Joe Ackerman. 


Like we said, the exhibit is on view through December 19th at the Tampa Bay History Center, right here in downtown Tampa!  Viewing for the “Florida Cattle Ranching” exhibit is included in the general admission ticket price.


Of course, you can go to their website for more information - www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.  So, get out there and explore some of Tampa's History! 


And of course, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!