December is a busy month. From last-minute holiday shopping to planning Christmas events to figuring out how to celebrate New Year's Eve in Tampa, December is a month that will keep you on your toes. Not to mention that college students will be heading home after finals, bringing an extra madness that you don't need. Take a breather with these top 10 things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay. We've got music, charity, sporting events and more to make it a weekend to remember!
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Friday
No need to make dinner Friday. Come out to The Sail Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. for a fun celebration of food and fun, which will feature Tampa's favorite food trucks serving up some delicious eats! There will be live entertainment from Acoustic Thunder from 7:00 -11:00 p.m.
Joe Maddon's Thanksmas Fundraiser
What do you get when you mix baseball, charity, and Italian food? A good night. The annual fundraiser that benefits children in need returns this Friday at Ava Inspirato Italiano and 717 South. An authentic Italian style dinner will be served by Winner of the 2016 World Series, Chicago Club Manager Joe Maddon.
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Saturday
Bring the holiday wish list! At this festival, all your holiday shopping can be done in place and since it's a celebration of arts, crafts, and food, there will be holiday music and moving holiday characters in a waterfront atmosphere. Admission is free and proceeds will benefit Operation Santa and Gulfport families in need.
The 7th Annual Winter Wonder Ride
Lace up those sneakers and come out to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at 2:00 p.m. for a charity bike ride that uses the proceeds to support at-risk children. The ride travels through downtown Tampa and Bayshore Boulevard before returning to the park for a post-ride celebration, one which will feature Santa.
Old Fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade
Celebrate the holidays with this annual family-friendly holiday event taking place on the streets of downtown Dunedin! Santa will arrive at 4:00 p.m., then downtown will see horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, a snow slide, kids crafts, old-fashioned games, s'mores, and live music & entertainment. Admission is free.
Head on over to Ybor at 6:00 p.m. for a night of holiday fun. All ages are invited to enjoy the snow, interact with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sip on hot chocolate, and eat cookies. The fun doesn't end there. There will be a parade with a marching band coming down 7th Avenue.
An Intimate Evening with TFO & Sting
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, The Florida Orchestra will feature a performance by the world-renowned musician Sting at the Mahaffey Theater. This will be a concert like no other providing you with 90 minutes of musical excellence. Tickets start at $75.
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Sunday
Get your game face on and root for the home team as the Buccaneers take on the Detroit Lions this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.
The first annual Light the Heights Brunch is taking place this Sunday, December 10th with two restaurants offering awesome specials! The Refinery will offer all you can drink mimosas for $10 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and $10 brunch specials. Fodder and Shine will offer a whole pig roast and complimentary holiday punch from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Winter Village at Centro Ybor presented by GameTime
Celebrate the holiday season in Ybor. This family-friendly event presented by GameTime happens every Sunday from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. and features free kids crafts, games from GameTime, and vendors to do holiday shopping.
Is this weekend already booked? We've got more events in Tampa just for you. Stay connected to all things local by connecting with 813area. We have Things to do in Tampa, Events, Restaurants, and more! Register at 813area - it’s free!
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