Are the Bolts back? Maybe. But did this city ever leave them? Not at all.
It's been an adventure, but last night's 4-2 win by the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Washington Capitals makes it feel like we've got a series again. But what's been most amazing is watching Tampa Bay, the city where snow is delivered only by refrigerated truck (and that sometimes turns out to be a disaster too), be so incredibly loud and proud of their Bolts once more. For three of the last four years, the playoff push has become as much a right of spring as the Mayor's Mac & Cheese Throwdown or Bern's Winefest; it's just that it lasts for two months.
Everywhere you look someone is wearing that gorgeous blue, or hanging it from another local business. Everyone in Downtown can't wait to get in on the act, and last night they even shut down 7th Avenue in Ybor so people could watch hockey on a TV screen in the middle of the same street that hosted the cigar-rolling immigrants on whose labor Tampa (meaning Sticks of Fire... hey it all makes sense now!!) became what it is today.
If you ask us, that's just so cool. So thanks, Tampa Bay Lightning, for bringing us together once again. No matter the result, it's been a joy to watch you play.
Especially when we all do it together.
So here's our Top 10 things to do this weekend in Tampa, but even if you're not a hockey fan, we hope you'll save some of Saturday night for the hometown team!
Tampa
Temple Terrace Craft BrewFest 2018
What could be more fun than a sampling of 100 + beers from 35 plus different brewers - all under the shady oaks of Historic Woodmont Park in Temple Terrace?
Friday Fight Night May 18th
Watch Fight Night in Tampa at the Florida State Fair! Featuring fighter Mark Reyes Jr
2018 NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championship
Come see the best D2 lax teams in America compete for the national championship! May 18 - May 20 at the Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex on the campus of the University of Tampa. Florida Southern made the Final Four, and will play Friday at 11 a.m.
70's Party at Club Prana
It’s time for a throwback party, and this year Club Prana is taking it back to the 70’s! Get out some crazy outfit that puts you back to the 70’s and party at Tampa Bay's hottest nightclub.
Ultimate Strike-a-thon Bowling
Kerin Realty Realtor & Riverview Mortgage bring you a truly fun event in Riverview: your chance to roll your way to $5k!
Half Way to Fantasy Fest
Featuring a hula hoop and limbo contest along with a bikini contest for the sexiest and most creative (male & female). Live music presented by IMPULSE, Dirt Road Prophets, Red Hot Diggity and Adam Trainor.
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
2nd Annual Clearwater Craft Beer and Music Festival
The 2nd Annual Clearwater Craft Beer & Music Festival will be held on May 19th from 11am - 11pm in Downtown. Over 30 breweries stretching across Florida and beyond!
Goodwill Suncoast Hippie Dash
For Peace, Love & Goodwill, Fun events and free giveaways along Downtown Gulfport's fun and funky waterfront!
National Museum Day 2018: $10 Door Admission for all FL Residents
In support of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ National Museum Day, The Dali is offering a discounted admission of $10 at the door for all Florida residents with valid ID.
2nd Annual St. Pete Taco & Beer Fiesta
The 2nd Annual St. Pete Taco & Beer Fiesta will include some of the best food and beer in St. Pete!
