RECURRING EVENTS
First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole
Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach
1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park,15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach.
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk
3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals.
4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.
ONGOING
Through 10/20 — Ring of Fire
$23, 7pm, American Stage, 163 Third St. N, St. Pete. A tribute to the Man in Black, this jukebox musical will take you on a wild ride through the music of one of America’s most iconic singer-songwriters, Johnny Cash. Through a series of vignettes, witness the highs and lows of life in 20th century rural America — the struggles, the triumphs, the loves lost and found. The show will climax in a concert that will both move and exhilarate! https://www.americanstage.org/2024-2025
Through Oct. 21 – Ghost Stories
Free, Florida CraftArt Gallery, 501 Central Ave., St. Pete. What we fear can tell us much about ourselves. The 38 artists in the exhibition explore their own terrors while offering images that reflect our collective anxieties and even fantastic views into worlds beyond our perception. Catherine Bergmann, curatorial director of the Dunedin Fine Art Center, guest curated the show. Keep St. Pete Lit has challenged a group of local writers to pen ghost stories of their own inspired by the pieces found in the exhibition. The reading will be held at the gallery on Oct. 5, at 6pm.
Through 11/10 – Live Conservation: Restoring a Jain Shrine
Free with museum admission, Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am-2pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete. This small, intensive exhibition focuses on the treatment of the museum’s extraordinary carved and painted Jain Shrine. This rare object, which was used for daily worship by members of the Jain faith in a private home, preserves most of its original surface. However, over time dust, soot, and the touch of hands have dulled its rich colors. Visitors can see the conservation process and interact with the conservator.
Through 1/5/25 – Writers of Surrealism: Salvador Dali
$32 (adult museum admission),10am-6pm, Raymond James Community Room, Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Pete. Renowned primarily as a painter, Salvador Dalí also left an indelible mark as a writer. This special exhibition explores Dalí’s literary works across many genres, including novels, essays, poetry, and autobiographical writings
UPCOMING
10/1-11/10 – World Premiere: The Boy Who Loved Batman
$75+, times vary by date, Straz Center, Tampa. This inspiring comedy by Asa Somers is drawn from the memoir of Batman film executive producer Michael Uslan and tells the incredible true story of one man’s dream that transformed into a national sensation. Audiences will embark on a wild ride from the streets of New Jersey to the glamour of Hollywood, and from comic book pages to the silver screen. Actor, comedian and writer Dan Fogler leads the cast, playing Michael Uslan during the first three weeks of the Tampa run of this brand-new production. www.strazcenter.org or 813.229.7827
10/2-3 – 60th Annual Art Harvest
Free, 10am-5pm, Highlander Park, Dunedin. After 60 years, Art Harvest has evolved into a highly respected juried show of high-quality art involving over 200 artists. As the largest autumn art show in the Tampa Bay area, artists and patrons of the arts have found this event to be an enjoyable and successful weekend affair. Sponsored by the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin.
10/3 – Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
$52.50, 7:30pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Nickelodeon, GEA Live and Senbla present a more-than-2-hour performance with a live orchestra that brings the show’s musical score to life in perfect with highlights and favorite moments from the series. Taiko and Erhu will share the spotlight with violins and clarinets, while the series’ most beloved scenes play out on screen. https://tinyurl.com/4wnr9x2c
10/4 – Fashion Funds the Cure
$250-$25,000, 6pm, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. This upscale, nationwide, runway show honors children battling cancer. For almost two decades, the show has been giving children battling cancer the experience of a lifetime on the runway while raising critical funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. Registration/sponsorship: https://tinyurl.com/2ep3fk76
10/4, 11, 18, and 25 – October Concert Series
Free, 7-10pm, Horan Park, St. Pete Beach. Come for a fun-filled night of live music and entertainment! This dog-friendly event is perfect for a night out with friends and family. Bring your chairs, and enjoy great food, beer, and wine available for purchase. Scheduled bands are: 10/4: Horny Toads; 10/11: Mixed Signal; 10/18: Toby Keith Tribute Band; 10/25: Heart Tribute Band.
10/4-6 – St. Pete Super Greek Festival 2024
$3 (free parking) free admission for under-12, veterans, active military and law enforcement, over 75; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-6pm; St. Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church, 3600 76th St. N. The festival is a three-day indoor/outdoor family friendly celebration of Greek food, culture, dance and traditions. Free Greek dance and language lessons. Enter the 50/50 raffle for cash and prizes. Limited free admission tickets at Eventbrite.com.
10/5 – SHAMc’s Golden Ticket
$100, 7:30-10pm, Safety Harbor Art And Music Center, 706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor. Help support the music center’s quality music and small listening room environment by buying a tax-deductible ticket for a season full of national acts, VIP seating and more. The lucky donor will be picked at the 2024-25 season kick-off “Golden OpportUNITY” party on 10/5.
10/5 – Gulf Coast Bike Trek
$25-$40, 7am-2pm, St. Pete College Clearwater campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. Three different routes as well as a Cycle Your Way option ensure that this bike ride has something for everyone. Distance options are a seasoned cyclist 62-mile course, an adventure seeker’s 40-mile course, and a family trek that tops out at 10 miles. Benefits the American Lung Association. Register: https://tinyurl.com/2r9cxpv4
10/5 – Safety Harbor’s First Craft Beer Festival
$10-$75, 3pm, Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. More than 30 craft brewers will be present. Ticket will get you into the Craft Beer tent and samples from more than 30 brewers. Food trucks, live music and more will be free and open to the public. Benefits Paint Your Heart Out and Kiwanis Club of Safety Harbor.
10/5 – Wildlife and Pollinator Festival
Free, 9am-2pm, Brooker Creek Preserve Wildlife Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Celebrate Florida wildflowers and the pollinators that support us all. A native plant sale will feature plants that are beautiful, pollinator-friendly, and best suited for our climate. A Pollinator Encounter tent will let visitors experience these helpful, harmless insects close-up. Various organizations will be available to answer questions about growing wildflowers, attracting pollinators, and being a good friend to nature.
10/5 – Health, Wellness & Resource Expo
Free, 10am-1pm, Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. This annual event offers a wealth of information concerning health and wellness for seniors with free health screenings, demonstrations and information. This year, the expo has expanded to include providers of legal services, health insurance, housing and real estate, health services, fitness services, financial planning, and alternative health care.
10/5-13 – Taste of the Beaches 2024
$10 a “taste,” at participating restaurants and lounges up and down the beach. Taste of the Beaches invites you to savor an array of delectable local cuisines, from the freshest seafood straight from our shores to unique spins on the classics. The Taste kicks off at 6pm 10/5 at Horan Park on St. Pete Beach with music by the Horny Toads and exclusive silent auction items. Proceeds benefit a local charity. For participating businesses, tickets, and more information, visit https://www.tampabaybeaches.com/taste/
10/5-27 – DK Farms Fall Fest
$15/children under 30 inches free, 10am-3pm, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. Pick up a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a ride down the scenic canal hayride. Get hands-on at the Petting Zoo. Come hungry for some delicious apple cider donuts and other local food vendors. Launch pumpkin bits with the Pumpkin Cannon and ride the mechanical bull. Enjoy bounce houses, craft booths, and take a ride on the ponies. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2ychumde
10/11-20 – SHINE Mural Festival
Free, throughout downtown St. Pete. This is the 10th anniversary of the festival, noted for its stunning large-scale murals. The opening event is 6pm at the Morean Arts Center on 10/11 with a group exhibition featuring artists from all 10 years of #shineonstpete. The festival culminates 10/19 with a finale event at FloridaRAMA that is free and open to the public. A limited number of tickets will be available for the SHINE VIP Experience inside FloridaRAMA’s immersive art space. The $75 ticket price includes valet parking, limited edition keepsake item, gourmet bites and open bars.
10/12-13 – St. Pete Pier Fall Festival
Free, 11am-7pm, Spa Beach Park. Browse the artisanal market, sample seasonal treats like pumpkin pie and warm apple cider, and let the kids have a blast with games, face painting, and bounce houses.
10/12 – Octoberfest Indian Rocks Beach
Free entry, noon-6pm, Kolb Park, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd. German band and dancers, kids’ crafts and face painting, stein carrying and keg toss contests. Silent auction. Hosts are IRB Action 2000 and the city of Indian Rocks Beach.
10/12 – Second Annual Burg BBQ Benefit
$45, 5-9pm, Urban Brew & BBQ, 2601 Central Ave., St. Pete. A full BBQ dinner buffet, live music, a photobooth, free shuffleboard, raffle baskets, silent auction, 50/50 tickets, and more! It’s sure to be a great night — all to benefit the GFWC Saint Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club.
10/12 – Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
$35, 8pm, First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, 1900 Gandy Blvd. N. Listeso String Quartet will perform, by candlelight, an hour of works by Academy Award-winning film composer Hans Zimmer, who has written the musical soundtracks for dozens of blockbuster movies, including Dune, Dunkirk, Interstellar, The Da Vinci Code, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Gladiator, and The Lion King. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/46zmr8wj
10/12-13 – 31st Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, 271 Main St., Dunedin. Meet some of the country’s finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in America. Ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and an expansive Green Market.
10/13 – Second Annual Pups & Pumpkins Fundraiser
Free admission, 1-4pm, Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 First Ave. S, St. Pete. Event includes a dog costume contest, 50/50 and lottery board raffles. The silent auction will include donations from local businesses, sports venues, and attractions. A photographer can take a photo of your doggo in front of a fall background. Benefits Safe Paws Rescue.
10/14 – 300 Beach Drive Block Party
Free, 4pm, businesses along 300 Beach Drive NE & Third Avenue NE. An evening of community fun, local flavor, and seasonal cheer. Sip, dine and celebrate beginning at 4pm.
10/15 – Hillary Clinton
$79.50, 7pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Former First Lady, Senator from New York and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and a moderator will take the audience on a journey of unvarnished exchanges on politics, democracy, the threats we face, as well as friendship, aging, marriage and how we can all work together to shape a future to be proud of. Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) or www.strazcenter.org.
10/17-20 – Clearwater Jazz Holiday
$45-$200, times vary by date, on the green in Coachman Park, Clearwater. The 45th annual Jazz Holiday will feature appearances by Mavis Staples, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Bruce Hornsby (replacing the previously announced Sierra Ferrell), Tower of Power and others. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/mryjt56u
10/17-20 – Our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival
Free admission and parking, Thu 5-10pm/ Fri 5-11pm/ Sat 11am-11pm/ Sun 11am-5pm, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin. Rides, games, music, laughter, and fun! Dozens of rides cater to children of all ages with a special section of “kiddie rides” for the little ones, or festival attendees can win prizes at a variety of game booths.
10/18-20 – P1 Offshore St. Pete Grand Prix
High-speed watercraft racing action near the St. Petersburg Pier and downtown parks with offshore powerboats and jet ski racing. Race teams from across the world will compete in multiple classes during the race weekend. The race is best viewed live along the course near downtown St. Petersburg and The Pier.
10/19 – Fall Fest Fundraiser for Reach St. Pete
Free, but tickets ($15-$25) may be required to participate in certain activities, noon-5pm, 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S, St. Pete. Paint pumpkins, listen to live music, and browse an outdoor market, all while enjoying food trucks, bounce houses, and more. Reach St. Pete provides essential resources to individuals experiencing financial hardships, inequities, homelessness, or at-risk situations while removing barriers that hinder access to a better life.
10/19 – 2024 St. Petersburg International Folk Fair
$14, 10am-6pm, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Travel the world in a day, with exhibits and demonstrations of cultures from around the world. SPIFFS is the only independent multi-ethnic organization of its kind in the United States. It was founded in 1975 as an umbrella organization of ethnic groups who joined together to present a festival during the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/47tmpxe9
10/19 – Broadway Ball
$800 and up, 6pm, Straz Center, Tampa. The Straz’s annual, much-anticipated fundraiser will celebrate the upcoming Broadway season – including the return of The Lion King – with cocktails, a dinner on the stage of Morsani Hall, silent and live auctions and outstanding live performances. Cap off the evening at Broadway Ball After Dark, which is included with the ticket. https://tinyurl.com/mvwxwy7n
10/19 – International Ballet of Florida presents Don Quixote NEW DATE
$37 and up, 2pm, Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete. Set to the virtuoso score of Ludwig Minkus, this original production will feature guest artists including Prima Ballerina Olesia Shaytanova and Principal Dancer Jonas Laucius of Lithuanian National Ballet in their signature roles of Kitri and Basilio; Denys Nedak, Principal Dancer of Atlanta Ballet, People’s Artist of the Ukraine as Espada; and many more from around the world. https://tinyurl.com/5n8vw2x
10/20 – Ancient Aliens Live
$43.25, 7:30pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. This an experiential extension of the Ancient Aliens TV series explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for thousands of years. The 90-minute live experience features leading Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, UK government UFO investigator Nick Pope, and real-life Indiana Jones, David Childress. https://tinyurl.com/2s3tnjjv
10/20 – Girls Gone Bible Live
$39.75, 7pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Angela and Arielle are Girls Gone Bible, hosts of the podcast of that name, which is one of the most popular in the faith-based category. The pair has built a reputation for the light-hearted humor and heavy-duty discussions of faith, mental health, relationships and more, all filtered through the women’s’ Christian faith. http://www.strazcenter.org/ 813-229-7827
10/21– Night in Italy Dinner
$50/$450 reserved table of eight, 5pm, Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Indulge in an authentic Italian dining experience with a carefully curated menu featuring classic dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Cash bar. After dinner, hit the dance floor, with live music provided by Hot Tonic. Proceeds benefit The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/45uj6dj8
10/24 – National Ballet of Ukraine
$42.38-$192.88, 7:30pm, Straz Center, Tampa. The first tour of the U.S. by National Ballet of Ukraine since dissolution of the USSR more than 30 years ago. World-class dancers will present a program of classics, including “The Dying Swan,” and “Don Quixote,” performed in front of a cutting-edge 3D LED screen that makes the audience feel as if they are traveling onto the stage. The spectacular Ukrainian Shumka Dancers will join the tour, showcasing their traditional music, athletic choreography, and colorful historic costumes. https://tinyurl.com/3vv5uhvk
10/26 – Beers on the Pier
$50-$60, 7-10pm, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Beers on the Pier, a history-filled craft beer festival with more than 20 breweries from across America, will offer a sampling of their unique brews throughout the Museum’s galleries Sponsored by J.J. Taylor Distributing. All proceeds benefit the mission of protecting St. Pete’s rich history! https://tinyurl.com/bdhzykrv
10/26 – OctoberWest Beer Fest
$50, 8-10pm (general admission), James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Pete. OctoberWest is a unique opportunity to sample craft beers from over 22 breweries and experience the museum’s new exhibit. Plus, live entertainment, lite bites, and other fun surprises.
10/26 – Suenos de Dali
$140-$150, 8-11pm, Dali Museum, One Salvador Dali Blvd., St. Pete. Step into a dreamlike world with this year’s theme, “A Surrealist Awakening.” Guests are encouraged to let their inner Surrealist be the guide. Give an ode to past artists or tap into those embracing the movement today, or accent your look with key surreal symbols, including melting clocks, eyes, ants, lobsters and more. While themed attire is recommended, all are welcome. https://thedali.org/event/suenos-de-dali-2024/
10/27 – TFO: Haunted Halls Family Concert
$25, 2pm, Mahaffey Theatre, St. Pete. Show off your favorite costume at The Florida Orchestra’s popular Halloween-themed concert featuring a full orchestra of spooktacular musicians for goblins of all ages. Come early to try out instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo! Chelsea Gallo, conductor. Tickets: https://themahaffey.com/show/tfo-1027/
11/2 – 2024 Evening for the Bay: Spotlight on the Future
$180+, 6-10pm, Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Immerse yourself in a night of storytelling, heartfelt moments, and a shared commitment to preserving the Tampa Bay watershed. Indulge in cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and dance the night away. Bid on exclusive items in auctions while mingling with fellow supporters. Sean Daly of ABC Action News will emcee. Purchase tickets and sponsorship opportunities at https://tampabaywatch.org/2024-evening-for-the-bay/
11/2 – Community Center Indoor Garage Sale
Free admission, 9am-2pm, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo. Over 40 tables of new-to-you treasures. Interested in selling? Tables reservations are available ONLY in-person at the Largo Community Center! Clean out your closets and garages and bring in gently used items or crafts to sell at your table.
11/2 – Safety Harbor Wine Festival
Free, 4-11pm, Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Don’t miss out on the biggest party of the year! Enjoy wine tastings, live music, delicious food and good company. Dog friendly.
11/2 – Historic Kenwood Bungalowfest
$25, 10am-4pm, check-in at St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N. The tour showcases Historic Kenwood homes, highlighting Craftsman Bungalows, Frame Vernacular, Prairie, Mid-Century, Modern homes, and more with a special glimpse into spaces beyond the bungalow. This year’s featured home will have a salvaged mural from the previous garage. Stroll or use the free continuous trolleys. https://tinyurl.com/2p8zszfx
11/2 – Gulfport Art in the Yard
Free. Gulfport’s community art sale is a bi-annual event occurring in March and November that is open to all resident artists who reside in Gulfport. It is a grassroots event that is sponsored by the city and organized by a few artists for the benefit of the entire arts community. Rain date 11/3.
11/2-3 – Savor St. Pete Food and Wine Festival
$115-$145, 1-4pm/Noon-4pm VIP, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE. The festival brings together the best of the best in food, wine, craft beers and premium spirits. Guests can enjoy flavor-packed bites from leading Bay area restaurants, and an array of craft beers and wines. The VIP Spirits Lounge offers top-shelf cocktails and experiences. A percentage of ticket sales benefit local Bay area charities. https://savortheburg.com
11/7-9 – Fall King of the Beach
Free admission, tournament registration $350 (team-members), $425 (team-nonmembers), Madeira Beach Recreational Complex, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. The Old Salt King of the Beach is one of the largest, richest and, certainly, most exciting king mackerel fishing tournaments in the United States. The King is a combination fishing tournament and waterfront festival drawing upwards of 600 teams competing for a share of over $300,000 in prizes, thousands of attendees and visitors, live music-boats-fishing gear-apparel-food and beverages, all capped off on Tournament Day when fish are weighed, and monies are paid with the crowning of the 2024 Fall KING. Registration: https://tinyurl.com/57etxye7
11/8-10 –36th Annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival
Free admission, Fri – noon-9pm/Sat – 10am-9pm/Sun – 10am-5pm, Sponge Docks, 735 Dodecanese Blvd. The festival will feature a variety of seafood vendors, as well as non-seafood items for landlubbers. There will also be a variety of arts and crafts vendors, activities, a chef’s competition and more.
11/9 – Pops in the Park
Free, 6:30pm, Vinoy Park, St. Pete. Bring the blanket and a picnic and The Florida Orchestra will provide the perfect soundtrack of free music under the stars. Featuring movie music, Broadway hits and classical favorites. Be sure to bring your non-perishable goods for TFO’s annual food drive.
11/12 – Dr. Lindsay Zanno: Rise of the T.Rex
$25, 7pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Lindsay Zanno hunts for clues in the evolutionary mystery of T. rex, which reigned as the apex predator of North America around 66 million years ago. Each year she spends several months on expedition, scouring the badlands of western North America. Along the way, she has discovered many new species—including some of the earliest predecessors of T. rex. https://tinyurl.com/6nm2c3ss
11/15-17 – St. Pete Run Fest
This three-day event features a half-marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a Kids Run. In addition, the festival will have local artists, live music, food and drink. Vendors and exhibitors will offer the latest in fitness technology, training trends and nutrition. Register at https://stpeterunfest.org/register-now/