MetroCon 2026
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 31-Aug. 2. Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. Florida’s largest anime convention, MetroCon, boasts a number of exciting stage shows, unique vendors, exciting panelists, and interactive events throughout the weekend. Tickets may be purchased online or onsite. Tickets start at $40. https://metroconventions.com
Back to School Bash
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Main Event, 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz. Stock up on all the supplies you need to start the school year right. Parents can pre-register their children for a free backpack (while supplies last) and participate in our interactive scavenger hunt to stock up on school supplies. Backpack registration will open 30 days before the event. https://tinyurl.com/yd2yue6s
Family Day: Guitar Lab
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa. Families can explore the history of the guitar through interactive learning stations, staff-led activities and up close opportunities to see special guitars while the exhibition is still on view. Designed for children and adults. This program is included with museum admission. $15-$19. Children under 6 are free. https://tampabayhistorycenter.org
THURSDAY
Summer Nights
Hours vary. July 30-Aug. 9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa. As the sun goes down, the party heats up. Cool off during the day with our dynamic ice show, Rhythm of Nature, as well as the iconic indoor performance, Icons. Stick around for nightly excitement at the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and rock out with Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. https://tinyurl.com/3tu6997c
Peter Pan JR. & Peter and the Starcatcher
5:30-7:30 p.m. July 30. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Catch two performances back-to-back, that are one hour each. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time, and is now adapted for young performers. Stick around for Peter and the Starcatcher (6:30 p.m.), Peter’s origin story. Free.
Line Dancing Lessons
7-9 p.m. July 30. Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. Grab your boots and join Keel and Curley Winery every Thursday for free line dancing lessons on the Patio at Keel Farms. Come early and enjoy a delicious dinner from our farm-fresh menu before heading outside to dance the night away under the stars.
Side Splitters Comedy Club presents: JJ Curry
7:30 p.m. July 30-Aug. 1. Side Splitters Comedy Club at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Curry, who hails from the small town of Dudley, Georgia, is a southern Air Force vet with a very optimistic views on life. He has been gaining notoriety in the Southeast with jokes about his upbringing and current events he’s experienced in adulthood. https://sidesplitterscomedy.com
FRIDAY
‘Red, White and Zoo’ Celebration
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 31. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. On “America Mondays” and “Freedom Fridays” guests can enjoy the animals participating in patriotic-themed enrichment activities that promote their physical and mental well-being. Also enjoy patriotic merchandise, festive food and beverages, giveaways and more.
Senior Social
3 p.m. July 31. B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. Join B&B Theatres every Friday for fun card games with the 50 and older community. Come alone or bring a few friends. Instruction available for all games. Free to play. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Meet the Candidates
5:30-8:30 p.m. July 31. Bill Castens Gymnasium, 15550 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa. Presented by the Northdale Civic Association in partnership with Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept. at Northdale Park.
Stars, Stripes & Splash
6-9 p.m. July 31. Cypress Forest Spray Park, 650 Pine Ave. N., Oldsmar. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with music, hot dogs, chips/drinks and a bomb pop to chill at Cypress Forest Spray Park. All ages are welcome to cool off. Don’t forget your towels. $4 with a rec card, $6 without, and no parking fee. Space is limited, registration required. 813-749-1152.
Rock the Cosmos: Laser Light Show
6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. July 31. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. Before the lasers hit the dome, our astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. This evening’s shows feature country music and U2. All laser shows contain a sequence of flashing lights. $10-$13. https://mosi.org/event/laser-light-shows
Duckhorn Vineyards 50th Anniversary Dinner
6:30-9:30 p.m. July 31. Epicurean Hotel, 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Join an intimate anniversary dinner featuring a welcome reception followed by a six-course tasting menu. The menu will highlight duck prepared in six distinctive ways paired with Duckhorn wine. Each guest will receive commemorative gifts. Reserve your seat in advance. $375. 813-999-8702. https://tinyurl.com/3kr68kkh
Annie
8 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Follow the spunky red-headed orphan with unshakable optimism as she sets out to find the family she’s always dreamed of, bringing sunshine, song, and laughter to everyone she meets along the way. Matinees at 3 p.m. on July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2. Tickets start at $22. www.newtampaartscenter.org/events
SATURDAY
Oldsmar Flea Market
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 1-2. 180 N. Race Track Road, Oldsmar. The Oldsmar Flea Market is one of the largest markets on Florida’s West Coast, featuring hundreds of vendors selling furniture, local produce, gourmet food, antiques, modern and contemporary household items, clothing, electronics, jewelry, and much more. https://oldsmarfleamarket.com
Ybor City Saturday Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1. Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. One of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay area. Find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods & sauces, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles & so much more.
Fresh Market at Wiregrass
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1. The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Held the first and third Saturday of the month. Featuring over 50 vendors located on Paseo Drive in the heart of the shopping center. Guests can expect to find a variety of locally grown produce and take-home foods. The market also features local artists showcasing their creative efforts and eco-friendly products.
Downtown Saturday Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 1. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, 4424 Friendly Way. Visit a vibrant outdoor market experience filled with gifts, baked goods, home decor, and your favorite local small businesses just in time for the holidays. Every first and third Saturday of the month.
Oldsmar Saturday Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 1. UTB Saturday Market, 101 State St. E., Oldsmar. Support local vendors while enjoying fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. Presented by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Tampa Bay Home Show
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa. The largest quality consumer home show is back. Discover the newest design ideas and hottest trends for your home, furniture, garden, and more. Meet Tampa Bay home improvement experts and show up early for daily giveaways. The first 300 guests each day will receive a free gift. Free admission. www.tampabay.com/expos/tampa-bay-home-show
Museums On Us Weekend
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. The Museums on Us program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch debit and credit cardholders free admission to over 225 museums and cultural institutions across the United States on the first full weekend of every month.
SummerFest
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. Experience the ultimate SummerFest every Saturday and Sunday all summer long. Enjoy a full day of summer fun featuring free water slides, bounce houses, food-truck-style eats, refreshing drinks, and family-friendly fun. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and your own towel.
Ukulele Jam
12-2 p.m. Aug. 1. New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Bring your ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society on the first Saturday of each month.
Family Creative Corner
2-3 p.m. Aug. 1. Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway. Join the library every Saturday for a family activity. This program is for all ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 18 or older. The Saturday programs each month will be as follows: First Saturday: puzzle party; Second Saturday: Color Me Calm; Third Saturday: building with Legos 4; Fourth Saturday: game day.
Caribbean Chillers — Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Starkey Ranch TLC, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. Grab your flip-flops, bring your good vibes and escape to the island-inspired music of Jimmy Buffett. Tickets are $13 plus taxes and fees. Seating is first come, first served. www.pascolibraries.org/events/theatre-events
Night Sip + Shop
5-9 p.m. Aug. 1. Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. Enjoy a day on the farm while browsing a curated selection of local vendors offering handmade goods, art and crafts, baked items, and boutique products. Grab a drink while you shop; wine, cider, and craft beer are available. Farm-fresh food will also be available in the Tasting Room. Held the first Saturday of each month.
SUNDAY
Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 2. Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Snow Ave., Tampa. Fresh Market is a monthly farmers market every first Sunday of the month featuring over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music. This event is pet friendly.
Board Game Night
1-11 p.m. Aug. 2. The Tampa Bay Bridge Center, 114 W. 109th Ave., Tampa. The Tampa Gaming Guild invites the public out for weekly game nights on the first and third Sundays of the month, as well as every Wednesday and Friday evening from 5:30-11 p.m. Trial memberships give you access to regular gaming sessions up to 30 days free. tampagamingguild.org
MONDAY
Donation Based Community Yoga
6-7:15 p.m. Aug. 3. Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, 6201 Lynn Road, Tampa. Learn yoga techniques that help reduce stress. Donations appreciated but not required to attend. Classes offered each Monday.
TUESDAY
Bingo
5:30 p.m. Aug. 4. John Nelson Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29, 4300 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Every Tuesday, evening early bird game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session begins at 6 p.m. The snack bar provides food and drinks for purchase. 727-992-1499.
Big Band Jam
7 p.m. Aug. 4. Concordia Village Tampa, 4100 E. Fletcher Ave. Come out and enjoy music performed by a 17-piece big band every Tuesday in the senior ballroom. Free and open to the public.
Land O’ Lakes Photography Club
7 p.m. Aug. 4. Zoom. The Land O’ Lakes Photography Club meets the first Tuesday of the month via Zoom. Those with an interest in photography may attend a first meeting by contacting Lillian Cucuzza at LandOLakesPhotoClub@gmail.com for a link to meeting and further information. www.landolakesphotographyclub.com
WEDNESDAY
Senior Fitness Walk
10:30 a.m.-noon. Aug. 5. Citrus Park Town Center Mall, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa. Free and fun Senior Fitness Walk every Wednesday morning. Meet at the mall entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods. 813-494-6376.
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 5. Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 241-263 E Madison St., Tampa. Featuring tasty treats from a variety of local vendors, the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Al-Anon Family Groups (Families and Friends of Alcoholics)
7-8 p.m. Aug. 5. Hillsborough United Methodist Church, 9008 Harney Road, Temple Terrace. Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. The group meets each Wednesday.
LOOKING AHEAD
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 6. Land O’ Lakes Branch, 2818 Collier Parkway. A trained support group facilitator from the Alzheimer’s Association will be leading this monthly support group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
GRAND Group
5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Elise Logan Memorial Park, 15830 Greenglen Lane, Shady Hills. A monthly support group for grandparents navigating the journey of raising grandchildren. First Thursday of each month. Guest speakers to help with parenting grandchildren. Sharing of resources for grandparents. Meet and connect with other grands. 352-521-1254.
Sunset Market
6-10 p.m. Aug. 6. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. End your day with live music, cocktails and over 40 local vendors including artists, jewelry, and makers from the Bay Area. The Sunset Market occurs on the first Thursday of each month.
Free Downtown Concert: Rock The Park
6:30-9:45 p.m. Aug. 6. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. For 15 years, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has produced a free monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. The concert will also have local food trucks to purchase from. www.facebook.com/RockThePark
Sangria Night
5-10 p.m. Aug. 7. Keel Farms, 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. The first Friday of each month, enjoy an evening filled with Latin music, dancing, and handcrafted sangria flights. First come, first serve with free parking and free admission. www.keelfarms.com
The Market Elaine
5:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 7. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Come experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with more than 150 vendors, live entertainment and activities for all ages. Held the first Friday of each month.
Cars at the Corner Car Show
6-9 p.m. Aug. 7. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, 1948 Collier Parkway, Lutz. First Friday of every month. The open car show for muscle and specialty cars and trucks also features music, entertainment, and discounted meals for participating drivers. 813-468-0277.
Rise and Shine Car Meet-Up
9-11 a.m. Aug. 8. Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54. Calling all car enthusiasts, mark your calendars for an exciting event that promises a morning full of revving engines and good company. Participants displaying a vehicle are treated to free coffee and breakfast. Enjoy live music, meet fellow enthusiasts and admire a diverse range of vehicles. Every second Saturday of the month.
Carrollwood Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 8. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. The Carrollwood Market is held the second Saturday of each month. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, plants, farmed eggs and meats, baked goods, artisan products, lunch bites, local art, handcrafts, and more.
Westchase Locale Market
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 8. Westchase Town Center Plaza, 9520-9644 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. Come wander through a lineup of handcrafted jewelry, artisan treats, and one-of-a-kind goodies from talented local makers. Every second Saturday of each month. www.facebook.com/westchaselocalemarket
Brick Fan Event Tampa
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 8 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 9. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N., Tampa. Enjoy two days of family-friendly fun with displays from expert builders, hands-on activities like racing and mosaics, a STEM zone, Kids Zone, and a massive vendor area packed with rare LEGO finds. $20-$22. Parking $10 online or $12 on site. https://tinyurl.com/3689rsuv
Caribbean Night
7-11 p.m. Aug. 8. Krate at the Grove, 5862 Goldview Parkway, Wesley Chapel. Held each second Saturday of the month. Visit the Krate while DJ Q Spins the best Reggae, Soca, and calypso music.
The Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie
7:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. The Center will welcome the Paul Gavin Trio as they treat audiences to an evening of jazz featuring the music of legendary composers and band leaders Duke Ellington and Count Basie. $27-$32.
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 9. American Legion Post 111, 6918 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. this vibrant market features over 70 local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal goods to delicious food and unique handmade items. Enjoy live local music as you stroll through the market, which is both dog-friendly and family-friendly, with free parking available. Every second Sunday of the month. www.tampabaymarkets.com/seminole-heights-sunday-market
Kids Entrepreneurship Market
Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 9. Armature Works West Lawn, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. Celebrate Tampa’s brightest young entrepreneurs with a massive kids’ market, bounce houses, face painting, and local food trucks on the lawn. Admission is free for all families.