JULY 2009
Wiregrass Wednesdays, Every Wed., 10am, FREE and great for ages 0-12
July 1, MOSI Day
July 8, Live Storytime!
July 15, Dance Show!
July 22, Performance by Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
July 29, Fritzy Brothers Circus
Live entertainment, fun kid activities, face painting, balloon artists, great giveaways, special shopping deals and more at the The Shops at Wiregrass, off Hwy 56 in Wesley
Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs Live in Concert
July 2, 7:30 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400
Busch Gardens Summer Nights
Now - Aug. 16
Play late this summer and celebrate Busch Gardens 50th birthday when the park takes on a street-party atmosphere with special entertainment, including DJs and festive stiltwalkers, refreshing food and drink and the thrill of riding coasters in the dark.
SeaWorld After Dark
Now - Sept. 7
Stay for the encore and experience the park in a whole new way. The event offers a family friendly rock n’ roll atmosphere, including DJs mixing music in several park locations, fireworks and spectacular nighttime shows.
Island Nights at Adventure Island
Now - August. 22
Escape to the Caribbean Friday and Saturday nights during Island Nights at Adventure Island, when Tampa’s water park takes on an festive party atmosphere. Island hop across the Caribbean by enjoying the food and entertainment of a different island each weekend.
AdventureIsland.com
Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival
Now - August
Visit momslkeme.com for movie titles and a chance to win summer movie tickets.
momslikeme.com
Respect: A Musical Journey of Women
Now - August 2
From “Someone to Watch Over Me” to “I Will Survive,” Respect is the journey of women told through the music of the Top-40. It’s a show that is a journey from the codependence of “I Will Follow Him” to the anger of “These Boots are Made for Walking,” to the cynicism of “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and finally to the strength of “Hero.” Combining excerpts of 60 songs with women’s own stories about finding dreams, lost love, relationship issues, entering the workforce, gaining independence and more. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813-229-7827,
tbpac.org
Saturday Summer Market
Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
The market features live music, a wide variety of fresh food, plants and crafts.
Mahaffey Theater parking garage, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 33701
Dear Aunt Gertrude, Improv Show
Fridays, 8pm
This team of players brings a short form show that is sure to have you laughing. $5 Appropriate for age 13 and up.
The Box, 1300 E. 7th Avenue, Ybor 33605
information@tampaunderground.com
Making Your Own Musical
July 2, TECO Theater, 7pm
Students in grades nine through college will perform the musical on which they’ve collaborated for two weeks to write the music, lyrics and script. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 North W.C.
MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. For tickets call 813-229-7827. tbpac.org
Independence Day at Florida Aquarium
July 4, 2pm
This 4th of July, check out the best spot for watching Tampa’s fireworks over the Channel! The Aquarium is extending hours until 9:30 p.m. AND lowering our admission price to $10 after 3 p.m. (members are still free). Explore A Shore will remain open, as will the Cantina, for guests to enjoy until shortly before the fireworks start at 9 p.m. 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa.
FLAquarium.org
Rock ‘n Wings Concert
July 4, 4-10pm
Amanda Overmyer 2008 American Idol finalist will headline this evening of fun, food and fireworks along with the Greg Billings Band and Drew Street Mary. Plus arts, crafts and exhibits. Convenient on site parking and excellent view of St. Petersburg’s Fireworks display. Held at the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg. 107 8th Avenue S.E,
St Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-893-7654
Largo 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 7-10pm
Largo Central Park - 101 Central Park Drive J Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Clearwater Celebrates America
July 4, 7pm
Coachman Park - 301 Drew St.
St Pete Beach fireworks
July 4 Starting at dusk
St. Pete Beach Access Park - 4700 Gulf Blvd. Bring your blanket and a picnic basket and settle in for the evening to enjoy fireworks at the beach. Launched along the Gulf of Mexico.
Sparklebration
July 4, opens 4pm
Hosted by the Pasco County Fair Association, this fireworks show includes music, refreshments and more. Gates tend to open around 4 p.m., but don’t expect the skies to light up before dark. Head north on Interstate 75 and get off on State Road 52. Meander toward Dade City and you’ll run into the Pasco County Fairground. Pascocountyfair.com
Summer Classic Movies Series
July 5, 3p Saving Private Ryan,
July 12, 3p The Band Wagon,
July 19, 3p Blazing Saddles,
July 26, 3p Citizen Kane.
TampaTheatre.org
RENT
July 7 – 12, show times vary
RENT is the classic musical about love, friendship and community, and the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history. Now, RENT is coming to Tampa in a new touring production starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp! Over the course of its groundbreaking 12-year New York run, RENT transformed the definition of musical theater – and changed Broadway forever. Set in NYC’s East Village, RENT is a modern take on the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. It tells the unforgettable story of a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today.
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center,
tbpac.org, 813-229-7827
Breakfast with Dalí
Saturday, July 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us in that magic hour before the museum is open to the public and the ghost of Salvador Dalí still lingers! Explore the Dalí Museum in a tour expressly designed for children age 5 - 12. This interactive tour is led by a Dalí docent who has chosen Dalí paintings and other works which specially appeal to children. The tour is followed by a scrumptious breakfast buffet. Following the tour, each child receives a souvenir of the day’s experience. Dalí hands-on activities follow at 11:30.
The Art Spot
July 11, 18, 25 – 10am-2pm
This Saturday drop-in program at the interim Tampa Museum site on Howard Avenue in West Tampa is offered free-of-charge. No registration required. Children are encouraged to explore their own creativity by visiting the gallery and creating art projects in the museum’s classroom. Projects are self-guided and offer a different art activity each week. During the 4 sessions in June children will use technology to make realistic drawings, learn how to make pictures come alive in an animation flip book, use old computer parts to make new art pieces and create pixilated inspired images. Visit
TampaMuseum.org for more information. 2306 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa 33607, 813-274-813
Paul Potts
July 12, 7 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Stageworks presents:
The Little Dog Laughed
July 9 - 26
A fast paced, hilarious, yet biting look at the world of celebrity. An absolute send up of Hollywood that looks at fame, deception, lies and intolerance in between the zingers. Visit: Stageworkstheatre.org. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse,
tbpac.org, 813-229-7827
Animation Exhibit- with Cartoon Network, Grand Opening Event & Kid’s In Charge 4th B’day Celebration July 11, 10am - 2pm
The ANIMATION exhibit will be on display at MOSI from July 10 through September 7, 2009. In ANIMATION’s stimulating and fun environment, visitors explore animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design, and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming, and sound. The exhibit also explores the history of animation and features a screening room and a cartoon museum.
Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33617. 813-987-6000,
mosi.org
Craft Beer Expo
July 18, 2 pm
Mahaffey Theater will once again treat Floridians to a hot night of cold beer and good food as they toast to the 2nd annual CRAFT BEER EXPO. With over 20 new breweries, an expansion of the ever popular Beer Seminars, “Brew Master” discussions, as well as seminars on Beer and Cheese pairings, Beer and Food Pairings, a Beer Judging Class and Home Brewing Demonstrations. Participants must be 21 years of age and older.
Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, mahaffeytheater.com, 727-892-5798
$5 Day at Lowry Park Zoo
July 19, 9:30 am-5 pm
Visit all your favorite animals at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $5 per person.
LowryParkZoo.com
Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage in A Circus Comes To Town
July 25, Sat. 11a, 2p, & 5p;
July 26, Sun. 1p & 4:30p
An all new, live musical adventure. When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top, and, Thomas must prove he’s a really useful engine once again. With thrilling adventures along the way, Percy, James, Gordon, and of course, Thomas, join with Sir Topham Hatt and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor, to welcome a colorful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall,
tbpac.org, 813-229-7827
American Idols Live Tour 2009
July 28
Fans of America’s #1 show will once again have the chance to catch their favorite “Idols” performing live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly anticipated summer tour. St. Pete Times Forum, Downtown Tampa, sptimesforum.com
Demi Lovato
July 31, 7 pm
The 16-year-old singer/actress, opened for Jonas Brothers on their 2008 summer tour, impressing critics and fans along the way with her powerhouse voice and musical abilities on both piano and guitar. But with her Hollywood Records debut album “Don’t Forget,” Demi throws away the textbook. Instead, she rewrites the rules, making music her way. Come see Demi and special guest, American Idol season seven finalist David Archuleta. St. Pete Times Forum, Downtown Tampa, sptimesforum.com
WaZoo
August 1 from 7:30-10:30 pm
Featured as one of the “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country” by USA Today, this 14th annual tropical taste explosion features beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden and live music. General admission tickets are all-inclusive and the event is rain or shine. Tickets are available online at LowryParkZoo.com, by phone 813-935-8552 ext. 276, or at the door the night of the event. Wine garden tickets and designated driver tickets are also available.