Top things to do in Tampa Bay this week: Nov. 14-17

NOSTALGIA: JAY AND SILENT BOB

The boys are back. Jay and Silent Bob, the New Jersey stoner icons who first hit the screen 25 years ago in Clerks, have a new movie. Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith are coming to Tampa Theatre on Thursday to screen Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. As established in Smith’s 1997 film Chasing Amy, the Jersey drug dealers are the inspiration for the comic book series Bluntman and Chronic. In 2001′s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, they traveled to Hollywood in an attempt to stop a Bluntman and Chronic movie from being made. Now, almost 20 years later, the dynamic duo learn that a Bluntman and Chronic reboot is in the works, set to be directed by, of all people, Kevin Smith. The film is loaded with cameos from Smith’s many famous friends. The pair will take the stage for a postfilm discussion. Smith is notoriously talkative, so expect long answers to any question. $50, VIP $110-$750. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. tampatheatre.org.

PRESERVATION: RIVER TOWER FESTIVAL

A grassroots effort has bubbled up for the preservation of the historic Sulphur Springs water tower and the surrounding park. The result? The River Tower Festival. It’s an all-day music festival in the riverfront park in Seminole Heights with food trucks on the lawn. The Sulphur Springs water tower has been a part of Tampa’s history since 1927. It stands 214 feet tall and was built on top of an artesian well by a developer with dreams of an entertainment empire. It was used as a water source until 1971 and became a magnet for graffiti until the city bought it in 2005 and added lights. Now there’s a movement to preserve it. There will be music on two stages with Have Gun, Will Travel and Baker Acted, both at 8:30 p.m. There will be kids’ activities throughout the day, including a magician (1-3 p.m.), balloon art (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and a drum circle at noon. Bring chairs or blankets for sitting on the lawn. No coolers. $15-$20, 9 and younger free. 11 a.m. Saturday. River Tower Park, 401 E Bird St., Tampa. (813) 230-3517. preserveourtower.com.

The old Sulphur Springs water tower at River Tower Park in Tampa is the focus of Nov. 16's River Tower Festival. [ Tampa Bay Times (2006) ]

HIT THE LIGHTS: CHRISTMAS TOWN

Yes, yes, we know it’s not even time for the Thanksgiving turkey yet, but Busch Gardens is getting a jump on the holidays. The Sing-Along Train pulls into Christmas Town starting Saturday, delivering a land with millions of twinkling lights, holiday shows and meet and greets with Rudolph and Santa. Opening night on Saturday will also feature a special night of pin trading from 6-8 p.m. Visit the Toy Shoppe in the Christmas Town Village and purchase a pin to play the Disc Drop game for a chance to trade pins from their expansive collection. Special pins for this event include the new holiday releases as well as presidential pins from the company’s sister parks such as SeaWorld. Included with admission. 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. (813) 884-4386. buschgardens.com.