Advertisement

Top 10 events in Tampa Bay for the week of Jan. 11-17

There‘s a Florida Orchestra concert, a boat show, and some alternatives to Gasparilla.
 
A Larson boat was among hundreds at 2019's St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show. This year's show takes place Thursday through Sunday in and around Albert Whitted Park.
A Larson boat was among hundreds at 2019's St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show. This year's show takes place Thursday through Sunday in and around Albert Whitted Park.
Published Jan. 11, 2021

St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show: Nearly 200 inboard, outboard, stern drive and sailboats will be shown and sold in the water and on land along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The 43rd annual show also includes more than 40 exhibitors selling boating and other water sport gear. The show’s most popular attraction, complimentary 45-minute sailboat rides, return this year. Signups are first-come, first-served at the Sailing Florida tent at the end of Ramp 2. Tickets must be purchased in advance at stpeteboatshow.com. Masks and social distancing are required. $19, 15 and younger free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Albert Whitted Park, 107 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.

Over the River and Through the Woods: In Joe DiPietro’s comedy, a New Jersey man is offered his dream job in Seattle. But, his family will stop at nothing, including using an attractive woman as bait, to keep him from moving across the country. This production is largely geared to senior citizens. $36 (includes dinner). 4 p.m. Sunday. Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater. 727-446-5898.

Urbanite Outdoor Reading Series: This staged reading explores the comedy, tragedy and triumphs of two young Irish girls searching for love and a sense of belonging in a new world. The performance is held outdoors for safer social distancing. $25, $5 students. 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

Mermaids and Angels by Mark Pennington: The former children’s book illustrator shows his dark side in his new works featuring unearthly angels, sea maidens and haunting scenes from Floridian lore. This is the opening reception. Remains on display Thursdays through Saturdays through Feb. 14. Free. Noon-8 p.m. Thursday. St. Pete Artworks, 2412 Central Ave. 727-738-8010.

Vintage Postcard Show: Dealers from across Florida will buy, show, sell and appraise vintage postcards. Masks are required. $3. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Tampa Stadium Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn Express), 4750 N Dale Mabry Highway. (941) 753-8794.

Revival and Resolution: Look to the future and celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the Don CeSar Hotel with food and drink tastings as you tour the newly renovated facility. Includes live entertainment, a tour of the hotel’s storyboards and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. $20.21. 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday. Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-1881.

Members of The Florida Orchestra perform in smaller groups for greater onstage distancing. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]

Planning your weekend?

Subscribe to our free Top 5 things to do newsletter

We’ll deliver ideas every Thursday for going out, staying home or spending time outdoors.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

New Year’s in Vienna: Under the direction of Michael Francis, the Florida Orchestra presents Johann Strauss Jr.’s Blue Danube, Champagne Polka, Overture to Die Fledermaus and more. The orchestra is broken up into two smaller ensembles for greater onstage spacing. Audiences are required to follow all CDC guidelines for health and safety. $23-$53. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-892-3337.

The Jose Gasparilla pirate ship won't sail into Hillsborough Bay yet, but we still have a couple of events this week to wet your whistle. [ Tampa Bay Times (2019) ]

Gasparilla alternatives: COVID-19 forced the postponement of Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival, but the spirit lives on. Here are a couple of alternatives to keep us in the pirate mood.

  • And a Bottle of Rum: This event puts some wind back in our sails with tastings of rums by the Tampa Bay Rum Company, pirate ship exploration and a look at real shipwreck artifacts. Included with admission. Noon Saturday. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.
  • Gasparilla Bash 2021 Virtual Concert: Celebrate Gasparilla safely with a virtual pirate-themed concert featuring R&B music by the Black Honkeys. Upgradeable packages are available with a Bash in a Box experience, VIP mixology and an online silent auction. Find it online at gasparillabash.org. Benefits the Rotary Club of Tampa and the Crisis Center of Tampa. $50. 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday. 813-992-4486.

MLK/FBI: St. Petersburg’s new theater featuring art house films presents MLK/FBI. The film looks at J. Edgar Hoover’s hatred for King and how he used the FBI to try to derail King’s causes. Because of COVID-19, audience sizes are limited and advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, go to ticketing.useast.veezi.com. $10.70, $8.56 seniors/students/children. 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.

Meet James “Murr” Murray and Joey Fatone: Meet and take photos with James “Murr” Murray, best known for the hit trueTV show Impractical Jokers, and Joey Fatone, a member of NSYNC. Both performers will be available to answer questions about their careers and the shows they appear in. Two sessions are offered for more social distancing. $75. 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. Top Golf, 10690 Palm River Road, Tampa. 813-298-1811.