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Top things to do in Tampa Bay for the week of Aug. 27-Sept. 2

 
2013 -- A Gulfport resident hides behind a Geico Gecko mask at the 2013 Geckofest. CREDIT: CATHY SALUSTRI
2013 -- A Gulfport resident hides behind a Geico Gecko mask at the 2013 Geckofest. CREDIT: CATHY SALUSTRI
Published Aug. 25, 2018

Gecko Fest: Gulfport's whimsical "Gecko Con" Labor Day weekend festival takes to Beach Boulevard on Saturday, celebrating superheroes, villains and cult characters from pop culture. Dress up as your favorite character and join the walking parade at 6 p.m. There will be with street performers, live music, vendors and food booths all day starting at 10 a.m. geckofest.com.

Celebrate Oldsmar: The Labor Day salute takes over Olds Park Friday-Saturday, with carnival rides, games, live music and fireworks (Saturday). Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Free (rides additional). celebrateoldsmar.com.

Summer of Rum Festival: Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park gets island vibes Saturday-Sunday, with rum zones serving more than 40 rums from around the world. Live music includes Fly band Sugar Ray headlining on Saturday and reggae legends the Wailers on Sunday. $20, $85 VIP. summerofrumfest.com.

date night

Music: Beyonce and Jay-Z are worth the trip to Orlando's Camping World Stadium on Wednesday ($81 and up). Thursday, multi-platinum selling saxophonist Boney James blows through Clearwater's Capitol Theatre ($35-$65), while "The Prince of Salsa," Luis Enrique, heats up the Ritz Ybor ($35-$89). Friday, pop phenomenon Charlie Puth hits the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre with special guest Hailee Steinfeld ($25-$79.50).

RuPaul's KiKi and Shade: Get ready for some reads as queens from past seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race — Eureka O'Hara, Thorgy Thor, Derrick Barry and Tatianna — showcase their talent in a drag-tastic show at the Capitol Theatre on Friday ($45-$60). rutheckerdhall.com.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The last pre-season game and Jameis Winston's last before a three-game suspension, happens Thursday at Raymond James Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tickets start at $60. buccaneers.com.

Kids and Family

September Deals: Local attractions are throwing the deals around for the month. MOSI, the Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are once again offering free admission to each others' pass holders for Swaptember.

more to explore

Get a jump on your Labor Day weekend plans at tampabay.com/thingstodo.