Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

FOUNDED IN 1973, MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS TO HOST LIVING RESEARCH COLLECTION
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens named to Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places for 2024; orchid show runs through Dec. 1. - Virginia Johnson

COMICS AND CHILI: BRADENTON SHOP HOSTS CHILI COOKOFF
The Heroic Harvest, which also includes prizes for best superhero costume, runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. - Jeff Butera

'SAVOR THE SEASON' HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AT ANANDA FARM ON TERRA CEIA ISLAND
New Agri-tourism farm in Manatee County offers attractions for children and adults. - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA FAMILY AGAIN PERFORMING THEIR NUTCRACKER TWIST
The Jansen Dance Project will present “Goin’ Nuts,” a modern-day twist on the classic “The Nutcracker” ballet. - Jeff Butera

TAMPA EXHIBITION ON FLORIDA HOLIDAYS REFLECT RICH CULTURE, WITH HELPING OF SNOW
Holiday celebrations in Florida highlighted in Tampa Bay History Center exhibition. - Virginia Johnson

PINELLAS KIDS BAKE, CREATE TO HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS
The kids market will happen at Grace Family Church (1199 East Bay Drive in Largo) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. - Jeff Butera

PINELLAS PARK OFFERS BARBEQUE, RODEO AS HURRICANE DISTRACTION
The Public Works Department is hosting the event, which will be held at 5010 81st Ave.North from noon until 10 p.m. - Jeff Butera

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF GRADY JUDD GETS GOOFY FOR HAUNTED JAIL FUNDRAISER
Grady Judd is in the spirit! Let's learn more as we go On the Town. - Virginia Johnson

MOSI GETS GROSS: NEW EXHIBIT FEATURES 'PEE, POOP, VOMIT, SNOT AND BARF'
The exhibit will be at MOSI through Jan. 5. - Jeff Butera

THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN DEBUTS AT STRAZ; NEXT, BROADWAY
Loving the Bat Man: Producer realigns Batman legacy from camp to cool - Virginia Johnson

LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY OFFERS WINDOW TO ART, READING AND WRITING
Bat City Comic Professionals in Bradenton pairs an anniversary with National Local Comic Shop Day. - Virginia Johnson

SPOOKY, LOW-COST HALLOWEEN TRAIL RETURNS TO BROOKSVILLE
The Halloween Trail of Terror in Brooksville is open from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26. - Jeff Butera

LEGOLAND FLORIDA'S BRICK-OR-TREAT OFFERS LIGHT FRIGHTS IN WINTER HAVEN
LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers once-a-year meet-and-greets at Brick-or-Treat. - Virginia Johnson

MOREAN CENTER FOR CLAY HOSTS ANNUAL ART YARD SALE
Nothing is over $100. - Virginia Johnson

BUSCH GARDENS HOWL-O-SCREAM OFFERS JUMP SCARES AND UNDEAD VENGEANCE
It’s Howl-O-Scream’s 25th anniversary at Busch Gardens. - Virginia Johnson, DeJanae Phillips

A RARE GLIMPSE AT BOTANICAL PRINTS AT THE SALVADOR DALÍ MUSEUM
This exhibition features rarely displayed botanical prints made by Dalí between 1968 and 1972. - Erin Murray

GULFPORT GECKOFEST OFFERS FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND ... HIGH FIVES
The City of Gulfport will celebrate its 23rd annual GECKOFEST on Saturday. - Rick Elmhorst

NEW TROLLEY TOUR OFFERS LOOK AT DOWNTOWN ST. PETE’S CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY
The Trolley Tour is two hours and will take passengers to locations like Spa Beach, the site of 1955’s “Wade-Ins.” - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CABINS AT FORT WILDERNESS
How to glamp your way into the fall. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE EVERMORE ORLANDO RESORT’S 'A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS'
Orlando's first beach resort has announced its holiday happenings. - Allison Walker

MONSTER JAM'S THUNDERROARUS TAKES OVER TAMPA
It's the opportunity to see 12,000-pound monster trucks perform tricks on dirt where they will show off their speed and skill. - Jeff Butera

BEHIND BUSCH GARDENS' COASTER THRILLS IS EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
Kevin Berube makes sure every inch of the coaster is inspected. - Virginia Johnson

TURNING PICTURES INTO PAINTINGS: EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY IN ST. PETE
"Tropical Splendor: Paintings by Elizabeth Barenis" is on display at the Morean Arts Center, located 719 Central Ave. - Spectrum News Staff

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE VENARDOS CIRCUS
The small but mighty circus shares rich history of talent. - Allison Walker

“NEW” HISTORY CENTER MAP SHOWS “LA FLORIDA'” 500 YEARS AGO
A newly acquired 1524 Hernán Cortés map shows Gulf of Mexico, La Florida and Tenochtitlan — modern day Mexico City - Virginia Johnson

LOOKING FOR A BARGAIN? GET YOUR PJS READY FOR ST. PETE'S SUNRISE SALE
There are businesses along the streets of downtown St. Pete waiting to give some crack of dawn discounts. - Virginia Johnson

PLANT FESTIVAL COMES TO PLANT CITY'S FAMED PARKESDALE FARM MARKET
It's all about plants at Parkesdale Market in Plant City, host to the "Flower Power Plant Festival," along with goth plant shop The Citrine Ghost. - Virginia Johnson

FREEDOM FEST AT LONGBOAT KEY OFFERS INDEPENDENCE DAY DOG PARADE COMPETITION
Freedom Fest will take place Thursday in Bicentennial Park, 2730 Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LEGOLAND’S SUMMER BRICK PARTY
LEGOLAND's Summer Brick Party runs through Aug. 11. - Allison Walker

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY LOOKING FOR THE UNDEAD FOR HOWL-O-SCREAM SCARES
Scare actor auditions for the undead at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FLORIDA’S FIRST CAT CAFÉ
Cats go viral, even when they wake up here. - Allison Walker

LOCAL ACTOR TEACHES NEXT GENERATION OF BAY AREA MOVIE MAKERS
Local actor/director/writer in Juneteenth Film Festival teaching teens to make their own opportunities - Virginia Johnson

JUNETEENTH AT TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART: MORE THAN A PARTY
Juneteenth celebration offers free admission to Tampa Museum of Art on June 15. - Virginia Johnson

SUMMER DFAC EXHIBIT OFFERS ARTISTIC VIEW OF FLORIDA BEAUTY
“Wetlands in Transition: Encaustic Paintings by Leslie Neumann" will go on display at the Dunedin Fine Art Center on June 14. - Virginia Johnson

WEEKLY ASIAN FOOD MARKET GETS MONTHLY MEGA UPGRADE
The market hosts more than 75 vendors. - Virginia Johnson

ST. PETE CREATOR CELEBRATES NEW SPACE WITH FRIENDS
Creators work together for Astra & Friends storefront presence in St. Pete. - Virginia Johnson

WORKS OF GLASSBLOWER AND PAINTER MEET IN CHIHULY COLLECTION
Benjamin Elliott is a demonstration artist at the Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop in St. Petersburg. - Virginia Johnson

VOLUNTEERS PREP MORE THAN 30,000 RUBBER DUCKS FOR MANATEE COUNTY CHARITY DERBY
It’s a major fundraiser for the Pace Center for Girls in Manatee County. - Virginia Johnson

CELEBRATE MEXICAN CUISINE AT THE 3RD ANNUAL TACOS FEST IN MANATEE COUNTY
The taco fest is on May 4 from noon to 7 p.m. - Virginia Johnson

TOMBOLO BOOKS CELEBRATES NATIONAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY
National Independent Bookstore Day is on Saturday, April 27. - Virginia Johnson

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION IN DADE CITY
This family-friendly, educational event aims to increase environmental stewardship and awareness. - Erin Murray

BASIL STARS IN URBAN FARM’S PESTO FESTO
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm offers organic produce, sauce themed parties. - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA NATIVE LIVES HER DREAM PERFORMING IN 'STRANGER SINGS!' MUSICAL AT STRAZ CENTER
Caroline Huerta's voice can be heard singing in a parody of the popular Netflix show, "Stranger Things." - Jeff Butera

ART IN BLOOM DRAWS THOUSANDS IN PURSUIT OF FLORAL BEAUTY
Floral designer Cassie Osterloth prepares for Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Art St. Petersburg. - Virginia Johnson

BLUEBERRIES RIPENING AHEAD OF FESTIVAL WEEKENDS
Blueberries and wine and blueberry lovers look to 15th Blueberry Festival at Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City. - Virginia Johnson

LEGO FERRARI BUILD AND RACE OPENS AT LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT
Families can build, test and race their own mini LEGO brick Ferraris. - Virginia Johnson

ZOOTAMPA OPENS STINGRAY SHORES EXHIBIT FOR GUEST EXPERIENCES
Guests can step into the water with the rays. - Virginia Johnson

'KART 4 KIDS' BURNS RUBBER, RAISES MONEY FOR CHARITY EVENT IN ST. PETE
The event offers a chance for race car fans to mingle with drivers and for sick kids at John Hopkins All Children's Hospital. - Virginia Johnson

ANNE FRANK LIVES ON IN MASTER CHORALE OF TAMPA BAY PERFORMANCES
The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, in collaboration with the Florida Holocaust Museum, prepares for a musical retelling of the Diary of Anne Frank. - Virginia Johnson

TARPON SPRINGS SHOWCASES POPULAR OIL PAINTER'S WORK FOR FEBRUARY
After living in New York for some time, Fran Failla relocated to Tampa Bay, where she's enjoying the spotlight on her artwork. - Jeff Butera

DISNEY SPRINGS' SUMMER HOUSE ON THE LAKE NOW OPEN
New Disney Springs destination embraces summer vibes. - Allison Walker

ST. PETE'S ZULU PAINTER LEAVES LEGACY OF LOVE TO COMMUNITY, ONE MURAL AT A TIME
Painter is is behind several murals in St. Pete. - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA BAY COLLARD GREEN FESTIVAL FOR FOOD, FITNESS AND FUN
Music, fitness and collards await in St. Pete on Saturday, Feb. 17. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LONELY DOG ATTRACTION
Where cats and dogs tolerate each other. - Allison Walker

GORDON RAMSAY'S FISHWICH AND CHIPS COMBO OFFERED IN ORLANDO
A dish that's fun to say, and even more fun to eat - Allison Walker

ST. PETE TEEN, DOG PHOENIX PLACE 3RD AT BROOKSVILLE DOG SHOW
The annual all-breed dog show is the largest of its kind in the state of Florida. - Virginia Johnson

TIBETAN MONKS OFFER PRAYER, CULTURE AT FLORIDA CRAFTART IN ST. PETE
Make malas and paint rocks at the Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg. - Virginia Johnson

ADULT EDUCATION DIRECTOR WANTS TO REIGNITE LOVE OF ART
Dunedin Fine Art Center starts new catalogue of art classes January 8. - Virginia Johnson

FARMER OPENS "U-PICK" EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS, FAMILIES
Sweet Berry Acres' patch spreads berry appreciation for farmworkers and farmers in Plant City. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LEGOLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE FESTIVITIES
A kid-friendly New Year's Eve ball drop made of nostalgic toy pieces. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ALFIE SILVA CHRISTMAS SHOW
Brevard County entertainer brings back Christmastime variety show concept. - Allison Walker

LOCAL ACTORS BRING HEART AND FEAR TO SIR HENRY'S HAUNTED CHRISTMAS
Krampus, Yeti and Jack Frost want your holiday to be horrible. - Virginia Johnson

CANCER SURVIVOR USING HER PAINTING SKILLS TO RAISE MONEY FOR RESEARCH
Joan Schnuerch paints to raise money for cancer research. - Julia Hazel

AN OLD FLORIDA CHRISTMAS AWAITS AT MANATEE VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK
Manatee Village Historical Park offers is celebrating the holidays with pomanders, music, blacksmithing and vendors. - Virginia Johnson

ZOO MISSION OF EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION HELPED BY HOLIDAY CHEER
ZooTampa offers Christmas in the Wild on select night through Dec. 30. - Virginia Johnson

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS A CHANCE TO SHOP LOCAL AND MEET NEIGHBORS
ARTpool Gallery in St. Petersburg is ready for Small Business Saturday. - Virginia Johnson

RUSSELL'S PARMESAN-CRUSTED SHRIMP LINGUINI
The dish serves four people. - Allison Walker

RAISE A GLASS TO THE CHOIR OF MAN AT THE STRAZ CENTER
The Poet from The Choir of Man speaks. He's playing at the Straz Center in Tampa through Dec. 10. - Virginia Johnson

FORMER BAY AREA RESIDENT PRODUCES 'JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM' MOVIE
The musical, starring Antonio Banderas as king Herod, opens in theaters this week. - Rick Elmhorst

FREE BEER AND AN EAR FOR VETERANS AT BAYBORO BLOCK PARTY
Bayboro Brewing will open its tab for veterans to drink free at a block party this Saturday. - Virginia Johnson

END OF AN ERA: TAMPA 'PAWNFATHER' AUCTIONS OFF HIS TREASURES
The owner of Capital Pawn Shop, along Busch Boulevard, is retiring after 30 years. - Dalia Dangerfield

FOX SQUIRRELS MEET MATCH AT PLANT CITY FALL FARM FESTIVAL
Gourds and mazes and bounce pads await at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze for one more fall weekend in Plant City. - Virginia Johnson

GREEK BAKER MANOS KRANIAS DEVELOPS A NEW DESSERT FOR THE ANNUAL HOLY TRINITY GREEKFEST
Third-generation Greek baker Manos Kranias develops a new desert for the Holy Trinity GreekFest. It's a combination of baklava and galaktoboureko. - Rick Elmhorst

SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL OFFERS A DECADE’S WORTH OF DEMENTED CREATIONS IN PLANT CITY
Werewolves, witches and scarecrows, oh my! - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA KEYS NATIVE TAMMY FIREFLY PERFORMS AT BUSCH GARDENS’ CIRQUE X-SCREAM SHOW
Tammy Firefly is a fire artist at the park. - Virginia Johnson

FINE ART ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHER OPENS TAMPA GALLERY
On the Town introduces you to Ybor City Artist Michael McCoy and his new gallery in downtown Tampa. - Virginia Johnson

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT TAKE OVER ZOOTAMPA
Eerie Scale: 1 to 3 pumpkins. - Virginia Johnson

RAPRAGER FAMILY FARMS IN ODESSA HOST TO FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AND HAUNTED FARM
Striking terror in guests after the sun sets. But there's a dayside aspect of it also. - Virginia Johnson

AVIAN ARTIST APPRECIATES THE WONDER OF BIRDS AT SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY
Tampa Bay History Center partners with Seaside Seabird Sanctuary for Sangria and Stories series with animal ambassadors and avian artist John Costin. - Virginia Johnson

MODEL BUILDER BRINGS CHARM TO LEGOLAND'S BRICK-OR-TREAT
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida offers shows, character meet-and-greets, a decked-out park and candy. - Virginia Johnson

BUSCH GARDENS' HOWL-O-SCREAM COMES EARLY FOR MORE FEAR
This year's event offers more dates, five haunted houses, six scare zones, creepily named treats and new entertainment. - Virginia Johnson

ARTISTS: MULTIPLE JOBS NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL
New Tampa Performing Arts Center offers free inaugural Fall Festival - Virginia Johnson

LARGO DESIGNER USES UNIQUE RAW MATERIALS FOR CORSETS IN DUNEDIN RUNWAY SHOW
Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Marquis event, Wearable Art 17, is scheduled for Aug. 26. - Virginia Johnson

FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER DAY WITH ONE LAST RIDE ON LEGOLAND'S FLYING SCHOOL COASTER
Legoland Florida will retire its Flying School coaster on National Roller Coaster Day — details about its replacement are still under wraps. - Virginia Johnson

ONE WEEK LEFT TO ENJOY THE SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR'S 18TH SHOW IN SARASOTA
The show runs through Aug. 12. - Virginia Johnson

FAIRGROUNDS ST. PETE INTRODUCES NEW MONTHLY 'ART AFTER DARK' EVENT
The immersive art and technology museum will host "Art After Dark" on the third Friday of every month. - Brian Rea

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ESCAPOLOGY
New Escapology location nuzzles up against Margaritaville Resort - Allison Walker

COME FACE TO FACE WITH DINOSAURS AT JURASSIC QUEST IN TAMPA
The traveling exhibition will be at the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend and the next. - Brian Rea

DUNEDIN ARTISTS TO GIVE LIVE ARTS SHOW DEMOS IN PASTEL ON BLACK PAPER
The 34th Professional Association of Visual Artists Cool Art Show offers live art demonstrations at St. Pete Coliseum Art as an act of fun. - Virginia Johnson

'MORE MUSIC, MORE PEACE:' LIFELONG MUSICIAN PASSES ON GIFTS
More than 200 pianists will attend festival. - Virginia Johnson

WORKING WOMEN DIGNIFIED BY RIVERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHER
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts latest exhibition at Tampa International Airport through August 18 - Virginia Johnson

BAY AREA YOUTH WIND BAND ALUMNI REUNITE FOR SUMMER BREEZE CONCERT
The concerts will take place this weekend. - Virginia Johnson

SAXOPHONIST OFFERS TRAINING, ADVICE FOR TEEN MUSICIANS
Jazz intensive workshop at Patel Conservatory will end with Friday, June 30th showcase - Virginia Johnson

INAUGURAL ASL FESTIVAL SATURDAY AT ST. PETE'S COASTAL CREATIVE
American Sign Language Festival in St. Pete at Coastal Creative offers cultural interface between hearing and non-hearing worlds - Virginia Johnson

PLANT PARENT ALERT: USF BOTANICAL GARDENS SUMMER FESTIVAL
It’s time for the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens Summer Plant Festival in Tampa. - Virginia Johnson

BEST IN SHOW HANDLER TRAINS GOLDEN GIRLS
AKC All Breed Dog Show at Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa brings out Westminster winning handler. - Virginia Johnson

UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE HELPED HOTEL TRANSFORM TAMPA SKYLINE
Richard Ellis on the latest exhibition at the Henry B. Plant Museum "Imagined East: Decorative Arts and the Imperial Gaze." - Virginia Johnson

ANNIE STARS VOLUNTEER IN HONOR OF RESCUE CO-STARS
A Tampa actor wraps months of travel on Broadway's Annie, stopping at animal rescues to advocate for her rescue animal co-stars. - Virginia Johnson

EXPERT: FLORIDA TURPENTINE INDUSTRY WEALTH BUILT ON NATURAL RESOURCES, SLAVE LABOR
On the Town visits the Living off the Land exhibit at the Manatee Village Historical Park. - Virginia Johnson

"BIG JOHN" TOWERS AT GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
World's largest unearthed triceratops fossil is on loan to the Glazer Children's Museum for three years - Virginia Johnson