Beach Drive: The Weekender 12/12-12/15


Happy weekend! We know we’re ready for another four days of fun in DTSP. Let loose with some of the best events in the area! This week’s highlights include – Thursday: the Royal Palm Market, Ho Ho Holiday Shop & Stroll, and the Dali’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar. Friday: shuffleboard and clay, music at Green Bench, and the 37th Jingle Bell Run. Saturday: the Second Saturday ArtWalk, an ugly sweater bar crawl, and the St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts. Sunday: yoga and brunch at the Dali, Enchant Christmas, and holiday music by Alex Harris at the Palladium. Have a great weekend, everyone!

THURSDAY 12/12

Fine Art after 5PM: reduced admission to The Dali Museum, MFA & Imagine Museum

Fine art can be pricey. Thursdays after 5PM, visit the Dali for just $10, the Imagine Museum for $5, and the MFA for $10. Have a glass of wine and stroll the museums for the perfect Happy Hour.

More Dali Museum information can be found here.

Museum of Fine Arts information can be found here.

Imagine Museum information can be found here.

Royal Palm Market

Enjoy live music, food, shopping and craft cocktails every Thursday at 6PM under the royal palms of St. Pete! This weekly night market is located right next to Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails and features local artists, boutiques, handmade goods, leather goods, wood burning, clothing & accessories, specialty dog treat vendors, soaps, candles and so much more! Bring the whole family including your pets to this free, weekly event.

Art Show at the Vinoy

Admire the works of local artists in the Vinoy lobby from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Free admission – just head inside the hotel. Check the Facebook page for this week’s featured artist!

Silent Sky at American Stage – 7PM

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours”. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications in this luminous, witty and inspiring true story of a brilliant, history-making woman. Purchase tickets online here.

Enchant Christmas at the Tropicana Field

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field from Nov. 22 – Dec. 29, 2019. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com and guests are encouraged to reserve their desired visit date and time early as tickets are limited throughout the run. Holiday party suite rentals and custom catering are also available now and can be reserved at EnchantChristmas.com.

Ho Ho Holiday Shop & Stroll

Do you need to finish up your holiday shopping? Maybe you just want a good reason to check out the awesome businesses in the Grand Central district. Or maybe you just love a good deal! Don’t miss out on the Ho Ho Holiday Shop & Stroll, happening tonight and tomorrow night!  This two day event includes discounts, raffles, free stuff, and more in nearly 50 Grand Central businesses. Deals range from buy one get one tickets for St. Petersburg Opera Company events, 40% off apothecary candles at Bohemian Rêves, 25% off at Casita Taqueria, and more! For the full list of participating businesses, maps, and other information, visit here.

Holiday Arts + Crafts Bazaar at the Dali

Check out the creations of the Dali’s amazing staff and volunteers at this holiday bazaar! Head to the Raymond James Community Room for original arts & crafts and holiday music. This event is free to enter. All purchases are cash only. The bazaar runs from 4PM to 6PM.

FRIDAY 12/13

Friday Night Clay at Morean Center for Clay

Spend your Friday evening playing in clay at the Morean Center for Clay! Be prepared to get dirty for two hours from 7-9PM. of wheel throwing and hand building. Bring a towel, your favorite beverage, and a group of friends or a date for a fun get-together. You’ll get to select your favorite piece at the end of the night and they will bisque and glaze it for you to bring home. Purchase your tickets for $25 online today.

Friday Nights at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club

It’s not just for the older generation anymore! Join the fun at the world’s largest shuffleboard club to see why this pastime has regained its popularity in the Sunshine City. Free every Friday night from 7PM-11PM, locals and visitors alike flock to this private recreational club. If you’re not sure how to play, have no fear as volunteers are on hand to give you a lesson or two. Bring your own snacks and beverages – local craft beers tend to be a popular choice. There’s often live music or a DJ on-site to keep you shufflin’. Children are welcome and so are well behaved dogs.

Silent Sky at American Stage – 8PM

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours”. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications in this luminous, witty and inspiring true story of a brilliant, history-making woman. Purchase tickets online here.

Enchant Christmas at the Tropicana Field

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field from Nov. 22 – Dec. 29, 2019. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com and guests are encouraged to reserve their desired visit date and time early as tickets are limited throughout the run. Holiday party suite rentals and custom catering are also available now and can be reserved at EnchantChristmas.com.

Park & Rec’s 3rd Anniversary

Head to Park & Rec to celebrate three years of fun! Enjoy drink specials, DJs, games, and more. This event kicks off at 9PM.

Music in the Beer Garden at Green Bench

For a night of live music and fun, check out Green Bench Brewing’s Music in the Beer Garden! performers include Jordan Esker & The Hundred Percent, Viewers Like You, House of I, and New Fang. The show is free, all ages, and happens 8PM to 11PM. For more information and to listen to the bands, visit here.

Boley Centers’ 37th Annual Jingle Bell Run

Boley Centers’ 37th Annual Jingle Bell Run will feature 1,500 luminarias, 15 bands, three glow zones, snow, glow in the dark face paint, glow necklaces, wristbands, an instrument Petting Zoo, Entertainment Revue’s Holiday Dance Performance, Performances by the School of Rock and a hometown band gone national, and of course thousands of merry runners, joggers, walkers and four-legged trotters! Help increase mental health awareness with this year’s three mile family fun run! This event kicks off at 7:30PM in Albert Whitted Park. For registration and more information, visit here.

SATURDAY 12/14

Saturday Morning Market

The Saturday Morning Market is the largest weekly fresh market in the Southeast US, serving around 10,000 customers a week. The market includes 130 vendors, offering everything from fresh produce to homemade soaps to ready-to-eat food from 15 different cultures. The free-to-enter market runs from 9AM to 2PM every Saturday at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Pete.

St. Pete Walking Mural Tour

Hear the inside stories of the making of more than 30 murals found in the Central Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg. The four-block tour begins at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., each Saturday morning at 10AM and concludes at 11:30AM. Call 727-821-7391 or email gallery@FloridaCraftsmen.net to book a tour, which costs $19 for adults and $11 for children. A portion of the proceeds from the tours will be used to fund future murals.

Poolside Yoga and Brunch

If there weren’t enough yoga options for you already, here’s another: poolside yoga at the Hollander Hotel at 8:30 followed by brunch. Salute the sun with Allison Moonbeam Archer then cool off in the Hollander Hotel Downtown St Petersburg’s beautiful pool. All levels are welcome for this slow flow class and mats will be provided as needed. $5 Body Electric monthly and annual members; $10 pre-registered; $15 at the door.

Drag Brunch

Head to the Iberian Rooster’s SubCentral for a morning of food and entertainment! This weekly event starts at 11AM. Drag queens Adriana Sparkle, Nicole T. Lane, and Juno Vibranz bring the fun while you bring your appetite. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Silent Sky at American Stage – 2PM, 8PM

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours”. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications in this luminous, witty and inspiring true story of a brilliant, history-making woman. Purchase tickets online here.

Enchant Christmas at the Tropicana Field

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field from Nov. 22 – Dec. 29, 2019. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com and guests are encouraged to reserve their desired visit date and time early as tickets are limited throughout the run. Holiday party suite rentals and custom catering are also available now and can be reserved at EnchantChristmas.com.

HoneyWhat with Mountain Holler at the Ale and the Witch

Enjoy another live performance in the Ale and the Witch courtyard! Check out HoneyWhat and Mountain Holler from 8PM to 11PM. Don’t forget to check out the fabulous shops nearby!

Second Saturday ArtWalk

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance coordinates St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday ArtWalk with the EDGE DistrictCentral Arts District, the Grand Central DistrictWarehouse Arts District and Waterfront Arts District. Studios and galleries stay open late the second Saturday of every month and welcome visitors from 5-9PM. Hop on and off at 20 free Trolley stops – more than 40 Studios & Galleries and over 200 artists are available for exploration, conversation, purchases and inspiration. ArtWalk is your chance to relax and recharge, visit favorite artists and discover wonderful surprises. And don’t forget – local art makes a great gift!

Holiday Sip & Shop at RockShop

Head to RockShop Fine Gems & Jewelry for its traditional Sip & Shop event! Grab some Christmas gifts, enter a $5 raffle for an 18k diamond necklace, and give back to Heels to Heal. This event happens from 5PM to 9PM.

4th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl

Grab your best tacky sweater and get ready to jingle bell rock! This bar crawl starts at Thirsty First and includes bars like the Crafty Squirrel, Park & Rec, and more. General admission tickets include drink discounts on themed drinks at every bar stop, a Santa hat, and a light up necklace! Tickets start at $17. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts at Williams Park

Enjoy the holiday season in Williams Park for the Annual St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts. Whether you go to find art for your home, office or as gifts for family members or friends, St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts festival has what you seek! Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM.

SUNDAY 12/15

Yoga at The Dali

Come with your yoga mat and get ready to be inspired! Join Lucky Cat Yoga at 10:30 AM every Sunday at The Dali Museum for yoga. Classes are held in the Raymond James Community Room or outside in the Avant-garden, both with incredible views of the waterfront. The cost to participate is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the Member’s desk.

Mimosas & Masterpieces: Brunch at the Dali

Raise a glass to an artistic take on Sunday Fundays at Café Gala with Mimosas & Masterpieces! Enjoy a Catalan-inspired brunch, visit the galleries, stroll the grounds, contemplate the Avant-garden, browse the Museum Store and soak in all the brilliance of the world-famous Dali Museum. Enjoy this inspired brunch between 11AM to 4PM. Visit the Facebook event page here.

Silent Sky at American Stage – 2PM

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours”. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications in this luminous, witty and inspiring true story of a brilliant, history-making woman. Purchase tickets online here.

Enchant Christmas at the Tropicana Field

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field from Nov. 22 – Dec. 29, 2019. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com and guests are encouraged to reserve their desired visit date and time early as tickets are limited throughout the run. Holiday party suite rentals and custom catering are also available now and can be reserved at EnchantChristmas.com.

St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts at Williams Park

Enjoy the holiday season in Williams Park for the Annual St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts. Whether you go to find art for your home, office or as gifts for family members or friends, St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts festival has what you seek! Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM.

Alex Harris Holiday Soul at the Palladium

Check out the Palladium’s Hough Hall for a night of holiday music! From 6PM to 9PM, enjoy some of Harris’ favorite holiday tunes, classic soul songs from Motown, Stax and Atlantic, as well as his original works. Reserved tickets are $20-40 and student tickets are $15 with ID. Buy them here.

MUSEUMS

Beaches, Benches and Boycotts

Beaches, Benches and Boycotts” is an original exhibition of The Florida Holocaust Museum. The focus of most Civil Rights history is written about places like Alabama and Mississippi, as if few challenges occurred elsewhere. Tampa Bay remained racially segregated at the dawn of the Civil Rights era and many local institutions and establishments held out on integration for several years after Brown vs. the Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under “Jim Crow” every aspect of African American life in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and their surrounding cities was segregated. Restricted covenants were in place that segregated residential neighborhoods. African American children had to attend segregated schools that were under-funded and often in disrepair. Blacks could only be cared for at “Black only” hospitals, and other public and private establishments like restaurants and beaches were often segregated – if blacks were allowed in at all. The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay may have had characteristics similar to other areas of the South but its stories are its own. This exhibition will illuminate our region’s struggle with racial equality and shine a light on the local leaders who changed our cities. This exhibit runs through March 1st.

Imagined Realities – Virtual Reality at the Imagine Museum

Check out the newest addition to the Imagine Museum: virtual reality exhibits. With five fun, educational options (Google Tilt Brush, Google Earth VR, The Body VR, Apollo 11 VR, and Overview VR), visitors can create stunning 3D artwork, explore the solar system, or visit studio glass hotspots. Make 20 minute reservations online or at the front desk. The Apollo 11 exhibit is available at a reduced $5 price for the month of July and all other exhibits are available for $10 each. This runs from 5PM to 7:40PM on Thursdays and 10:30AM to 4:30PM on Saturdays.

The Grasshopper and The Ant and Other Stories: A New Installation By Jennifer Angus at the Museum of Fine Arts

Jennifer Angus (b. 1961), one of the most important installation artists working in contemporary art today, challenges our perceptions and expectations by working in an unusual medium: dried, exotic insects. She creates dramatic and startlingly beautiful effects by incorporating large, brilliantly-colored insects into elaborate patterns inspired by Victorian wallpaper and nineteenth-century book illustration. For this immersive, MFA-commissioned project, Angus will use Aesop’s fable ‘The Grasshopper and the Ant’ as its starting point. This exhibition will run through January 5th.

Midnight in Paris at the Dalí

When Salvador Dalí & Luis Buñuel’s film Un chien Andalou premiered in the City of Light, Paris was an avant-garde hothouse rife with artistic conflict and friendly rivalry. Midnight in Paris: Surrealism at the Crossroads, 1929 immerses visitors in this particularly rich and vital creative era by examining the works, friendships and clashes of Jean Arp, André Breton, Luis Buñuel, Alexander Calder, Giorgio de Chirico, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Francis Picabia, Man Ray, Yves Tanguy and others. This exhibit runs through April 5th.

About the author

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Gina Marks

Gina is a graduate of the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, with a love of all things writing and St. Pete-themed. Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, she moved with her family to Florida in 2009 and has been in love ever since. When she's not studying or working, she spends her time reading, writing, and working on her fashion blog, ellisfashionco.com.


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