Beach Drive: The Weekender 12/19-12/22


We’re ready for another DTSP weekend! We’re sure you are, too. Close off this week the right way with some of the best events in Tampa Bay. Highlights include – Thursday: the Royal Palm Market, Cocktails & Collections at the MFA, and Night Market St. Pete. Friday: shuffleboard and clay, Enchant Christmas, and a Christmas show at the Mahaffey. Saturday: the Saturday Morning Market, Indie Flea at Bandit, the 2019 Holizaar at The Studio@620. Sunday: yoga and brunch at the Dali, Silent Sky, and live music at the Ale and the Witch. Have a great weekend!

THURSDAY 12/19

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.

Songs Around a Christmas Tree at Miracle at Mezzo

For a night of live Christmas music and fun, head to Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails! From 7PM to 10PM, enjoy a live holiay performance by J.T. Brown.

Cocktails & Collections at the Museum of Fine Arts

Cocktails & Collections, held on the third Thursday of each month, is a series of themed events focusing on one of the MFA galleries or special exhibitions. Enjoy live music, a customized docent tour, light bites and art-inspired signature cocktails, all inspired by the different works & artists.

Free for MFA Members, $20 For Not-Yet Members – (members must register and log in to receive discount).

Cash bar after first cocktail.

The Isley Brothers at the Mahaffey

For more than 60 years, The Isley Brothers have received acclaim as “the rocking soulful legends who started it all.” The iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Grammy award-winning artists will bring the inspiring sounds of soul and classic R&B to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. This tour celebrates 60 years of the brothers’ first gold single, “Shout,” which is a frequently covered classic. Award-winning soul-singer Ronald Isley and guitarist extraordinaire Ernie Isley share the stage in this celebration. The show begins at 7:30PM and tickets start at $25. Buy them here.

Night Market St. Pete

Right in time for some last min. holiday shopping, Night Market St Pete is back with 50 local craft vendors, DJ, food and bar! Kid and pet friendly. Located in the Warehouse Arts District next door to 3 Daughters Brewing and many other shops, bars, breweries and more. This market runs from 6PM to 10PM.

FRIDAY 12/20

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.

Handel’s Messiah at the Mahaffey

For nearly 300 years, one work has brought audiences to their feet in the ultimate celebration of holiday joy: Handel’s Messiah, with its divine “Hallelujah” chorus. Michael Francis conducts, featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, just days before Christmas. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased here. The show starts at 8PM.

SATURDAY 12/21

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.

Free December SNOW-ga at Sundial

Sundial encourages you to get a head start, or headstand, on your New Year’s fitness goals by participating in our FREE Saturday morning yoga on Saturday, December 21st from 9-10 AM. We hear SNOW is in the forecast at the end of class! Check in begins at 8:30AM.

7th Annual Lighted Holiday Bike Parade

Light up your bikes and join us Saturday night on December 21st for a leisurely, lighted, holiday bike ride through Old NE! This ride will be approximately 3-4 miles. Meet in Flora Wylie Park parking lot- on Beach Dr NE, just north of the tennis and volley ball courts. Ride a pre-planned route through the streets of Old NE to gaze in amazement at all of the wonderfully decorated homes. Stick around afterwards for some tasty beverages too as the parade ends the ride at a favorite local watering hole.
Come dressed up in your best holiday gear and make sure your bike is lit up as well! Sign the waiver here. Parade begins at 6:30PM.

Holiday Handmade Indie Flea at Bandit

Indie Flea teams up with Bandit Coffee Co. for a morning of holiday shopping! There will be handmade goods for sale as well as music, brunch, coffee and drinks! Free and dog friendly at the faire and on patio. This market runs from 11AM to 3PM.

Holizaar 2019 at The Studio@620

The 12th annual Holizaar: Handmade Holiday Bazaar will be held at The Studio@620 on Saturday December 21, 2019 from 11 AM – 5 PM. This event features two dozen carefully curated vendors perfect for your holiday shopping! Admission is free and open to the public.

SUNDAY 12/22

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.

Betty Fox Band Good Sunday Revue at the Ale and the Witch

Check out the Ale and the Witch courtyard from 4-7PM! Take a break from the holiday craziness for some good old soul and blues music performed live by the Betty Fox Band. Their newly recorded CD “Peace in Pieces” can be purchased here during the Concert (great gift for someone or even for yourself).

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

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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