Beach Drive: The Weekender 8/1-8/4


Not only did you survive another week, you survived another month! Somehow, it’s already August. Time flies when you’re having fun in Downtown St. Pete! This weekend’s featured events are here. Thursday: The Royal Palm Market, Queens of Pop night at the Crafty Squirrel, and National IPA Day at the Ale and the Witch. Friday: Friday Night Clay at Morean Center for Clay, free shuffleboard at St. Pete Shuffle, and First Friday. Saturday: pilates and pop up barre classes, Brocante Market, and a tribute to Jerry Garcia at The Ale and the Witch. Sunday: Mimosas and Masterpieces at the Dali, Rays VS Marlins, and Afternoon Tea at the Merchant. Find all these and more below with this week’s rendition of The Weekender. Enjoy!

THURSDAY 8/1

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.

Fun Home – 7PM

GROW UP. OUT LOUD. Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark piece of theatre can. This groundbreaking and life-affirming new musical was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike and garnering five Tony Awards.

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages. We follow her as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood in this refreshingly honest and intimate musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Head to American Stage to watch Fun Home come to life on select nights from July 17 – August 18. This weekend includes showings Thursday through Sunday. Tickets here.

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 event page to see this week’s featured artist!

Queens of Pop at the Crafty Squirrel

This installment of the Crafty Squirrel’s theme nights features iconic female pop stars! Dance the night away to hits by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, P!nk, Taylor Swift, and more, spun by DJ 5 Day Forecast. The night also features Prosecco Pong games (with prizes!), $15 bottles of Martini & Rossi prosecco, and themed drinks like the Shake It Off or Genie in a Bottle. This event runs from 9PM to 1AM.

National IPA Day at The Ale and the Witch

First declared in 2011, August 1st is National IPA Day! Celebrate with $5 IPA taps all day long at The Ale and the Witch. The list of available IPAs will be available that day. The Ale and the Witch is open from 4PM to 11PM on Thursdays.

FRIDAY 8/2

Yoga for Lunch at Station House

Unwind and renew with a mid-day Yoga break! A soulful exploration of the body and mind will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the rest of your day, and the weekend ahead.  In the heart of downtown St. Pete, join us for a 45 minutes flow that will get your blood pumping, body moving and soul squealing for joy! Starts at 12pm.

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.

Fun Home – 8PM

GROW UP. OUT LOUD. Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark piece of theatre can. This groundbreaking and life-affirming new musical was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike and garnering five Tony Awards.

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages. We follow her as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood in this refreshingly honest and intimate musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Head to American Stage to watch Fun Home come to life on select nights from July 17 – August 18. This weekend includes showings Thursday through Sunday. Tickets here.

First Friday St. Pete

Celebrate every First Friday of the month in St. Pete with a free block party complete with live music and dancing! The action goes down between 2nd and 3rd streets on Central Ave. from 5:30PM to 10PM.

SATURDAY 8/3

Saturday Morning Market

Check out this week’s rendition of St. Pete’s favorite way to say good morning. It’s full of all of the goods – and eats – to make your Saturday morning sweet. Stop by Williams Park between 9AM and 1PM.

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.

Fun Home – 2PM and 8PM

GROW UP. OUT LOUD. Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark piece of theatre can. This groundbreaking and life-affirming new musical was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike and garnering five Tony Awards.

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages. We follow her as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood in this refreshingly honest and intimate musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Head to American Stage to watch Fun Home come to life on select nights from July 17 – August 18. This weekend includes showings Thursday through Sunday. Tickets here.

Pilates at the Chihuly

Want to work out in the beautiful Chihuly garden? Now’s your chance! Join the Body Center St. Pete at 9:30AM to get your pilates on. Bring a pilates mat (or a thick yoga mat), $15 (or preregister here), and start your day off right! Attendees also will enjoy discounts to places like the Rawk Star Cafe (right next door to the museum).

Pop Up Pure Barre Class

Want to experience barre fitness? Head to the Palm Yard (by the Baum Avenue Market) for a FREE pop up class! This class runs from 9AM to 10AM. Sign up here.

Brocante Market

Explore 15,000 sq feet of vintage treasure finds at this monthly market in St. Pete! This true vendor-run market has an amazing variety and selection of vintage items unlike anywhere else. Grab your next vintage find the first weekend of each month from 9AM-7PM on Saturday and 9AM-5PM on Sunday at 2200 2nd Ave S in St. Pete.

Murder at the Bourbon Club

The year is 1950 and it’s a night like any other at Bourbon Jazz Club, the hottest of hot spots for the local glitterati, the biggest celebrities and those who want to join them. The guest list is exclusive and the patrons happy. In short, it’s the place to be, and is renowned the world over as one of the world’s premier lounge clubs. People are dying to get in – one man quite literally! Mitzi, the club’s headliner, takes the stage and has just begun her first song when a scream rings out. A man has been found murdered! The doors are quickly locked and everyone is contained, and will remain within the doors of the club until the murderer is discovered…

Head over to the Iberian Rooster for an interactive Murder Mystery night! Hosted by the Twisted 6, this event will be sure to thrill. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. The event runs from 6PM to 9PM.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays VS Marlins, 6:10PM

Watch the Rays face off against the Miami Marlins this weekend! Come see them take the field in downtown St. Pete at Tropicana Field, recently revamped with a First Base Food Hall where fans can get a taste of local bars & restaurants. And after, enjoy the neighboring Edge District, which is lined with local and authentic breweries, shops and restaurants. Tickets here.

Joni Hearts Nick: The Music of Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake

Enjoy the Florida Björkestra’s renditions of music by the talented musicians of Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake. Original FL Bjorkestra members Daniel Navarro on bass and Dave Hamar on drums return from touring the US with Mandy Harvey, joining Jeremy Douglass, Ed Woltil and Whitney James (and a small army of special guests from the larger ensemble) for an intimate performance in Palladium’s Side Door. The show starts at 8PM. Tickets are $40 reserved, $20 advanced general admission, and $24 day-of general admission. Buy them here.

An Acoustical Evening Tribute to Jerry Garcia

Head to The Ale and the Witch courtyard for an evening of music honoring Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, performed by The Florida Mountain Boys. The show is free and all ages.

SUNDAY 8/4

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.

Fun Home – 2PM

GROW UP. OUT LOUD. Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark piece of theatre can. This groundbreaking and life-affirming new musical was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike and garnering five Tony Awards.

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages. We follow her as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood in this refreshingly honest and intimate musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Head to American Stage to watch Fun Home come to life on select nights from July 17 – August 18. This weekend includes showings Thursday through Sunday. Tickets here.

Brocante Market

Explore 15,000 sq feet of vintage treasure finds at this monthly market in St. Pete! This true vendor-run market has an amazing variety and selection of vintage items unlike anywhere else. Grab your next vintage find the first weekend of each month from 9AM-7PM on Saturday and 9AM-5PM on Sunday at 2200 2nd Ave S in St. Pete.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays VS Marlins, 1:10PM

Watch the Rays face off against the Miami Marlins this weekend! Come see them take the field in downtown St. Pete at Tropicana Field, recently revamped with a First Base Food Hall where fans can get a taste of local bars & restaurants. And after, enjoy the neighboring Edge District, which is lined with local and authentic breweries, shops and restaurants. Tickets here.

Afternoon Tea at the Merchant

Head to The Merchant for a traditional British afternoon tea featuring three courses of local TeBella teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and local artisan chocolate. Tickets are $38.50 and available here.

MUSEUMS

A Feast for the Eyes Exhibition at Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete

Dreamy landscapes and luscious still life paintings from one of the world’s greatest private collections join together in A Feast for the Eyes: European Masterpieces from the Grasset Collection. This stunning exhibition will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete from March 23rd through July 28th. The exhibition features 40 of the finest Old Master paintings by artists from the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Germany -including Jan Brueghel the Elder and Canaletto, one of the greatest view painters of all time represented here with an iconic view of Venice.The works span from 1600 to 1750. The collection is on loan from the Grasset family of Spain, whose patriarch assembled this group of masterpieces. This exhibit has been extended through September 2nd.

Straighten Up The World at the Museum of Fine Arts

This exhibition brings together works from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts that display the prowess and innovation stemming from self-taught artistic practices from the American south. Purvis Young used cast-off materials to capture scenes and portraits of people he saw in his inner-city Overtown neighborhood of Miami, noting “I paint them all kinds of ways…some people protesting, some happy, some white, some are black, green or purple. People that think like me. Different kinds of people trying to straighten up the world.” These artists face severe socio-political inequalities, including poverty and systemic racism, and yet created transformational artworks from materials that could easily be overlooked.  A number of their works call for change, as seen explicitly in Ned Cartledge’s Freedom is Not Free (1995). Others portray family life and religious imagery, and many, as in the work of Lonnie Holley, embody the shrewd repurposing of materials and modes of improvisation. This exhibit runs through September 9th.

Above the Fold: New Expressions in Origami at the Museum of Fine Arts

The “Above the Fold” exhibition demonstrates the extraordinary power and potential of contemporary origami. Paper is transformed into breathtaking sculpture, large-scale installations and conceptual works that express contemporary social, political, and aesthetic ideas. Visionary master folders—such as Erik Demaine and Martin Demaine (Canada/USA), Vincent Floderer (France), Miri Golan (Israel), Paul Jackson (UK/Israel), Dr. Robert J. Lang (USA), Sipho Mabona (Switzerland/South Africa), Yuko Nishimura (Japan), and Richard Sweeney (UK)—push the boundaries of paper as a medium for creating bold and sophisticated works. The exhibition celebrates these artists who are redefining a traditional Japanese craft as a modern global genre and inventing unexpected forms of artistic expression. This exhibit runs through September 29th.

Before Dali: Goya – Visions and Inventions

Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) is one of the most important Spanish artists of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, celebrated for his revolutionary paintings, drawings and engravings. Goya’s life and works deeply influenced Salvador Dali in his early years, and are considered by many scholars to be the basis for “modern” art, bridging Classicism and Romanticism. Before Dali: Goya – Visions & Inventions, sponsored by Tampa International Airport,  features two alternating suites of first-edition prints, published in Goya’s lifetime, alongside three significant paintings representing unique themes of Goya’s works. The works are on loan from the Meadows Museum, Dallas, TX, home of one of the most substantial collections of Goya. This exhibit runs through November 3rd.

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.

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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