Happy weekend, St. Pete! We have the best places to be in Downtown St. Pete this weekend for you. This week’s highlights include – Thursday: the Royal Palm Market, art at the Vinoy, and a Tarantino-themed fundraiser for Gimme Shelter animal rescue. Friday: free shuffleboard, the 40th annual Hunger Free auction, and an amateur bartender contest at the James Museum. Saturday: two brunch options, two bar crawl options, and day one of the Morean Arts Center’s BIG INK event. Sunday: yoga and brunch at the Dali, yoga and bagels at Station House, and a 90s pool party. Have a fabulous weekend, St. Pete!
THURSDAY 9/26
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!
Pup Fiction Fundraiser
Support local animal rescue Gimme Shelter by celebrating the movies of Quentin Tarantino. Head to the Vinoy Sunset Ballroom for a costume party with attitude. Come dressed as one of Tarantino’s countless iconic characters OR cocktail attire. The super fly DJ Don P Rowe will be featuring Tarantino soundtracks, as well as a heavy dose of funk, soul, and vintage hip-hop. There will be amazing food and cocktails inspired by Pulp Fiction, including the Big Kahuna slider station, the Sailor Jerry Shakes with a kick, and the Mr. Wolf martini. There will be a Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest, vampire go-go dancers, a silent auction, and other fun activities. 100% of the proceeds will benefit sick and abandoned animals in the care of Gimme Shelter Pet Adoption and Rescue Pink. This event runs from 7PM to 11PM. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
FRIDAY 9/27
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.
Imagine Museum After Hours: An Evening in Paris with the Nate Najar Trio
Reserve your tickets now for an evening in Paris with the Nate B Najar featuring his album Under Paris Skies A carefully curated unique eclectic variety of pop, jazz and classical songs rarely re-imagined by American jazz artists. There will be free lite bites till 7:30pm, an extended menu for purchase all evening, and a cash bar. This event runs from 6:30PM to 9PM. Free for members, $10 for children (over six) and college students, $13 for seniors and military, and $15 for adults. Tickers here.
Hunger Free St. Pete
Support the St. Petersburg Free Clinic for the 40th annual Hunger Free auction! Luncheon guests receive
a simple meal and participate in an educational element that illustrates the challenges faced by our hungry neighbors. Funds benefit the clinic in their work towards local food programs that feed 55,000 individuals each month. This event runs from 11:45AM to 1PM. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased (with other donation options available) here.
Saloon Showdown at the James Museum
Who’s the fastest shot in the West? Find out at Saloon Showdown, our signature party and amateur bartending competition. Feel free to don saloon or western-style wear as you enjoy food, drink tasting, a live DJ, dancing, and more! This event runs from 7:30PM to 10PM. Tickets are $40 for non-members and $35 for members and can be purchased here.
SATURDAY 9/28
Williams Park 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.
Bootcamp & Brews at 3 Daughters Brewing (Off Beach)
Game of Fitness brings a bootcamp to 3 Daughters Brewing on the fourth Saturday of every month! Get ready to sweat with a one hour, high intensity workout starting at 11AM. and stay after for a well earned beer. All levels are welcome. Cost: $10 for nonmembers, $5 for members, & $15 at the door.
Bourbon Trail Bar Crawl
Bourbon lovers, rejoice – there’s a bourbon-themed bar crawl just for you. Hit up DTSP from 12PM to 6PM for the Bourbon Trail Bar Crawl! Tickets are $25 and will include Bourbon passport, a bourbon tasting flight at Crafty Squirrel, discounted bourbon cocktails at participating bars, and the first 100 people to arrive will receive a swag bag. For a list of participating bars and tickets, visit here.
2nd Annual Wizard Pub Crawl
Calling all Wizards, Witches, and Muggles in St. Pete! The 2nd Annual Wizards Pub Crawl invites you to celebrate wizardry, drink potions, and party all night long. Get wristband-only access to several bars on the list, exclusive drink specials, a signature wand and more! General admission is $22.50 in advance, $25 day-of, and VIP is $37.50-40. Buy them here. Check in at Thirsty First from 5-8PM (VIP) or 6-8PM (general admission) – have a friend check you in before 8pm if you can’t make on time.
Masterworks: Opening Night
Michael Francis opens the season with Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Grieg’s Piano Concerto, and Beethoven’s Leonore Overture. Don’t miss Opening Night at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete on Sept. 28th at 8PM. Tickets here.
BIG INK at the Morean Arts Center
Never has the saying “Print Isn’t Dead” been more poignant than in the case of a newly minted partnership between local arts organization the Morean Arts Center and BIG INK. To mark the occasion the Morean Arts Center is hosting a two-day event, Sept 28 & 29, 2019, celebrating works on paper at their gallery located at 719 Central Ave in St. Petersburg. There will be hands-on demonstrations and the opportunity to witness the printing of monumental woodblock prints carved by artists from throughout the region. This event runs from 11AM to 4PM Saturday and Sunday.
SUNDAY 9/29
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.
BIG INK at the Morean Arts Center
Never has the saying “Print Isn’t Dead” been more poignant than in the case of a newly minted partnership between local arts organization the Morean Arts Center and BIG INK. To mark the occasion the Morean Arts Center is hosting a two-day event, Sept 28 & 29, 2019, celebrating works on paper at their gallery located at 719 Central Ave in St. Petersburg. There will be hands-on demonstrations and the opportunity to witness the printing of monumental woodblock prints carved by artists from throughout the region. This event runs from 11AM to 4PM Saturday and Sunday.
Rooftop Yoga and Bagels
Wake up with yoga led by Kelsey Wooten from Within. Yoga and bagels from Pete’s General! One hour of all-levels, family friendly yoga. Bagels/spread*/OJ will be served after class! Free parking outside of Station House. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early. There is limited space available, so be sure to book your spot here ($17 per person). This event starts at 9AM.
Oktoberfest at 3 Daughters Brewing (Off Beach)
Jaunt to 3 Daughters Brewing for the ultimate Oktoberfest celebration. Festivities include a costume contest (time to dust off those lederhosen!), stein hoisting competition, and much more! Tickets include a custom 3 Daughters Brewing Stein, two drink tickets and food. Happening September 29 from 1PM to 6PM. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.
90s Rewind Pool Party
Booyah! Get your 90s on this Sunday, September 29th from 1pm-5pm. Invite your pool crew and have a hella good time! Music by DJ Lance. This event is 21+ and runs from 1PM to 5PM. No cover!
MUSEUMS
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.
This exhibit now includes a second component: La Tauromaquia. “La Tauromaquia” (1816) is a suite of prints depicting the evolution and history of bullfighting on the Iberian Peninsula. Goya created “La Tauromaquia” between 1815 and 1816, at the age of 69. “Los Caprichos”, a series he had created previously, served as visual criticism on subjects concerning war, superstition, and contemporary Spanish society generally, including anticlerical scenes. Because of their sensitive subjects, few people had seen these works during Goya’s lifetime. Bullfighting was not politically sensitive, and the series was published in an edition of 320—for sale individually or in sets—without incident. It did not meet with critical or commercial success. The artist focuses on the violent scenes that take place in the bullring and the daring movements of the bullfighters. The events are not presented as they are viewed by a viewer in the stands, but in a more direct way.
“Flavors of Spain: Photos by Chef Chuck Bandel”
The Dalí Museum presents an exhibition featuring food photography and behind-the-scenes looks at restaurant life by Café Gala Chef Chuck Bandel. Bandel’s trips to northern Spain in the summers of 2017 and 2018 allowed him to study in Catalonia at Chef Paco Pérez’s 2 Michelin star restaurant, Miramar, and in the outskirts of the Basque town of San Sebastian at the Restaurante Martin Berasategui. Find this exhibit in the Raymond James Community Room.
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.
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.
