Beach Drive: The Weekender 7/4-7/7


Happy holiday weekend! It’s America’s 243rd birthday this year, so be sure to celebrate in style. This 4th has a Rays game (against the Yankees – go figure!), a MFA Cafe buffet, and fireworks across the Bay! The rest of the weekend is just as exciting. Friday is First Friday (our favorite Friday of the month!) and also includes free shuffleboard as well as a stop by Grammy winner Rob Thomas at the Mahaffey. Saturday brings even more to the weekend with pilates in the Chihuly garden, Intermezzo’s half Christmas party, and the debut of the Tampa Bay Jazz All-Stars. Sunday wraps up the fun with yoga, afternoon tea, and a mural painting pool party at the Hollander. Have a safe, happy Fourth of July weekend (and remember, keep your pets safe from fireworks!).

THURSDAY 7/4

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.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays vs. Yankees, 5:10PM

Spend your 4th of July cheering on your team in the Great American sport of baseball! The Rays face off against the Yankees in Tropicana Field starting at 5:10PM. After the game, head to the waterfront to enjoy a fireworks show!

12th Annual Fireworks Buffet

Looking for a place to enjoy the 4th of July inside? The Museum of Fine Arts Cafe hosts its 12th annual Fireworks Buffet this Thursday from 6:30PM-9PM. Enjoy music from The Rebekah Pulley Twosome, art, and delicious food. Dinner is $46 for adults, $23 for children under 12. Reservations are strongly encouraged – call (727) 822-1032 to save your spot.

Fireworks Across the Bay

Head downtown to the waterfront to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show! Fireworks begin at 9PM. For a more comprehensive list of firework hotspots in the area, check this out!

FRIDAY 7/5

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 7-11 p.m., 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.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays vs. Yankees, 7:10 p.m.

Watch the Rays take on the Rangers 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.

Rob Thomas Chip Tooth Tour

Grammy award-winning artist Rob Thomas comes to St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater this summer! The Chip Tooth Tour, with opening act Abby Anderson, stops in the Tampa Bay area July 5th. This tour celebrates the release of Thomas’s newest album, Chip Tooth Smile.

Tickets start at $64 and are available here.

First Friday St. Pete

Sponsored by Titos, Yuengling, and the Tampa Bay Rays, this month’s First Friday is one to love! With live music by Southern Express, over 15 vendors, and specials at restaurants like Red Mesa Cantina, the Crafty Squirrel, and Craft Kafe, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The celebration happens between 2nd and 3rd Street on Central Avenue from 5:30PM to 10PM.

SATURDAY 7/6

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.

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).

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays vs. Yankees, 4:10 p.m.

Watch the Rays take on the Rangers 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.

Bourbon, Blues & BBQ

URBAN Brew and BBQ turns six this Saturday! Celebrate with a $12 all-you-can-eat buffet and $12 all-you-can-drink draft beers from the outdoor bar – as well as bourbon tasting (featuring Horse Soldier!), cocktail specials, and games for everyone. The event runs from 11AM to 12AM.

8th Annual Tampa Bay Etsy Crew Etsy Craft Party

Head to the St. Petersburg Coliseum for an afternoon of crafts and fun! With two dozen live skill demonstrations and make-and-take projects for everyone, it’s a DIY connoisseur’s dream. Admission is free! The event runs from 11:30AM to 4PM.

Beer Slushie Party

Check out St. Pete Brewing Company for delicious summer drinks! The party features sour beer slushies using raspberry and watermelon Berliner. Enjoy this hot weather treat starting at 1PM.

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.

2nd Annual Half Christmas Party

Who says we have to wait six more months to celebrate Christmas? Intermezzo hosts its second installment of the Half Christmas Party this Saturday from 7PM to 12AM. Come dressed in your holiday best to dance, eat, and savor Christmas-themed goodies. Featuring a popup by Pizza Bruno and music by DJ Sugarbear.

The Tampa Bay Jazz All-Stars (Off Beach)

Erik Hempel presents The Tampa Bay Jazz All Stars, an All-Star Jazz Big Band composed of the best college and select high school musicians that Tampa Bay Area has to offer! The concert will be held at the SPC Music Center located on the Gibbs Campus and starts at 7:00 PM. Student Tickets can be purchased for $10 with student ID. General admission is $20 and can be purchased here.

To read more about the All-Stars, check this out!

SUNDAY 7/7

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.

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Rays vs. Yankees, 1:10 p.m.

Watch the Rays take on the Rangers 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.

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.

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.

Mural Pool Party

Join the Hollander Hotel as local artist Melanie Posner beautifies the space with a new mural! DJs Boomerang and Austen Van Der Bleek bring music to spice everything up. And don’t forget to check out live screen printings of Melanie’s work by WovePrint.Co! The party kicks off at 1PM and ends at 5PM. No cover, 18+.

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 28thThe 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.

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.

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.

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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