Support Us Button Widget

SharkCon comes to Tampa Bay

Celebrate Shark Week with expert panels, a “Jaws” showing, and a live podcast session.

Snapinsta.app_317229212_121440043922675_1555334405409159179_n_1080.jpg

Plus, you can pose with sharks, shark teeth, and other cool fossils at the event.

Photo via @shark_con

Table of Contents

*Insert “Jaws” opening score*

Shark Week — the weeklong Discovery Channel event + the country’s weeklong Shark obsession — is almost here, TBAY. You may not have spotted one of Tampa Bay’s hammerheads or bull sharks, but now’s your chance to learn about them. SharkCon, an entire weekend devoted to the oceanic creatures, is booked for this Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 US-301, Tampa).

The convention features a plethora of panels with researchers and shark experts on topics like “Glowing Ninja Sharks,” and a live “My Shark Podcast” session. Plus, there will be a 3D “Jaws” showing and photo opps with the movie’s cast.

Saturday

  • Dr. Dave Gallo, an oceanographer, documentary contributor, and TED speaker
  • Dr. Mike Heithaus, an FIU dean, professor, and researcher focusing on “predator-prey interactions and the ecological importance of sharks”
  • Jillian Morris, a shark conservationist.

Sunday

  • Dr. Joseph Dituri — otherwise known as “Dr. Deep Sea”
  • Paul Cox, the CEO of Shark Trust
  • Dr. Gisele Montano, a research associate at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens take the stage.

Tickets start at $5 for kids and $20 for adults.

    Events
    Hunt for Tootsie Rolls, Kit Kats, and tricks across Tampa, St. Pete, Dunedin, and the rest of TBAY.
    Sponsored
    Get your head in the game and learn everything you need to know about TBAY’s sports scene.
    From pop legends to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to see this year in the Tampa Bay area.
    Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
    Embrace the changing of the season with these festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, and other fall-themed events.
    Do you remember the 21st night of September? Join us on a trip down memory lane to see what TBAY residents were up to this week throughout the years.
    Take a look at the latest Broadway shows, live shows, comedy, and orchestra performances coming to the Tampa venue over the next several months.
    We asked our readers for their hottest summer songs and turned them into your new favorite playlist.
    Take your pick of celebrations across the Tampa Bay area, from a water ski show and baseball game to an apple pie-eating contest.