Celebrate

Food + drink specials

• “Bigfoot Meets Star Wars” | Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6 | 12 p.m.-12 a.m. | Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Check out Tim Gibbons’ monster movie mish-mash featuring R2D2, Chewie, and Bigfoot.
• “Ain’t Too Proud” | Thursday, May 4-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $44-$145 | This musical follows the Temptations from their start in Detroit to worldwide fame.
• Pirates vs. Rays | Thursday, May 4 | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $10-$155 | Grab a ballpark frank and watch the Rays take on Pittsburgh.

• 6th Annual Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl | Friday, May 5 | 4-11 p.m. | Ybor City, 1700 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa | $20-$25 | Bring friends along for a bar crawl through three Tampa districts — your ticket gets you a welcome shot and five shots at bars of your choice.
• Riverfest | Friday, May 5-Saturday, May 6 | Times vary | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | Free | Listen to tribute bands, let lanterns fly, and watch the wiener dog derby.

• Taste of Water Street: A Day at the Races | Saturday, May 6 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Raybon Plaza, 536 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Free | Head to Water Street for Mint Juleps aplenty, plus Derby snacks, entertainment, and games.

• 2023 Emerging Artist Exhibition | Sunday, May 7 | 12-5 p.m. | The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo | Free | Check out art from ten local emerging creators.

• USF just received an $8 million grant to help K-12 schools in Hillsborough, Hernando, and Manatee tackle mental health issues. The school will run two projects with the funds — one deploying graduate students to schools + another creating a framework for counselors. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• The Tampa Convention Center is set to reopen in late June following its $38 million renovation. The transformation includes new ADA ramps, environmentally-friendly LED lighting to the Tampa Riverwalk, and 18 new waterfront offices. (That’s So Tampa)

• The Rays’ 21-5 record has shaken things up at the Trop. Tomorrow, May 5, the upper deck seating will open for the first time in five years. Plus, “Randy Land,” a special ticketed zone in left field, will open for Randy Arozarena’s fans — just in time for this weekend’s series against the Yankees. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• TPA nearly doubled its count of international travelers since January 2022, according to Hillsborough County data. One potential factor could be that the airport tripled its number of nonstop international flights over the past 12 years. (WFLA)

• Mark your calendars, TBAY. The 2023 Fringe Festival is taking over Ybor’s Kress Collective from Wednesday, May 10-Sunday, May 11. Prepare for more than 30 one-hour performances, including comedy, music, and shows for kids. Grab your seat. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

• Welcome to town, Zipperz Bar. Gulfport’s newest watering hole (4918 22nd Ave.) is open from 10-2:30 a.m. The LGBTQ+ friendly bar promises a laid back atmosphere with entertainment options like live music, pool, and Skee-Ball. (I Love the Burg)
• Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.**

• Did you know that St. Pete residents can waive 35 cents off their ParkMobile transaction fee when parking downtown? Simply email in two of the following documents: valid photo ID, vehicle residential proof, or proof of residency. (St. Pete Extra)

• 10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

• Embrace the benefits of cold therapy and transport yourself to the icy planet of Hoth. Take a refreshing dip in the ice bath plunge at Shangri-La Bath & Sauna.
• Embark on a Tatooine-inspired desert adventure by visiting one of TBAY’s secret beaches like Sand Key Park (1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater). Pro tip: Grab your squad and play a game of Spikeball at sunset.
• Make believe you’re in the lush forests of Endor by hiking or biking through the densely wooded trails of Lettuce Lake Park.
• Imagine you’ve landed on the water world of Kamino and unleash your inner Jedi by paddleboarding with Tampa’s Urban Kai. Or grab a jet ski at Bada Big Water Sports in the Burg. Looking for a water park outing? We got you.