Folks ages seven and up work with a glassblowing coach for 30-minute or hour-long sessions to make individual pieces like ornaments, pumpkins, candy dishes, and garden globes.
Pro tip: Book a hot glass date night for two for $225.
Travel writer Kat Anderson works on a wine glass at Zen Glass Studio.
If you teach a man to fish... This local stained-glass studio offers five-week beginner’s and nighttime classes that prepare you to create your own glass works of art at home — on your own.
Choose from more than 60 patterns for your design + then learn how to finish your stained-glass panel.
Calling all stained glass aficiandos. This contemporary glass studio offers sessions on crafting suncatchers, glass art mosaics, and Tiffany-style panels — private classes are also available.
Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf | Tuesday, July 4 | 4-9:30 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Free | Take in the annual Blessing of the Fleet, the boat parade and water ski show, DJ performances, food, drinks, and fireworks.
St. Pete Pier’s The Fourth | Tuesday, July 4 | 4-10 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Tow the whole family along for a market, family fun zone, food trucks, a craft beer garden, and live music — fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Freedom Fest | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-9:15 p.m. | SS American Victory, 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $0-$14 | Watch Tampa’s fireworks show from the deck of a WWII American Victory Ship + enjoy food trucks, dancing, and activities for the kiddos.
Fourth of July BBQ Party | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-11 p.m. | The Jerk Hut, 1241 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $13.45 | Dance to tunes by DJ Kirky C and chow down on barbecue on the patio.
Wednesday, July 5
Sunset Yoga at St. Pete Pier | Wednesday, July 5, Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 7-8 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | The Body Electric Yoga Company leads a practice for all skill levels — register to score 10% off your bill at the Pier’s Driftwood Cafe.
Thursday, July 6
The Zachary Bartholomew Trio | Thursday, July 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $25-$45 | The award-winning pianist and his trio perform compositions from two influential jazz composers + some of their own material.
Friday, July 7
“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” Album Release Party | Friday, July 7 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Orpheum, 1915 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa | $20 | Rock out to “Speak Now” in its entirety among fellow Swifties, trade friendship bracelets, and buy limited-edition merch — limited tickets left.
So long, Big Rig. The Lightning traded forward Pat Maroon to the Minnesota Wild late Sunday night — in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. The move also frees up salary space for the Bolts. (ESPN)
Show
Bring on the tunes. Tampa’s Summer Series kicks off this Friday, July 7 at 8:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Stop by for a set from rockers Have Gun, Will Travel, followed by weekend shows by Josh Gluck & The Family Tree and In The Pocket. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Opening
EnnYe, a new boutique featuring African fabric clothes + accessories, is now open (300 Beach Dr. NE, Suite #111, St. Pete). The shop mostly stocks designs from Zimbabwe and other Southern African nations.Take a peek at the wares. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Today Is
Independence Day. America has been celebrating this day for 247 years since the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776. Round up the kids, friends, or just yourself, and head to Armature Works or the St. Pete Pier for the festivities.
Closed
Nash’s Hot Chicken has closed its doors for the moment. The Central Avenue eatery plans to reopen in a larger facility. The new spot should open in the next two months and feature an expanded menu. (St. Pete Catalyst)
I have one more suggestion for your Fourth of July. If you want to bring the pup along for the pawty, consider heading to Mutts & Martinis (2900 Central Ave., St. Pete). The recently opened doggie waterpark + bar is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — and has covered bar seating, fans, and lots of drinks.
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