Where will you catch the fireworks? | Photo via Pexels
It’s almost time to pop the bubbly, set off fireworks, and croon “Auld Lang Syne.” In other words, we’re less than a month out from New Year’s Eve, TBAY.
Whether you plan on dancing the last night of the year away or enjoying an indulgent meal, we’ve got some ideas for making NYE spectacular.
Tampa
Beacon Rooftop, 510 Water St., Tampa | Tampa’s newest rooftop bar is hosting a shindig to impress with a four-hour luxe bar, staffed by mixologists, live entertainment, eats, party favors, and of course, a champagne toast at midnight. Pro tip: There’s also a seven-course meal option, hosted with Driftlight Steakhouse.
Tampa Edition, 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Head to the boutique hotel to get funky with it to tunes by Kool & the Gang. The party’s lineup also includes a raw bar, open bar, and a midnight champagne toast.
Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave, Tampa | Looking for kiddo-friendly options? . Take the crew to “Noon Year’s Eve” for a countdown to noon with a colorful daytime smoke fireworks display, and bounce houses. At night, stop by for a show by Grammy-nominated DJ Marshmello + to watch the midnight fireworks display.
St. Pete
First Night St. Pete, North Straub Park, St. Pete | The massive celebration is celebrating its 30th birthday with an “Art in the Park” theme. The free community event runs from 4-8 p.m. and features a Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet performance, a Literary Village, and plenty of cozy drinks and snacks for purchase.
New Year’s Eve at the St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. N., St. Pete | Party right on the waterfront at the hotspot’s free celebration, complete with food trucks, DJ sets, and a massive midnight fireworks show over the Burg’s skyline.
Cane and Barrel, 110 2nd St. N., St. Pete | Get ready for “Cuban Vibes, City Lights!” Tow your pals along for a NYE party with a champagne, carving + dessert stations and a charcuturie display. The rooftop escape will also host electric violinists and live DJs— perfect for all-night dancing.
St. Pete Beach
TradeWinds Island Resorts – Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort, 6000 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach | Festoon yourself in your finest duds and a mask for the hotel’s “Toast by the Coast Masquerade Party.” Dance along to tunes from a saxophone and DJ, snap pics in the photo booth, enjoy a decadent hors d’oeuvres buffet, a Viennese pastry table, and bubbly and non-alcoholic options.
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Bookseller for a Day | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | Let one of your favorite local authors help you out with your holiday book shopping — shopping dates limited to 15 minutes.
“Dream Scenario” | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | The 2023 flick stars Nicolas Cage as an evolutionary biology professor who suddenly appears in the dreams of his students, family members, and strangers.
Holiday Creation Station | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 8-9 p.m. | Raybon Plaza, 536 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $65 | Learn how to make a beautiful charcuterie board on a wooden board you will take home + enjoy a guided wine tasting — registration is required.
Thursday, Dec. 14
2023 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship | Thursday, Dec. 14, Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $27.50 | Watch the best squads in the country compete for the NCAA crown, plus chow down on eats and brews.
Friday, Dec. 15
The Black Honkeys with Beach Terror | Friday, Dec. 15 | 8 p.m. | Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa | $12-$15 | Watch TBAY’s own band take the stage at the laid-back venue.
The Great Christmas Cookie Bakeoff Musical | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., #151, Tampa | $25-$50 | This musical features eight young cookie chefs battling it out for first prize at the Cookie Coliseum — opt in for the opening night Champagne Celebration for an additional $25 per ticket.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Keel Farms Wine Run 5K | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8:30 a.m. | Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $50 | Head to the winery for a Christmas-themed run through the farm — both 5K and 1.5-mile options available.
Solidcore is headed to the Burg. The nationally popular Pilates studio will live on the ground floor of the incoming Moxie hotel. The Edge district hotel is projected to open in spring 2024 + the lobby will also feature a podcast studio, juice bar, and coffee shop. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
Let there be lunch. Fast-casual eatery Pepper Lunch is opening in Tampa. The Japanese-inspired teppanyaki concept allows diners to roast their own meats and veggies on an iron griddle. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Real Estate
36%. That’s how much sales increased for the Tampa Bay area’s costliest homes in the third quarter of 2023, according to a Redfin report. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Ranked
Speaking of New Year’s Eve soirees, Tampa recently ranked at No. 24 on WalletHub’s list of the “Best Cities for New Year’s.” The roundup rated cities by their firework codes, forecast, nightlife, and affordability. (WalletHub)
Seasonal
Meet Joy Bar. The Cigar City dive (6905 N. Armenia Ave.) is decked out for the holidays with lights, garland, and a festive beer pong table. Stop by for holiday shots, drink deals, and mixed drinks. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
A new taco spot is on the way, TBAY. Wicked Cantina is opening up an eatery at (3650 Tyrone Blvd. N.) next month. The Anna Maria Island-based spot serves tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, vegan + gluten-free options, and a range of cocktails. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
St. Pete’s Neighborhood Joe is entering a new era. The vegan coffee shop + eatery is closing its location at 2609 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. later this week and moving down the street to 2325 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. The new spot should open by or before late January. (I Love the Burg)
Job
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Play
🎶 “Wide Open Spaces”
The best parks in Tampa Bay for walks, picnics, and play
The park features seven stars and a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. | Photo via City of Tampa
We’ve got big parks and we cannot lie. Since creating our Parks Guide, TBAYtoday has added three more recreational parks in the community. So before you leaf for your next outdoor adventure, check out these spots to scope out the scenery in the Cigar City + the Burg.
Grab your Stanley cup + Hokas. We’re going for a walk in the park… literally.
West Tampa’s new + improved Vila Brothers Park (700 N. Armenia Ave.), which honors seven brothers who served in the US military from WWII through Desert Storm, reopened earlier this year. The massive $1.7+ million renovation included adding large and small dog parks, a shade structure, picnic tables, an exercise trail with fitness equipment, pickleball courts, and basketball court lighting.
This park — and its eyecatching arch built in 1908 — is a designated historic site by the Tampa Historical Preservation Commission. The family-friendly spot boasts a playground, baseball diamond, and tennis courts.
Anyone else loving this cooler weather? I’m dreaming of cozying up at Hostess on Thursday for a night of Christmas-themed trivia. Check out more deets.
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