The neighborhood has already hosted a few similar events, like October’s Weekend in Water Street. | Photo via Water Street Tampa
Lucky you. You just found TBAYtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout the Tampa Bay area each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Sports
Verizon Super Bowl FanFest | Sunday, Feb. 9 | 4:30-10 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf | Free | Verizon fans can party on the waterfront with game day snacks from local restaurants, tunes, family-friendly lawn games, and of course, a screening of the big game.
Concerts
Scotty McCreery | Thursday, Feb. 20 | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $39+ | Don’t be “Lonely,” spend the night at the country superstar’s first Ruth Eckerd Hall show in a decade.
Festivals
Bark in the Park | Saturday, Feb. 8 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Citrus Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | Trek down the Riverwalk on the Walk for the Animals, then check out entertainment, eats, vendors, a Kid Zone, pet activities, and a showcase of adoptable dogs.
Bouquet and Brew | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg | $45 | The folks from the Roaming Petal share their top tips for crafting the ultimate Valentine’s Day bouquet.
“You’re Not the Boss of Me” | 7-8:30 p.m. | Side Splitters, Tampa | $29 | Get ready to laugh as Dr. Abby Hamilton, a three-time TEDx speaker and recovering people-pleaser, takes the stage.
Trivia & Music Bingo | Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Free entry | Put your music knowledge to the test in this high-energy competition for gift cards, while you sip on some beers.
“Forever Tango” | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $15+ | Prepare to be dazzled by some of the best Tango dancers in the world, renowned musicians, and vocalists.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Jane Costello Book Signing + Convo with Annabel Monaghan | 7-8:30 p.m. | Steamy Lit, Tampa | $27 | Head to the romance-themed bookstore for a convo between the bestselling authors about “It’s Getting Hot in Here: A Novel,” followed by a signing.
“Macbeth” | Thursday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Times vary | Jaeb Theater, Tampa | $39+ | It’s the final weekend to catch the Bard’s classic play about a Scottish general who murders the king and takes the throne.
Friday, Feb. 7
Cocktails at the Collection Artist Talk ft. Akiko Kotani | 6 p.m. | Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg | $20+ | Immerse yourself in Akiko Kotani’s vibrant satin waves meant to convey the potent force of nature, hear from the artist, and enjoy cocktails.
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch says the city will move on if the Rays do not agree to the initial deal for the new $1.3 billion stadium. If that happens, Welch said at the State of the City, the land for the project will revert back to St. Pete. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Travel
And we’re off to... Charlotte, NC (Hey, CLTtoday). Frontier Airlines is launching a twice a week route from Tampa International to Charlotte Douglas International Airport starting Friday, May 2. Plus, the service will bump up to four times a week during the summer. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
What’s brewing in the Burg? Juicy Brewing Co. is opening in the former Avid Brewing Location. The Virginia-born brand will start serving IPAs and sours this month out of the St. Pete taproom. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Award
Hats off to the chef — literally. The Burg’s Chef Lee Wolen was selected as a semi-finalist for the Outstanding Chef award from the James Beard Award Foundation. The chef will helm the Vinoy’s incoming restaurant, Elliot Aster. We’ll keep you posted when the finalists are announced in April. (I Love the Burg)
Announced
Speaking of foodie awards, the MICHELIN Guide is adding the St. Pete-Clearwater area to its list. The guide’s super secret team is already out tasting the spots for the new entries, with the final 2025 guide to be released later this year. (I Love the Burg)
Show
Some of your favorite costumes in Disney and Broadway shows were made right here in TBAY. Take a behind-the-curtains peek at the design and production process at Largo’s Full Stop Costume Studio. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Who are some Bucs players the team could trade away and who are some realistic candidates for them to trade for? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Classic cars and award-winning BBQ go together like, well, pulled pork and tangy sauce. Can you tell we have BBQ on our minds? Head to Davenport this weekend for Grills Gone Wild, the second leg of Florida’s Triple Crown BBQ competition. Enjoy food, live music, and a classic car show.*
Shop
If your favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is watching the commercials, we’ve got just the thing for you: commercial bingo cards. Bonus: This is the perfect prize for the winner.*
Health
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. Featuring a sleek, discreet German design, it ensures crystal-clear speech + sound with minimal background noise. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
The Buy
The Buy
A great date night look to wear on Valentine’s Day. Shop five options, ordered from most casual to dressiest:
Yesterday, we quizzed you on when Cuban cigar makers moved to Ybor City? We’ve got to hand it to our readers, a hefty 35% of you correctly guessed the late 1880s. You know your Cigar City history.
The second most popular guess was the 1850s with ~33% of the vote. A large chunk of you, 20%, were much closer, guessing the early 1990s.