What do locals really call things in Tampa Bay? | Officially, it may be the Rivergate Tower, but it’s always “the Beer Can Building” in our hearts. We’re curious to know what Tampa Bay residents really call things — even if it’s just among friends or family.
Get the scoop on 10 Tampa Bay ice cream shops | One of the joys of Gulf Coast living — year-round ice cream. Luckily, there are plenty of creameries offering standout options around TBAY.
Asked
Asked
What is the most popular flavor of ice cream in Florida?
A. Orange Creme B. Rum Raisin C. Rocky Road D. Moose Tracks
Sangria Night | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Price of purchase | Energy, flavor, and fun await at this event featuring Latin music, sangria flights, and dancing.
Tampa Riverfest | Friday, May 2-Saturday, May 3 | Times vary | Tampa Riverwalk | Free | The annual festival takes over the 2.6 mile-stretch with a Taco Fest, lantern parade, wiener dog race, and hot air balloon + water ski shows.
Cynthia Erivo with The Florida Orchestra | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $395+ | Defy gravity at the Clearwater venue with the decorated British actor, singer, author, and producer, whose stardom is at new heights following the success of “Wicked.”
Country Thunder Florida | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Raymond James Stadium | $167+ | Let’s head to Ray Jay and hoedown to hits from Riley Green, Ella Langley, Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Ashley McBryde, and Jelly Roll.
Saturday, May 3
Tampa Bay Chalk Festival | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 22nd St. S. between 7th Ave. S. + 9th Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Check out colorful sidewalk designs from 25+ artists all centered around this year’s theme: “Our watery futures.”
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 7:30 p.m. | Al Lang Stadium | $21+ | Take in a game at the Burg’s waterfront stadium as the Rowdies look to turn their fortunes around.
St. Petersburg Ballet Company’s Spring Performance | Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Palladium Theater | $30 | The annual show features contemporary ensembles, classical works, and the second act from the timeless “Swan Lake.”
Sunday, May 4
Mommy & Me Bracelet Making | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Keel Farms | $45 | Bring your mini me to create two special bracelets together — tickets include seats for one parent + one child.
“Star Wars: A New Hope” | 1 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $10 | Head to Tatooine on “Star Wars” Day as Luke Skywalker begins his journey in the franchise’s original 1977 movie — Episode V and VI play right after.
Yoga in the Park | 6-7 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | Get ready for the week ahead with an outdoor class designed for yogis of all abilities — remember a mat, towel, and water.
Making brunch plans? Consider Tampa’s Ulele, which made it onto OpenTable’s 2025 Top 100 Brunch Restaurants list. If that menu isn’t calling to you, head on over to our local brunch guide for 50+ spots serving up our favorite combo of breakfast and lunch.
Number
2,051. That’s how many feet above river level China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge — set to open this summer — is, making it the new title-holder for the world’s tallest bridge. Compare that to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which has a clearance of 180 ft. (CNN)
Wellness
Tomorrow is National Fitness Day, celebrated each year on the first Saturday of May. Get your sweat on at one of these local gyms. If fitness isn’t your thing, it’s also one of our favorite holidays of the year — National Lumpy Rug Day.
Listen
Explore soundscapes around the world with this interactive map. The map features over 7,000 sounds from 130 countries and territories. For Tampa Bay, someone uploaded the sound of birds chirping in the breeze.
Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays are heading to the Big Apple this weekend to face the New York Yankees. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
The “Jewel of South Carolina,” aka, Lake Murray Country, is full of outdoor activities — from tubing, hiking, and fishing to award-winning attractions and museums. Supported by DiscoverSC, this laid-back destination is the perfect place to stay + play.*
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
City Guide
City Guide
Ready, set, play
The Chihuly Collection is a feast for the eyes. | Photo by TBAYtoday
We’re not kidding around. From major attractions like the Florida Aquarium to hidden gems like Shuffle, there’s something in Tampa Bay for children of all ages.
Great outdoors
St. Pete Pier
Spend a perfect Saturday at the community hub — with a playground, splash pad, live music, and snacks just steps from each other. Kids will remember the nautical playground.
Animal encounters
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Bring the kids to roam the 63-acre zoo or to take in seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild + Creatures of the Night. Kids will remember the Macaw Flyover.
Thrill-seeking fun
Altitude Trampoline Park Tampa
Keep kids active on rainy days at this activity space — and the park has varied levels, so kids of most ages can stay active. Kids will remember playing dodgeball on trampolines.
Foodie families
Sparkman Wharf
From giant ice cream cones to empanadas, there’s plenty of kid-friendly options at this scenic Tampa spot. Kids will remember crafting their perfect s’more.
National Small Business Week starts on Sunday, May 4, and as you know by now, we love supporting the local small biz scene here at TBAYtoday.
Wonderfully, Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. was packed with lunchtime customers when I made the trip to the West Tampa joint earlier this week. I recommend the “That Louie” sandwich.