Our Top 3
Novemberfest
4-10 p.m., Nov. 20; 4 p.m.-midnight, Nov. 21; 11 a.m.-midnight, Nov. 22; and noon-9 p.m., Nov. 23. Nativity Catholic Church grounds, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. This vibrant festival is the third-largest event in Hillsborough County and offers families and friends an opportunity to come together, enjoy thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and create cherished memories in a safe and festive environment. Free admission and parking.
Winter Village
Nov. 21-Jan. 4. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. Opening Day, Nov. 21, marks the start of the season with a special Winter Village Time Capsule celebration. Guests are invited to bring a photo from past visits — or snap a new Polaroid onsite — to include in a capsule that will be sealed until Winter Village’s 20th anniversary in 2035. Check online for events on select nights, such as the Tampa Bay Ice Show, Winter Village Express, River of Lights cruise, silent disco Fridays, trivia Wednesdays, Tuesday themed skate nights, small business Saturdays and more. https://wintervillagetampa.com
Play it By Ear — Holidays Gone Wild
8 p.m. Nov. 21-23. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. One of the most outrageously funny shows in the history of Carrollwood Players is back. What happens when a group of actors walk onto the stage to perform a comedy they’ve never heard of? Actors have no advance knowledge of the play they must perform until the audience chooses. Saturday shows are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. $20. https://tinyurl.com/2f9d749c
THURSDAY
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town
Nov. 20-Jan. 5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. Busch Gardens will transform into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights and two spectacular new additions — a holiday drones show synchronized to classic holiday music, and an immersive, multi-sensory light and music display across the park’s iconic Serengeti Plain. Favorites such as Santa’s North Pole Experience and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland return.
Medicare Basics
10:30 a.m. Nov. 20. New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. A Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE counselors do not sell anything. 813-788-6375.
Land O’ Lakes Book Club
10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 20. Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Join in a monthly book club at the Land O’ Lakes Library. This month’s discussion follows “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides.
Pastels
1-3 p.m. Nov. 20. Life Enrichment Center, 9704 N Blvd., Tampa. Join instructor Janice Schindle and explore a variety of approaches to the beautiful medium of pastels. Gain a deeper understanding of the medium and develop your personal style with pastels. $8-$10. https://lectampa.org
Carrollwood Strummers
Noon-1:30 p.m. Nov. 20. The Studio, Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. The New Horizons Ukulele Group meets weekly. All skill levels are welcome. Look for the green building behind the main building. Access parking from Casey Road. candyotte@aol.com
Third Thursday Tampa
6-10 p.m. Nov. 20. Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Unit 208, Tampa. Since 2012, every third Thursday features live music, cocktails and food trucks on Madison Street at Grand Central at Kennedy in the center of the Channel District of downtown Tampa.
Side Splitters Comedy Club presents Will Abeles
8 p.m. Nov. 20-22. Side Splitters Comedy Club at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Will Abeles is a nationally touring comedian, producer and podcaster based out of Nashville. A tried-and-true road dog known for his intricate but hilarious stories based on real life encounters and mishaps. Will was voted the third-best comedian in Nashville behind Nate Bargatze in 2021. Will Abeles is a comedian on the rise. https://sidesplitterscomedy.com
FRIDAY
Big Book Sale
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 21; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22. New River Branch, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Don’t miss out on the biggest book sale event of the year, brough to you by Friends of New River Library.
Senior Social
3 p.m. Nov. 21. B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. Join B&B Theatres every Friday for fun card games with our 50+ community. Come alone or bring a few friends. Instruction available for all games. Free to play. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Laser Light Shows: Tribute Collection/Elton John
6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Nov. 21. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Laser light shows are taking over MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre. Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. The first show will feature a tribute to Elvis, Prince, Queen, and others, while the second show features the music of Elton John. $10-$13. https://mosi.org/event/laser-light-shows
Karaoke Nights
7-9 p.m. Nov. 21. Shops at Wiregrass Center Court, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Guests can sing their heart out while listeners grab some light bites or drinks from nearby eateries. Karaoke is free. Presented every third Friday of the month. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.
Live Music Fridays
7-10 p.m. Nov. 21. Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. Every Friday night come out for a diverse lineup of live music performances in a vibrant beer garden. Enjoy a night of great music, delicious craft brews, and good company. https://tinyurl.com/mshj9hvf
Classic Rock Legacy: Abbey Road
8-11 p.m. Nov. 21. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. The stellar musicians of Classic Rock Legacy return to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Experience a note-for-note recreation of the classic Beatles album, Abbey Road, along with an encore of the Beatles’ greatest hits. $17.50-$25. https://tinyurl.com/3nhecjsv
SATURDAY
Ybor City Saturday Market
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 22. Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. The Ybor City Saturday Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay area. Find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods & sauces, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles & so much more.
Cars En Coffee
10 a.m. Nov. 22. The Motor Enclave, 6500 Motor Enclave Way, Tampa. Stroll through rows of exotic supercars, timeless classics, custom builds, and daily drivers while enjoying freshly brewed coffee and gourmet bites. Whether you’re here to showcase your ride, enjoy free coffee and donuts, meet fellow enthusiasts, or just soak in the atmosphere, you’ll find something to love at every turn.
Sunshine Market featuring Kids Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. This vibrant community market offers an exciting variety of fresh produce, artisan goods, delicious foods, and unique finds from an incredible array of local makers. Live music kicks off at 10 a.m. sharp on the green, bringing even more energy to this dog-friendly and family-friendly popular market. Every fourth Saturday of the month.
School of Rocks: Minerals & Geodes with MAPS
10:30 a.m.-noon. Nov. 22. Starkey Ranch TLC, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. Young scientists will dig into the world of rocks, minerals, fossils, and geodes through hands-on science fun. Kids will sift, identify and take home their very own rocks and minerals, and receive a free mineral excavation kit. $15. Parents attend free with a valid child’s ticket. mapsmuseum.org
Celebrate Oldsmar
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 22. RE Olds Park, 107 Shore Drive E, Oldsmar. Come and celebrate Oldsmar with music, a car show, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more. The chili cook off will be from 2-4 p.m. and fireworks start at 8 p.m. www.utbchamber.com
Holiday Tree Lighting
5-9 p.m. Nov. 22. Armature Works South Lawn, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer as you shop local at the mini market, meet Santa, and cozy up by the fire with s’mores. Delight in live performances throughout the night, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY
Harvest Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Second and fourth Sunday Harvest Market hosts 60-plus vendors, artists, artisans, makers, crafters, and more. Free. www.facebook.com/flpenguinmarkets
Thanksgiving Food Drive
1 p.m. Nov. 23. Select Westchase communities. WOW’s Thanksgiving Food Drive has grown to become the largest single-day food drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. If your neighborhood is participating, place your donations at the end of your driveway or by your mailbox before 1 p.m. Volunteers will distribute reminder flyers the weekend before the drive. For a list of participating neighborhoods and food donations, visit www.westchasewow.com/food-drive
New Tampa Unplugged: MJR Latin Project
3-6 p.m. Nov. 23. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Experience the vibrant sounds of the MJR Latin Project, Tampa Bay’s premier Latin jazz ensemble led by Cuban bassist and composer Mauricio J. Rodríguez. Featuring top regional talent, including Grammy-winning saxophonist Zach Bornheimer, pianist Pablo Arencibia, drummer Andy Fornet, and Cuban percussionist Carlos Javier Navarro, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of modern Cuban music and Latin jazz classics. $17.50-$25. https://tinyurl.com/v8khem4w
MONDAY
Painting with Rick Austin
1-3 p.m. Nov. 24. Life Enrichment Center, 9704 N. Blvd., Tampa. Explore different painting methods and techniques to complete a painting in this hybrid class. Students will work from the same resource, which will be sent before class. Any painting medium you have will work. This class is great for beginners to advanced students. Members $10, nonmembers $12. Register at lectampa.org or call 813-932-0241.
Donation Based Community Yoga
6-7:15 p.m. Nov. 24. Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, 6201 Lynn Road, Tampa. Learn yoga techniques that help reduce stress. Donations appreciated but not required to attend. Classes offered each Monday.
Republican Club of Central Pasco
6:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments with the meeting to follow. Meets every fourth Monday of the month.
American Legion Post 108 Monthly Meeting
7 p.m. Nov. 24. Plantation Palms Golf & Country Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Interested in finding out how to get involved with the American Legion? Come check out the monthly meeting, held every fourth Monday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. at Mulligan’s Irish Pub Restaurant. Contact Commander Don Hinst for more information, 813-786-4965.
TUESDAY
General Knowledge Trivia Night
5-7 p.m. Nov. 25. Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. Enjoy a night out with challenging trivia questions covering a variety of topics, from pop culture and history to science and current events. Arrive early to snag a table. All seats are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. No saving seats. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Bingo
5:30 p.m. Nov. 25. John Nelson Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29, 4300 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Every Tuesday, evening early bird game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session begins at 6 p.m. The snack bar provides food and drinks for purchase. 727-992-1499.
Big Band Jam
7 p.m. Nov. 25. Concordia Village Tampa, 4100 E. Fletcher Ave. Come out and enjoy music performed by a 17-piece big band every Tuesday in the senior ballroom. Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY
Senior Fitness Walk
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Nov. 26. Citrus Park Town Center Mall, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa. Free and fun Senior Fitness Walk every Wednesday morning. Meet at the mall entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods. 813-494-6376.
Al-Anon Family Groups (Families and Friends of Alcoholics)
7-8 p.m. Nov. 26. Hillsborough United Methodist Church, 9008 Harney Road, Temple Terrace. Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. The group meets each Wednesday.
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Nov. 26. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is Disney trivia. Free to play, no reservations required.
The MVSON Party
9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nov. 26-27. Armature Works Courtyard, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Experience an event like no other as Armature Works transforms into a hybrid indoor-outdoor nightlife experience. Be immersed in club sound, lighting, and visuals as the AW courtyard collaborates with international house trio Mason Collective for their world-renowned MVSON party for one night only on the eve of Thanksgiving. $53. https://tinyurl.com/3n82kfws
LOOKING AHEAD
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
6-11 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 28. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover. Children and even the young at heart will enjoy the nearly 2-mile drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features, followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. The monthlong event is full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with Santa. Guests can bring their well-behaved dogs and cats on a leash to join Paws & Claus Nights on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. Heroes Night on Dec. 18 offers active and retired military, police, fire and first responders a discounted admission of $15 per car. Other nights vary from $25-$30. https://tinyurl.com/unxnk2yw
Christmas in the Wild
4-10 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 30. ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. This popular holiday tradition transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over a million lights, larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, unforgettable entertainment, delicious seasonal food, and interactive experiences. Christmas in the Wild takes place on select nights, visit zootampa.org for more information.
Fan Appreciation Game – USF vs Rice
Nov. 29. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. Tickets start at $23. www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-GoBulls.
Customer Appreciation Cookout
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29. Tampa Bay Motos, 8509 Gunn Highway, Odessa. Get ready for a day of food and fun on the last Saturday of every month. Tampa Bay Motos is firing up the grill for a Customer Appreciation Cookout to thank you for being a part of our community. Enjoy delicious food, cold drinks, and special deals on parts and gear.
Merry & Bright
5-8 p.m. Nov. 29. Chick-fil-A, 3800 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. Come and celebrate the first annual Merry & Bright Night— a festive evening where the community can enjoy our indoor and outdoor decorations, capture photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sample a new Peppermint Milkshake, and pick up the December calendar filled with holiday events and family-friendly fun. At this location only.
Sunshine Sunday
8-10 a.m. Nov. 30. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event on the last Sunday of the month for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. $5 for nonmembers, free for members.
The Nashville Brass
3-6 p.m. Nov. 30. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening as Grammy Award-winning ensemble Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass light up the stage with their signature blend of country favorites and powerful brass arrangements. $20-$27.50. https://tinyurl.com/5bj6a7y2
Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3. Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Snow Ave., Tampa. Fresh Market is a monthly farmers market every first Sunday of the month featuring over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music. This event is pet friendly.
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3. Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 241-263 E Madison St., Tampa. Featuring tasty treats from a variety of local vendors, the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Board Game Night
1-11 p.m. Dec. 3. The Tampa Bay Bridge Center, 114 W. 109th Ave., Tampa. The Tampa Gaming Guild invites the public out for weekly game nights on the first and third Sundays of the month, as well as every Wednesday and Friday evening from 5:30-11 p.m. Trial memberships give you access to regular gaming sessions up to 30 days free. tampagamingguild.org
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is general music bingo. Free to play, no reservations required.
Sunset Market
6-10 p.m. Dec. 4. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. End your day with live music, cocktails and over 40 local vendors including artists, jewelry, and makers from the Bay Area. The Sunset Market occurs on the first Thursday of each month.
Sangria Night
5-10 p.m. Dec. 5. Keel Farms, 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. The first Friday of each month, enjoy an evening filled with Latin music, dancing, and handcrafted sangria flights. First come, first serve with free parking and free admission. www.keelfarms.com
The Market Elaine
5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Come experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with more than 150 vendors, live entertainment and activities for all ages. Held the first Friday of each month.
Jazz with Jim
7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Jazz with Jim is an ongoing concert series at the Center hosted by Jim Burge (saxophone/flute/clarinet), Ron Delp (keyboard), Jeff Henson (drums), and Todd Jeferies (bass)— together, they are The Jazz Directions. Each concert is unique as The Jazz Directions share stories and some of their favorite musical selections appropriate for the evening’s theme. $13-$20. https://tinyurl.com/5chfptnr
A Christmas Carol
8 p.m. Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. CWP’s annual holiday tradition returns to its roots as they present the beloved, classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas, adapted for the stage with all the Victorian splendor, warmth, laughter and storytelling you expect from the original Dickens novella. Matinee shows available. $24-$27. https://carrollwoodplayers.org
SkyWatch: Space Week
8 p.m. Dec. 5. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just beginning to explore the wonders of the night sky, SkyWatch offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. MOSI’s expert astronomers will guide you in viewing the stars, planets, and celestial wonders through telescopes. Free for members, $5 general admission. https://mosi.org/event/skywatch
Fresh Market at Wiregrass
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6. The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Held the first and third Saturday of the month. Featuring over 50 vendors located on Paseo Drive in the heart of the shopping center. Guests can expect to find a variety of locally grown produce and take-home foods. The market also features local artists showcasing their creative efforts and eco-friendly products.
Tampa Team Hope Walk
10 a.m. Dec. 6. Lowry Park, 7525 N. Blvd., Tampa. The Florida Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host the Tampa Team Hope Walk. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families. Registration starts at 9 a.m. https://tinyurl.com/2f59stab
Old Hyde Park Home Tour
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6. Check-in and pick up tickets at 727 South Edison, Tampa. Several distinctive and charming homes in the iconic Hyde Park neighborhood will be available to explore, with sips, snacks and music, plus other surprises along the way. Proceeds to benefit the preservation and beautification efforts of Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. This historic walking tour takes place rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable. Check-in opens at 9:45 a.m. $30. https://tinyurl.com/4xhn6vcm
Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7. Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa. This long-running community tradition features more than 150 booths offering a wide variety of handmade arts, crafts, home décor, jewelry, gifts, and seasonal treasures — perfect for holiday shopping. Visitors can expect to find unique, one-of-a-kind items from talented local and regional artisans. General parking: $5, VIP parking: $10, cash only.
Museums On Us Weekend
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6-7. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. The Museums on Us program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch debit and credit cardholders free admission to over 225 museums and cultural institutions across the United States on the first full weekend of every month.
Westchase Holiday Gift Gala
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Westchase Town Center, 9540 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. Come out for the ultimate holiday shopping experience. Get ready to shop, celebrate, and find the perfect gifts. This one-day festive shopping event is filled with home décor and seasonal accents, gourmet treats, handcrafted creations and more.