Our Top 3
Tampa Bay Comic Convention
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 16-18. Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Celebrate comic culture. Meet comic artists, participate in comic-themed artist workshops, watch superhero films, and more. On Aug. 16, participate in the Mastering Inking Workshop with Josh Rodriguez. On Aug. 17, join quick 15-minute movie discussions and attend a book signing with Tony Armer, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. Aug. 18 features Vincent's Workshop, where you can make comic book characters out of duct tape. Costume contests will be held daily. $15 standard museum admission, $10 Florida residents, $7.50 for Comic Convention passholders or dressed in cosplay, $5 for Comic Convention passholders in cosplay. Kids up to 17 years old in cosplay get in for free. https://tinyurl.com/ywyes3rs
Hippie Fest
2-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs. Dust off your bell bottoms for this free, family event featuring food and beer trucks, vendors, bands and VW Beetles.
Silver Sword Jubilee
11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Southwest Rec Complex, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. Join Krieg School Tampa Bay in celebrating its 25th anniversary of showing art through combat. Event will feature fencing, workshops and fun for all. $7 per person. 727-518-3125.
THURSDAY
Clearwater Threshers vs. Tampa Tarpons
6:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 15-17; noon Sunday, Aug. 18. BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. Head to the ballpark for minor league baseball action. www.milb.com/clearwater
Summer Jazz Social
2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15. Aging Well Center at The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater. Enjoy a “cool” jazzy day with The Jazz Phools. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. Preregistration required. Free.
Art by the Bay
6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Watch the sunset and paint a beautiful masterpiece. Free. Registration required.
FRIDAY
Friday Movie Matinee
1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. Enjoy a free movie every Friday. Popcorn and soda are provided by the Friends of the Library. Donations appreciated. The featured film will be “Ad Astra.”
Third Friday
6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Main Street, Safety Harbor. Nine blocks of Main Street will come together to showcase the restaurants, bars, shops and nonprofits in the community. The street is wet-zoned, so patrons can purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages from establishments within the event footprint. Contact info@safetyharborchamber.com for more details.
Porch Party: Gulfport Stories
6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. Jack Wamhoff moved to Gulfport in 1983. Back then, it wasn't exactly in the arts-and-culture enclave that it is today. Bikers frequented the waterfront watering holes and the fanciest fare you were likely to get in town was a slice of pizza or a bag of chips. Jack, who served the city for 15 years in the Public Works department, will recount tales of Gulfport's slightly-more-rough-and-tumble days and share his perspective on the how the city has grown since then. Register at https://gulfporthistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org/event-5815858
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
6:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16; 4:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; 1:40 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Tropicana Field. Watch the Rays in MLB action. www.mlb.com/rays
SATURDAY
Farmers & Flea Market
7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 17-18. 13600 Icot Blvd., Clearwater. The weekly market features locally grown vegetables and tropical fruits, arts and crafts, antique collections, and household products. pinellas-farmers-and-flea-market.ueniweb.com
Dunedin Downtown Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main St. Each Friday and Saturday, shoppers can pick up fresh produce and a wide choice of gourmet items.
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. 350 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. The weekly market features farm-fresh produce, artisanal food products and a wide range of arts and crafts.
Oakhurst Monthly Food Drive
Saturday, Aug. 17. Oakhurst United Methodist Church, 13400 Park Blvd., Seminole. Drive up and volunteers will take your donations of food, household goods or school supplies. All basics are desired but meats, cereals, beans, and grains are especially needed. Food is shared with local food banks and schools. Held the third Saturday of each month.
Florida West Coast Orchid Society Annual Orchid Auction
9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N., Seminole. Preview will be at 9 a.m.; the auction will begin at 9:30 a.m. More than 100 orchid plants will be auctioned. Parking and admission are free. Cash, credit cards, debit cards, and checks will be accepted.
Toy Train Show and Sale
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Lopez Hall, 7177 58th St. N. Regal Railways will conduct a toy train show and sale. Vendors will be on hand selling model trains, various hobbies and collectibles. There will be a running train layout and a test track. Admission is $6 for adults; children ages 12 and under are free.
Third Saturdays at Pinewood
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Pinewood Cultural Park, 12175 125th St., Largo. Creative Pinellas, Florida Botanical Gardens, and Heritage Village host Third Saturdays at Pinewood. www.flbgfoundation.org/thirdsaturdays
American Legion Post 7 Food and Wine Tasting Event
3-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. American Legion Post 7, 1760 Turner St., Clearwater. The fundraising event for Operation Warrior Hope includes a wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a 50/50 raffle, and silent auction. A dance will follow. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-warrior-hope-food-wine-tasting-fundraiser-tickets-946767245317?aff=oddtdtcreator or call 727-442-5293.
Aquatic Luau
6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage. Experience a tropical luau at the aquarium’s end-of-summer Aquatic Luau celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, Hawaiian cuisine and marine life in an enchanting atmosphere. Entertainment includes a Samoan traditional fire knife dance and traditional dancers from the Polynesian, Hawaiian, Samoan and Tahitian cultures, who will also offer dance lessons. Guests will have the chance to explore several marine life habitats, viewable during evening hours until 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $55 for adults and $45 for children. www.cmaquarium.org/aquatic-luau-2024/.
Loudoun United FC at Tampa Bay Rowdies
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Al Lang Stadium, 72 First Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. Watch the Rowdies pro soccer team in USL Championship action. www.rowdiessoccer.com
SUNDAY
Market on Main
10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Gazebo at John Wilson Park, 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. Join friends in the community for open-air shopping each Sunday.
Sunday Market in the Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. England Brothers Park, 5084 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park. Weekly year-round market hosts up to 80 vendors, including fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, home décor, gifts and souvenirs. Food trucks and vendors on site.
Parent & Child Self-Defense Seminar
10-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Highland Recreation Complex, 400 Highland Ave., Largo. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Largo is hosting the event, held in partnership with Largo Rec and IgniteHer. It will feature self-defense techniques for both children and adults. The seminar is free to attend, but attendees are encouraged to bring school supply donations to support Pinellas County schools and teachers in need of classroom essentials.
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3cutredb
Bird Show
11 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 18. George C. McGough Park, 11901 146th St. N., Largo. Get up close with native Florida raptors and see training sessions live. Meet the park’s feathered friends and learn about the birds of the prey program. Held each Sunday and Tuesday, weather permitting.
MONDAY
Republican Club of Greater Largo
Monday, Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. social time, 6 p.m. dinner and meeting. Daily News Restaurant, 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. Speakers will be Woody Brown, mayor of Largo, and John Siamas, candidate for Florida Senate, District 21. RSVP to Jan Cox, 727-515-0163 or jansh@tampabay.rr.com by Friday, Aug. 16. Dinner: $30, payable at check-in.
TUESDAY
Mayor's Coffee Chat
8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20. Largo Golf Course, 12500 Vonn Road. Largo residents are invited to engage with Mayor Woody Brown in a casual and friendly setting every third Tuesday of the month.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 20. Gulfport's Waterfront District, Beach Boulevard below 29th Avenue South. Find fresh fruits and vegetables, and local art and home goods. Local vendors line the street.
Clearwater Threshers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays
6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Aug. 20-24; noon Sunday, Aug. 25. BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. Head to the ballpark for minor league baseball action. www.milb.com/clearwater
WEDNESDAY
Medicare 101
Noon Wednesday, Aug. 21. Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park; 1 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Gulfport. A SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions. Call 727-369-0669 or 727-893-1073. SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Lightning Hockey Clinic
6-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. Oldsmar Sports Complex-Boltsmar Outdoor Rink, 3120 Tampa Road, Oldsmar. The Tampa Bay Lightning will be hosting a free ball hockey clinic for athletes of all skill levels. After the drills, there will be a scrimmage where kids get to try out their new skills. Ages 7-15. Registration is required. No experience or equipment are necessary. https://tinyurl.com/3uy36muu
LOOKING AHEAD
Dunedin Windlasses Sailing Club
10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave. The club’s annual “Welcome New Members Coffee.” You must have basic sailing skills to join. For questions, call or text Margo Currey at 305-793-7574 or SarahBeth Reeves at 727-480-1136.
Friday Movie Matinee
1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. Enjoy a free movie every Friday. Popcorn and soda are provided by the Friends of the Library. Donations appreciated. The featured film will be “First Man.”
Scenes on the Green
8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Free. Attendees enjoy a free magical movie night under the stars. Bring blankets and low-lying chairs.
Scenes on the Green movie schedule:
Aug. 23 — “Air Bud”
Sept. 20 — “A Million Miles Away”
Oct. 25 — “Casper”
Nov. 15 — “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (begins at 7 p.m.)
Dec. 13 — “The Polar Express” (begins at 7 p.m.)
International Cosplay Day
10:30-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. Stop on by and create your own unique cosplay pieces with Mx. AJ and Ms. Jess.
Suncoast Genealogy Society Seminar
1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. Doing a family tree and not sure where to find resources to search your Canadian roots? Experts Beth Bleich and Joan Baptist will share their experience in using French-Canadian records (which are primarily in French) focusing on Quebec and Acadia. This event will not be offered online but is free and open to the public. www.sgsfl.com or email info@sgsfl.com
The Largo Evening Market
5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Ulmer Park, 301 W. Bay Drive, Largo. On the fourth Saturday of each month, wander through different tents adorned with artisanal goods, from handmade jewelry to organic produce, all while enjoying local musicians. There will be food trucks onsite for purchase.
Gecko Ball 2024
6-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. The Gecko Ball is one of Gulfport’s most popular events, featuring live music, dancing, a costume contest, silent and live auctions, the Gecko Queen coronation, and a cash bar. Food is BYO. Light snacks will be provided. $30. https://visitgulfportflorida.com/gecko-ball
Welcoming Week Launch Event
2-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all. To celebrate, Pat Gerard, former city of Largo and Pinellas County commissioner, will give a short talk about the meaning of Welcoming Week. Additionally, the launch event provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about the Welcoming Week household goods basket drive, meet representatives from local refugee service groups along with other local organizations, and more.
Granny Tales: Words of Wisdom from the Elders
2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. “Granny Tales: Words of Wisdom from the Elders” is a collection of stories based on sayings that Joanne Kilgour Dowdy learned from her grandmother and other elders during her childhood and youth in Trinidad. She will share these stories and invites you to share cherished sayings from your ancestors during this session. Registration is required.
AARP Safe Driver
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Harborside Christian Church, 2200 Marshall St., Safety Harbor. Gain the skills and tools needed to drive safely during this one-day class. AARP fee is $20 for members with card and $25 for non-members. Call 727-724-1525, ext.4107 to register.
Friday Movie Matinee
1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. Enjoy a free movie every Friday. Popcorn and soda are provided by the Friends of the Library. Donations appreciated. The featured film will be “Marooned.”
Final Friday — John’s Pass Village
6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. John's Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach. Head to John's Pass the final Friday of the month for live music, food and drink specials, and more. FinalFridayJohnsPass.com
Kids Book Fest
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. Learn about the works of many talented writers based in Tampa Bay. Meet the authors, browse their publications, learn about their latest projects and what inspires them to write. Signed copies of their books will be available for purchase and some authors will be reading their books during the event. Crafts and refreshments will also be provided. Ages 5-12 with adult helper.
Kiwanis Car Show
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Largo High School, 410 Missouri Ave., Largo. Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Largo/Mid-Pinellas. Proceeds will benefit local kids through the Pack-a-Snack program and Largo High Key Club. Register online at www.Largo Kiwanis Labor Day Car Show.
Food Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 31. Mt. Moriah AME Church, 722 S. Disston Ave., Tarpon Springs. Giveaway starts at 10 a.m. until all supplies have been distributed. All are welcome to stop by.
Sunset Beach Concert Series
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. Sunset Beach, Tarpon Springs. The Sunset Beach Concert Series, presented by the city of Tarpon Springs and AdventHealth North Pinellas, features shows on the first Thursday of the month through November. In the event of inclement weather and the concert is canceled before the start time, the concert will be held the following Thursday. Concessions are available for purchase. Alcohol and pets are prohibited. Parking is limited onsite, so a free courtesy shuttle will deliver concertgoers to and from the beach and Tarpon Springs High School.
The band lineup includes:
Sept. 5 — 60 West
Oct. 3 — The Flipside Band
Nov. 7 — Code Monkey
First Friday Art Walk
5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport. First Friday Art Walk is a juried event that welcomes emerging and professional artists in all media to engage the arts-loving community.
Tarpon Springs First Friday
6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Downtown Tarpon Springs. Free family event features food, vendors, music, beer and wine, and more. The event is sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association. tarponspringsfloridausa.com
First Friday Flicks
8-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. Live entertainment and seating one hour prior to the movie. Concessions available. Free.
Retired Employees of Pinellas County Meeting
11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9. Quaker Steak & Lube, 10400 49th St. The program will be provided by the Pinellas Genealogical Society with a talk on how to research your ancestry. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. All retirees and guests are welcome.
Beginning Genealogy Course
Fridays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 11, Suncoast Genealogy Society, Palm Harbor Library, 1:30-4 p.m. This six-week course will cover research and documentation of family lineage using census and immigration records, newspapers, military records and more. In-person only, registration at the library required to hold seat. Limited seating. $25. www.sgsfl.com or email: info@sgsfl.com
Raymond James Veterans Inclusion Network (Valor) Golf Fundraiser
Saturday, Sept. 7. Innisbrook Golf Resort, Copperhead Course. The event welcomes over 200 participants from the financial service industry and military community. To learn about sponsoring a team, sign up at the event’s website. Proceeds of this year’s tournament will benefit 19 charities focused on mental health, rehabilitation, enhanced mobility, affordable housing and home maintenance and career transition for veterans and their families. Keynote speaker will be Chef Robert Irvine. Email ValorNetwork@RaymondJames.com
