Halloween is quickly approaching, and there's plenty of events going on here in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you want to dress in an extravagant costume, or get scared by someone else dressed in one... there's plenty of spooky fun for the whole family. But if Halloween isn't your thing - don't worry! There's plenty of haunt-free activities this weekend too!
FESTIVALS:
This Saturday from 11-6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Westshore, head to KittyCon and let your heart be full of unapologetic cat-bliss. This convention is a paradise for people crazy about cats, but unfortunately you'll have to leave your fur-baby at home as no pets are allowed! If you're in the market for a pet, there will be plenty of adoptable cats and kittens on-site!
This Sunday, the streets along St. Petersburg’s waterfront will be closed to cars between First Avenue SE and Dali Boulevard for a fun Open Street St. Pete. There will be vendors, food trucks, fitness classes, music, games and giveaways. This event is free, and pets are welcome! It's from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
ART:
Robert Indiana is the artist known for creating the iconic LOVE sculpture - one of the most recognizable pieces of American art. Right now at the Tampa Museum of Art, you can see the LOVE sculpture and more of his work on display in the museum’s atrium. Remains on display through March 17.
Shakespeare in the park comes to Williams Park for a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and runs through Nov. 11. Catch a preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
HALLOWEEN:
Pick up a free Halloween and horror-themed comic book this Saturday at Halloween ComicFest! Local comic book stores throughout Clearwater, Ybor and the Tampa Bay area are giving away free books this Saturday. Find a local store at halloweencomicfest.com.
Tampa Bay couple Vince Pompei and Melissa Schultz have created a Terror Tent Ride at Pompei’s Monster Factory in the Pinellas Arts Village. Catch a ride through the tent filled with terrifying dolls, clowns and monsters. The ride is open every night Friday-Wednesday. On Saturday at 9 p.m., the Monster Factory is having a Halloween party - check out the Terror Tent and stay for some extra spooks and spirits!
THIS WEEK IN DRESS-UP:
Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year.. so should everyone party this weekend or next weekend?! Here's an idea... how about both! There are plenty of places for you to dress to impress this weekend, including:
- The 13 Ugly Men’s annual “Party with a Purpose” is this Friday and is always one of the best Halloween parties in town! Proceeds benefit Beat NB. Tickets are $35 for women and $40 for men. Doors open at 8 p.m. at the Cuban Club.
- Jackson’s transforms into a haunted dollhouse with a costume contest, performances by the Aerial Dragons and three rooms with a different style of music in each until 3 a.m. this Saturday. Cover will be $15-$20.
Still looking for a costume? Go local and try these out!
FitzMagic: Throw on a red, zip-up track suit jacket, some aviator sunglasses, gaudy gold chains, and a football. If you want to really get a rise out of people, carry around an "I was robbed" sign, or even the 'help wanted' ads.
Red Tide: ....Too soon??... This one is easier than you might think. Grab a blue and green outfit and wrap a net around your body. Attach fake fish and seaweed to your body with tape or Velcro. Bonus points if you're also wearing a breathing mask.