Ah, the weekend. Bringer of respite, confronter of procrastination, gateway drug to bad ideas. Let's head that last one off at the pass with some good ideas, then:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 16:
International Talk Like A Pirate Day Party Where else but Gaspar's Grotto, right? The actual day isn't until Monday, but who can wait to start annoying friends and strangers alike with the joke about the steering wheel in one's pants, or the one about movie ratings?
Caskablanca Tampa Theatre's annual film-themed wine festival is finally here, and they've outdone themselves in terms of theme this year. What could be more perfect? Dress the part and enjoy — it kicks off this evening and runs all weekend, culminating in a screening.
Sunshine City Opera Sampler C'mon, we've been raving about it all week. Locally spawned opera! (Editor's note: I hated opera until I actually saw opera, now I know opera is rad.) Be moved.
Veiny Hands EP Release Show The quirky and popular St. Pete band crosses the bay to put out a new 7-inch EP and share The Hub's "stage" (read: floor) with Florida Night Heat and Sonic Graffiti.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 17:
Hidden Springs Ale Works 1-Year Celebration This brewery and tasting room has quickly become a Tampa Heights destination; come quaff a few special brews and thank 'em for adding to near-downtown Tampa's ever-increasing vitality, beginning at noon.
Our Town: A Moving Dance Tour of St. Pete The creative events associated with the 'Burg's SPFestival '16 keep coming, and this evening's installment is a clever walking tour of some of downtown's most iconic locations, including unique dance performances at each of the stops between its start at the shuffleboard courts and its end at the 600 Block's "Mural Alley."
TREND Pop-Up Shop and Launch Party RSVP now to take part in this celebratory event marking the emergence of a new downtown Tampa Boutique. Raffle, fashion show and more.
5th Annual Steampunk Ball Gen from venerable Bay area BDSM-metal outfit hosts a retro-futuristic extravaganza with a Victorian Wild West theme and performances aplenty.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 18:
Pop-Up Brunch No. 4 @ Rooster & The Till One of Tampa's best restaurants serves up the latest installments of its wildly popular brunches, featuring seriously creative food and cocktails as well as DJ Blenda's soundtrack. First come, first served, call for reservations.
Tampa Indie Flea More than 50 vendors and food trucks descend upon Tampa's Rialto Theatre for a fresh iteration of this innovative monthly shopping, hanging and being-seen experience.
MiraBay Market If you're further over on the South Shore end of HIllsborough, hit up the grand opening of this new and varied marketplace, featuring new T-shirt and other designs by Hogan Made.
This article appears in Sep 15-22, 2016.