‘I was inspired by so many people throughout this journey’: St. Pete artist Palehorse discusses his first solo show in 10 years

‘Shapeshifter’ opens Oct. 10 at Morean Arts Center, alongside a companion group show, ‘Practice Dying: A Skull & Bones Exhibit.’

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 2, 2026

A performance action photograph showing Tampa City Ballet at Kress Contemporary in Ybor City on Feb. 18, 2023. Captured in a medium shot inside an artistic venue, a lead dancer stands center stage in a sleeveless light blue fitted vest top and grey trousers with her slicked-back dark hair pulled into a neat bun, extending one gloved white hand outward while looking down to the left. Behind her, other dancers in dark attire perform under vibrant purple, blue, and green theatrical stage lighting.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Bay’s best things to do October 1-8, including Tampa City Ballet, St. Pete Night Market anniversary, and more

Plus literary events, theater, sports, Pride nights, film, and more.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Bay’s best comedy shows happening October 2026, including Stormy Daniels, Kevin Farley, and Quinton Greene

Aziz Ansari, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Bassem Youssef are all coming to town, too.

by Michael Murillo October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

An architectural cropped detail photograph by Amy Martz showing A minaret at UTampa in Tampa, Florida. Captured in a tight vertical composition through oval circular cutouts in a light blue structure, the top cutout frames the gold crescent moon finial atop a metallic silver spire against a clear blue sky, while the lower cutout reveals the apex of the silver minaret dome under bright daylight.

Arts & Entertainment

New photography exhibit frames University of Tampa in stunning new light

Amy Martz’s ‘Railroad to River’ opens Friday and showcases just a portion of a larger project that will eventually become a book.

by Ray Roa September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

An indoor artwork photograph showing A Cory Robinson window pane painting. Set upright on a polished hardwood floor next to a glass candle vase, a stylized portrait of a hairless cat wearing a bright orange sweater against a vibrant turquoise background is framed within a white wooden window pane. To the right of the painting, the real hairless Sphynx cat that inspired the artwork sits inside a shallow cardboard box wearing a matching knit orange sweater, looking toward the camera in front of an open interior doorway.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa artist Cory Robinson to make it rain at new ‘Cats & Dogs’ exhibition

The show opens on Oct. 2 at Corner Club.

by Ray Roa September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

An outdoor landscape photograph by Joni Hanebutt showing A Bigfoot statue in the swamp and Skunkape Headquarters in the Florida's Everglades National Park on Dec. 3. 2023. Captured from an asphalt parking lot in front of a green wooden building with signs reading "SKUNKAPE HEADQUARTERS" and "SHEALY'S", a dark ape-like Skunk Ape statue stands on a low platform in the center foreground. Four flagpoles flying American, Florida, and state flags surround the driveway, framed by a wooden fence line, green trees, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Arts & Entertainment

Believers can track Bigfoot and the Florida Skunk Ape at the Safety Harbor Library this fall

The Mid Florida Bigfoot Research Group does an afterhours presentation at the library in October.

by Leif Helland September 30, 2026October 6, 2026

A high-angle production still showing a male performer lying in a pool of water in a short film from 'Squirter' which screened as part of the touring 2026 'Hump!' Film Festival. Lying face-down in a shallow pink-tarped pool filled with water, a man with light skin wearing black swim trunks rests his upper torso and chin near the edge of the enclosure. Wet ripples fold around his waist and legs against a textured, crushed-pink background under soft indoor lighting.

Arts & Entertainment

Dan Savage’s ‘Hump’ adult movie festival comes to Tampa this weekend

Clutch pearls at Sun-Ray Cinema.

by Ray Roa September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

An indoor art gallery photograph showing artist Tatiana Mesa Paján's 'Libertad' at OXH Gallery in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 24, 2026. Displayed inside a clear glass acrylic pedestal case on the left, a silver wire mesh sculpture depicting the Statue of Liberty stands on a wooden base with raised arm and torch. Mounted on the dark blue gallery wall in the background is a colorful abstract painting filled with densely layered figurative and floral forms in red, green, yellow, black, and white. To the right, black folding chairs sit along the concrete floor beneath spotlighting.

Arts & Entertainment

‘Redo’ art show, featuring Cuban artist Tatiana Mesa Paján’s dandelion Statue of Liberty, closes this month in Tampa

The show finds Paján teaming up with OXH Gallery founder Odeta Xheka.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker September 29, 2026September 29, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

‘What a dream come true’: Cuban-born, former Tampa City Ballet dancer, Jhon Destrade is part of ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ national tour

The acclaimed Broadway show opens Oct. 6 at Straz Center, and runs for one week only.

by Marty Clear September 28, 2026September 28, 2026

An indoor, medium close-up photograph showing founder and Artistic Director Paula Nuñez at Palma Ceia Country Club in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 18, 2026 during the Tampa City Ballet Gala & Auction. Captured from a slightly low three-quarter angle, Nuñez stands holding papers and a microphone in her hands, smiling as she looks upward and off-camera to the left. She wears a sleeveless dark brown satin top with a wide cowl neck, styled with short layered brown hair. In the softly blurred background, ambient purple and blue stage lights illuminate an event space backdrop.

Arts & Entertainment

Photos: After powerful city council presentation, Tampa City Ballet raises funds at black-tie gala

Up next for TCB: ‘La Septima’ takes over four stories of the Cuban Club.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker September 24, 2026September 24, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

St. Pete’s Friends of Strays closes ‘Love Unleashed’ fundraiser with flurry of events this weekend

The shelter has been serving St. Pete for nearly half-a-century, and is in the final push of a fundraiser that ends Sept. 30.

by Ray Roa September 24, 2026September 24, 2026

A historic black-and-white landscape photograph by the Burgert Brothers showing cars parked at Shop-Rite Supermarket in Brandon, Florida on March 31, 1958. Courtesy of the Burgert Brothers Collection at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, the wide shot captures a single-story commercial building featuring a large sign reading "SHOP-RITE" on its roof overhang above glass storefront windows. A line of vintage 1950s automobiles is parked facing the building across an expansive asphalt parking lot, framed by trees under a bright daytime sky.

Arts & Entertainment

Preserving Brandon to hold archive workshop on Sunday

It’s the organization’s last meeting before 2027.

by Ray Roa September 23, 2026September 23, 2026

A photographic drawing artwork by David Hockney titled 'Perspective Should Be Reversed,' 2014 showing a reverse-perspective room interior. In the foreground, a trapezoidal pink table widening toward the viewer displays the text "PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE REVERSED" alongside potted succulents, glassware, books, and a bowl of citrus fruits, flanked by seated figures on chairs. In the spacious, bright studio background, multiple figures in casual clothing raise their arms or stand amidst framed artworks on light grey walls under flat studio lighting.

Arts & Entertainment

Exhibit with work from David Hockney, who ‘restored the human form to art,’ is now open at Tampa Museum of Art

‘Perspective Should Be Reversed’ is on display through Feb. 27, 2027.

by Ray Roa September 23, 2026September 23, 2026

An outdoor landscape photograph by photographer Holly Apperson showing the exterior of the Safety Harbor Public Library in Safety Harbor, Florida. Captured under a clear blue sky illuminated by warm, late-afternoon sunlight, the multi-story stucco building features a drive-up covered entrance canopy on the left with palm trees and a Spanish-tile roof. Moss-draped oak branches frame the upper right foreground above a black metal fence, manicured green lawn, and parking lot in front of the building's main entrance.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Bay’s best events this weekend, including the Safety Harbor book sale [9/24-10/1]

Plus the weekly local theater listing, literary events, comedy, and more.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley September 23, 2026September 23, 2026

A wide indoor gallery photograph by Dave Decker showing (L-R) Danny Olda, Noelle Mason, and Liz Dimmitt at Tempus Projects in Ybor City, Florida on Sept. 17, 2026. Three panel speakers sit in a row on metal-framed chairs on a light wood floor against white art gallery walls. On the left, Danny Olda sits wearing a baseball cap, a long-sleeved light grey shirt, black trousers, and loafers while gesturing mid-conversation. In the middle, Noelle Mason sits wearing a dark leather jacket over a black patterned top, black trousers, and dark shoes, actively speaking with hand gestures. On the right, Liz Dimmitt sits in a leopard-print midi dress and dark shoes, resting her hands in her lap. Framed artwork, wall text, and headphones are displayed on the wall in the background.

Arts & Entertainment

Photos: Ybor City’s Kress Contemporary hosts ‘Go Ahead, Buy Some Art’ discussion

A triumvirate of local art scene lifers had a robust conversation about collecting.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker September 18, 2026September 18, 2026

A low-angle portrait photograph by Dave Decker showing Novice Sister Haram Bae at the Wet Spot at The Wet Spot in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 5, 2026. Positioned centrally under a bright blue sky with white clouds, the performer looks down toward the camera with light makeup, dark winged eyeliner, red lipstick, and a nose ring. They wear a white habit with a gold crown, layered gold chain necklaces, and a dark red garment, set against an outdoor courtyard featuring a poolside bar and umbrellas in the background.

Arts & Entertainment

Hoping to join Tampa Bay’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a nun hopeful organizes abortion fundraiser

Novice Sister Haram Bae helps the community on Sept. 25 at Delicious Wine Bar.

by Valerie Smith and The Sapphic Sun September 18, 2026September 18, 2026

A promotional group portrait of the cast and director of Kelundra Smith's 'The Wash,' making its Florida premiere Oct. 1-11 at The Studio in St. Petersburg. Seven women pose in two rows against a dark studio background with a black-and-wood slatted wall accent. In the back row (L-R), Holly Marie Weber stands in a bright blue top, Jemier Jenkins in a pink dress with braided hair, Jada Griffin in a light blue sleeveless top, and Andresia Moseley in a grey top. Seated in the front row (L-R), Nadine Young poses in a teal sleeveless jumpsuit, director Erica Sutherlin sits centrally with crossed legs in a white top, light green trousers, and sneakers, and Marjorie Joseph sits on the right in a lilac blazer, light blue jeans, and heels.

Arts & Entertainment, Events & Film, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

This play about Atlanta’s 1880s washtub unions is Tampa Bay’s most urgent show

‘The Wash’ runs at The Studio Oct. 1-11.

by Avery Anderson and Tampa Bay Arts Passport September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

A stage production photograph by Chaz D. Photography showing (L-R) Michael Gregory, Kayah Bonilla-Mas and Jill Schroeder in 'Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike' at Off-Central Players in St. Petersburg, Florida. Set inside a cozy living room, Michael Gregory sits on the left in a wooden armchair wearing a grey t-shirt, burgundy satin pajama pants, and slippers, facing Jill Schroeder on the right, who lounges in a matching armchair in blue plaid pajama pants and a grey top while sipping from a cup with a straw. In the center background, Kayah Bonilla-Mas stands between them in a yellow patterned dress with a red headscarf, leaning forward over a small round woven table against a backdrop framed by framed artwork, wall sconces, and a staircase.

Arts & Entertainment, Events & Film, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ is the biggest risk St. Pete’s Off-Central Players has ever taken

The production closes this weekend.

by Avery Anderson and Tampa Bay Arts Passport September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

A candid outdoor photograph showing visitors exploring an artisan vendor market during Heightened Senses in Tampa, Florida. Set in a paved outdoor courtyard on an overcast evening, three women wearing tank tops, skirts, and flower crowns browse handmade jewelry display stands covered in necklaces alongside a man in a grey t-shirt, while a black table setup with bottled goods is visible on the right.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Heights’ monthly Heightened Senses open studio and art party returns on September 24

The evening has everything from visual art, makers, live music, bevvies, and tacos, too.

by Ray Roa September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

A close-up outdoor portrait of artist Alexandre Arrechea. Smiling in warm sunlight, Arrechea wears gold reflective sunglasses, a white short-sleeved collared shirt, and a small silver hoop earring, with his right hand resting under his chin. He has a full afro hairstyle and a neatly trimmed goatee, set against a soft-focus background of city buildings and a bright blue sky.

Arts & Entertainment

Cuban artist Alexandre Arrechea, co-founder of Los Carpinteros, comes to Tampa on Wednesday

He’ll speak at the USF Tampa campus on behalf of Graphicstudio.

by Ray Roa September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

Best of the bay 2026 is here. Check out the Winners And FinalistS!

Events & Film

‘I was inspired by so many people throughout this journey’: St. Pete artist Palehorse discusses his first solo show in 10 years

Tampa Bay’s best things to do October 1-8, including Tampa City Ballet, St. Pete Night Market anniversary, and more

Tampa Bay’s best comedy shows happening October 2026, including Stormy Daniels, Kevin Farley, and Quinton Greene

New photography exhibit frames University of Tampa in stunning new light

Tampa artist Cory Robinson to make it rain at new ‘Cats & Dogs’ exhibition

Believers can track Bigfoot and the Florida Skunk Ape at the Safety Harbor Library this fall

Dan Savage’s ‘Hump’ adult movie festival comes to Tampa this weekend

‘Redo’ art show, featuring Cuban artist Tatiana Mesa Paján’s dandelion Statue of Liberty, closes this month in Tampa

‘What a dream come true’: Cuban-born, former Tampa City Ballet dancer, Jhon Destrade is part of ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ national tour

Photos: After powerful city council presentation, Tampa City Ballet raises funds at black-tie gala

St. Pete’s Friends of Strays closes ‘Love Unleashed’ fundraiser with flurry of events this weekend

Preserving Brandon to hold archive workshop on Sunday

Exhibit with work from David Hockney, who ‘restored the human form to art,’ is now open at Tampa Museum of Art

Tampa Bay’s best events this weekend, including the Safety Harbor book sale [9/24-10/1]

Photos: Ybor City’s Kress Contemporary hosts ‘Go Ahead, Buy Some Art’ discussion

Hoping to join Tampa Bay’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a nun hopeful organizes abortion fundraiser

This play about Atlanta’s 1880s washtub unions is Tampa Bay’s most urgent show

‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ is the biggest risk St. Pete’s Off-Central Players has ever taken

Tampa Heights’ monthly Heightened Senses open studio and art party returns on September 24

Cuban artist Alexandre Arrechea, co-founder of Los Carpinteros, comes to Tampa on Wednesday

Photos: Tampa Theatre brings time travel to Franklin Street in grand finale for centennial restoration

[Photos] Everyone who stepped into Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay 2026 photo booth

[Photos] Everyone we saw at Creative Loafing’s 2026 Best of The Bay party

New photography exhibit frames University of Tampa in stunning new light

Do you have the best burger in Tampa Bay?