wide-angle indoor photograph at Mighty Fine in Tampa, Florida in December 2024. Captured with a fisheye lens perspective from behind a counter, two people smile and laugh while enjoying sandwiches—one wearing a light blue sweatshirt and the other in a dark navy "HOCKEY" hoodie. In the foreground, serving trays hold grilled sandwiches and side items, while the background features wooden shelving lined with pantry goods, kitchen supplies, and a person standing near the back doorway under warm indoor venue lighting.

Tampa Bay’s best food & drink events happening October 8-15, including the Mighty Fine-Late Start Brewing anniversary party

Plus a 17th birthday for the Indie, brunches, tapas at Golden Isles, and more.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley October 7, 2026October 7, 2026

Mighty Fine and Late Start Brewing in Tampa, Florida celebrate joint second anniversaries this weekend; the party is part of this roundup of Tampa Bay’s best food & drink events happening Oct. 8-15.

A concert finale group bow photograph by Frank Embacher showing Hans Zimmer (center) with members of the 19-piece ensemble backing him on a 2026-2027 'Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level' tour. Captured in a wide shot on a brightly illuminated concert stage, composer Hans Zimmer stands at the center with arms raised holding hands with his full touring band and orchestra ensemble as they take a collective bow before the audience. The musicians wear diverse stage attire, including a vibrant yellow-and-red plaid patterned gown and traditional draped garments, beneath an intricate array of overhead stage spotlights and light beams against a dark arena background.

Music

Tampa Bay’s best new concerts, including Hans Zimmer, Lindsey Stirling, and more

Plus Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Yung Gravy, and Camping In Alaska.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley October 7, 2026October 7, 2026

A close-up interior photograph showing Backstage at Tampa Theatre in Tampa, Florida on May 27, 2026. Captured in a low-angle perspective looking down a dark hallway, a historic stage lighting dimmer switchboard panel features rows of vintage metal levers topped with worn orange-red handles and aged dial indicators, set beside a metal-reinforced door marked "TAMPA THEATRE" under warm low-light illumination.

News & Views

Tampa Bay’s best things to do October 8-15, including the Tampa Theatre reopening kickoff

Plus book talks, the theater listing, and more.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley October 7, 2026October 7, 2026

A radio studio interview photograph by Ray Roa showing Amaris Castillo at WMNF in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 18, 2026. Captured in a close-up shot inside a broadcast booth, Amaris Castillo gestures with her left hand while holding over-ear studio headphones to her right ear and speaking. She features long dark curly hair, red manicured nails, and a dark blue patterned top, set against a studio microphone, wooden wall paneling, and a glass control room window under bright indoor studio lighting.

News & Views

Tampa Bay area author Amaris Castillo grew up in her parents’ bodega, and that’s probably why she was so nice to me

Her Oct. 10 book talk in Tampa is among the best literary events happening locally from Oct. 8-15.

by Gabe Echazabal October 7, 2026October 7, 2026

A group portrait photograph showing Tampa DSA members outside Michelle Sawyer's Antifascist Women's March Mural in Ybor City, Florida. Captured in a wide shot outdoors in bright daylight, approximately thirty group members pose together kneeling and standing in front of the building wall at 2015 E. 7th Ave. The background prominently features artist Michelle Sawyer's mural depicting three women alongside bold text reading "¡NO PASARÁN! 1937 ANTIFASCIST WOMEN'S MARCH", framed by palm trees and an Ybor City historic marker under a clear sky.

News & Views

Tampa’s Democratic Socialists are canvassing, then going to a soccer game this weekend

The DSA is knocking doors for Ashley Herrmann, then kicking it at the Tampa Bay Sun match.

by Leif Helland October 6, 2026October 7, 2026

A stock photograph by Kopytin Georgy showing multiple pairs of feet protruding from under white bed sheets. Captured from a directly overhead top-down perspective, several sets of bare feet and toes stick out from beneath a rumpled white duvet sheet atop a bright white mattress.

News & Views

Tell me about your new obsession with the idea of having group sex

His current girlfriend is fresh out of a marriage that ended partially because her ex also wanted group sex while she was not on board.

By Claire S. & Carly T.October 6, 2026October 6, 2026

An emergency news photograph by Tiffany Haas showing the Tampa Fire Department works on a fire at Rene's Mexican Kitchen in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 30, 2026. Captured in a daylight shot from street level, smoke rises above the pink-and-teal wooden exterior of Rene's Mexican Kitchen as a high-pressure water stream sprays onto the roof. A red fire truck rescue vehicle, a ladder truck with a firefighter positioned high on the aerial platform, and prominent street signage including a red octagon "STOP" sign and a black "ONE WAY" arrow sign stand in the foreground.

Food & Drink

‘I just need a little push’: Rene’s Mexican Kitchen raising funds after fire damages VM Ybor restaurant

Nobody was harmed in a fire last week that heavily damaged the old building.

by Valerie Smith October 6, 2026October 6, 2026

A high-energy rally photograph by Dave Decker showing Florida Rep. Angie Nixon at University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida on Oct, 4, 2026. Captured from a low-angle perspective on stage facing the audience, Representative Angie Nixon stands center stage celebrating with both arms raised pointing upward to the ceiling. She wears glasses, short dreadlocks, a dark t-shirt with a colorful graphic print, and blue jeans, backed by a cheering auditorium crowd holding pink and white campaign signs beneath upper balcony seating.

News & Views

Photos: At University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, Angie Nixon rallies the Bulls

The Florida State Representative and candidate for US Senate clapped back at Vice President JD Vance, too.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker October 5, 2026October 6, 2026

An outdoor landscape photograph showing Childs Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. Captured in a medium wide shot through a tree trunk in the foreground, a prominent curved red archway sign reading "CHILDS PARK" in capital lettering stands in a grassy park setting next to a tall, grey rectangular stone pillar monument. In the background, lush green oak trees, palm trees, a residential house, and a light-colored perimeter wall sit under a partly cloudy sky in natural daylight.

News & Views

‘Good enough is not enough for the voters’: SPLC joins call for early voting site in South St. Pete’s Childs Park neighborhood

The SPLC says an area containing a third of St. Pete’s Black population currently has no early voting site.

by Valerie Smith October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

An indoor studio photograph showing Cody Meacham at CLTV studio in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 24, 2026. Standing indoors in a medium shot, Cody Meacham smiles directly at the camera while wearing a septum ring, short blonde hair, and a black t-shirt while holding open a large bound print volume of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. The open issue displays a full-page feature story titled "SCAREMASTER" with a portrait illustration on the right page and an event advertisement for "Crafts & Drafts" on the left page, set against dark studio wall paneling, studio lighting equipment, and indoor potted greenery.

Arts & Entertainment

Scaremaster Cody Meacham opens new ‘Radley Experience’ in St. Pete this weekend

His new show, rated PG-13, won’t include jump scares, and runs through Nov. 2 at FloridaRama.

by Ray Roa October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

‘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 close-up outdoor photograph showing A Lost Coast Oyster, harvested in Terra Ceia, Florida. Captured in a first-person perspective on a boat, a hand holds a freshly shucked raw oyster in its shell, showcasing the clear brine and pale meat inside. In the background, black mesh floating aquaculture cages tied together float on the rippling open water along the edge of a white boat hull under natural daylight.

Food & Drink

Tampa Bay’s best food & drink events happening October 1-8, including oysters and Café Clementine coming together at MFA St. Pete

Plus Savor the Bay, Cars + Coffee + Donuts at Lucky Tigre, Florida Orchestra Guild afternoon tea and more.

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

An outdoor portrait photograph showing a staff member at Coco's Crush Bar. Captured in a medium wide shot outdoors, a woman with dark hair styled in a sleek side bang smiles at the camera while making a peace sign with her right hand and balancing a metal serving tray in her left hand. The tray holds colorful plastic cups filled with bright iced crushed-cocktail drinks garnished with citrus wedges, set against a wooden railing post tied with rope and the colorful exterior facade of the venue under bright daylight.

Food & Drink

Taste of the Beaches, offering $10 dishes and drinks at Pinellas restaurants, returns this month

The promotion runs at more than 50 locations from Oct. 3-11.

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 1, 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

Music

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening October 1-8

Including Thundercat, The Beths, Ziggy Marley, Warren Haynes, and more.

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

Music

Rising pop hero Caroline Kingsbury to give St. Pete the ‘Shock Treatment’ this month

She opens for Cannons at Jannus Live.

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

A concert performance action photograph by Stephen Splane showing Mark Feinman of La Lucha at Hillsborough Community College's Mainstage Theatre in Ybor City, Florida on Sept. 11, 2022. Captured in a medium shot behind a drum kit, drummer Mark Feinman strikes a ride cymbal with a drumstick while focused intently on his performance. He wears dark-rimmed glasses, dark curly hair, and a white short-sleeved button-up shirt patterned with blue and gold tropical leaves, framed by cymbals and music stands under purple and blue stage lighting.

Music

‘Tides’ incoming when La Lucha plays St. Pete Pier’s Hispanic Heritage concert on Sunday

It’s a busy week for the Bay area jazz trio.

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 2, 2026

Music

Tampa Bay songwriter, guitarist, Anthony Santaniello, showcases solo Antro Banks project this weekend

He’s backed by some of the folks he supports during the ‘Dope Jams’ homegrown artists showcase at Bayboro Brewing.

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

A concert performance action photograph by Dave Decker showing Andres Hernandez of Rohna at Crowbar in Ybor City, Florida on May 15, 2026. Captured in a dynamic low-angle shot on a dark stage, bass player Andres Hernandez plays an orange-and-white Rickenbacker-style electric bass while leaning back with an expressive open-mouthed expression. He wears a dark headband, short-sleeved blue denim button-up shirt, and dark trousers under bright concert stage flash lighting, with stage trussing and another band member partially visible in the background.

Music

Ahead of Indie Night Live, Rohna plays free concert at Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning home opener

Technically an arena show, right?

by Ray Roa October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

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

Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Tampa Bay’s best food & drink events happening October 8-15, including the Mighty Fine-Late Start Brewing anniversary party

Tampa Bay’s best new concerts, including Hans Zimmer, Lindsey Stirling, and more

Tampa Bay’s best things to do October 8-15, including the Tampa Theatre reopening kickoff

Tampa Bay area author Amaris Castillo grew up in her parents’ bodega, and that’s probably why she was so nice to me

Tampa’s Democratic Socialists are canvassing, then going to a soccer game this weekend

Tell me about your new obsession with the idea of having group sex

‘I just need a little push’: Rene’s Mexican Kitchen raising funds after fire damages VM Ybor restaurant

Photos: At University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, Angie Nixon rallies the Bulls

‘Good enough is not enough for the voters’: SPLC joins call for early voting site in South St. Pete’s Childs Park neighborhood

Scaremaster Cody Meacham opens new ‘Radley Experience’ in St. Pete this weekend

‘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 food & drink events happening October 1-8, including oysters and Café Clementine coming together at MFA St. Pete

Taste of the Beaches, offering $10 dishes and drinks at Pinellas restaurants, returns this month

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

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening October 1-8

Rising pop hero Caroline Kingsbury to give St. Pete the ‘Shock Treatment’ this month

‘Tides’ incoming when La Lucha plays St. Pete Pier’s Hispanic Heritage concert on Sunday

Tampa Bay songwriter, guitarist, Anthony Santaniello, showcases solo Antro Banks project this weekend

Ahead of Indie Night Live, Rohna plays free concert at Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning home opener

Celebrate the best!