A promotional photo of two performers outdoors at night, standing in front of an historic red brick building. The subjects wear high-contrast outfits with black and white hair, red lips, and dramatic makeup.

Music

The inimitable ‘Hallucination Before Christmas’ rave returns to Ybor City this weekend

Halloween meets the holidays and almost 40 DJs, all for charity.

by Ray Roa December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

Long-running holiday EDM party Hallucination Before Christmas returns to The Castle in Ybor City on Dec. 13, 2025.

Exterior of The Castle nightclub in Ybor City, a historic brick building with white trim, arched windows, small balconies, and a crenellated tower reminiscent of a fortress.

Music

The Castle’s ‘Old Wave’ Monday party returns for one night only

DJ Rob Pittman and J Mike Roehr will be there.

by Paul Catala November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Music

‘Hallucination Before Christmas,’ Ybor City’s epic Halloween-meets-the-holidays dance party, returns this weekend

It happens inside The Castle.

by Ray Roa December 12, 2024July 28, 2025

Music

The Castle’s infamous ‘Hallucination Before Christmas’ concert and food drive arrives in Ybor City this weekend

You’re gonna feel really good about going to this one.

by Ray Roa December 14, 2023December 12, 2024

Music

The Castle, Ybor City’s goth clubhouse, celebrates 31st anniversary on Saturday

Counter culture is alive and well at the former labor union hall.

by Ray Roa November 22, 2023August 4, 2025

Food & Drink

SpookEasy Lounge will re-open out of The Loft’s former Ybor City space

The kava bar and lounge celebrates its soft opening on Thursday, Sept. 1.

by Kyla Fields August 24, 2022July 28, 2025

Music

DJ Mag cover star and activist Lauren Flax headlines The Castle in Ybor City this weekend

Her work with the Last Night A Deejay Saved My Life literally saves clubbers’ lives.

by Ray Roa August 24, 2022December 31, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

The Castle in Ybor City announces ‘Star Wars’ night with lightsaber floggings and Wookiee howling contest

Celebrate May the 4th on May 10.

by Chelsea Zukowski April 29, 2022July 9, 2025

Music

Everyone we saw at The Castle’s 27-year anniversary party in Ybor City

by CL Staff November 25, 2019

Arts & Entertainment

The Castle’s Halfway to Halloween #8 is this Saturday

This year’s theme is a “Beetlejuice Black and White,” so make Lydia proud.

by Jenna Rimensnyder June 12, 2019April 9, 2025

Music

Tampa Bay’s best Thanksgiving week and weekend concerts

by CL Staff November 20, 2018

Food & Drink

Weekend Platter: Derby drink deals, Hot Dog Festival and more

Don’t neglect the rest of your weekend on account of Cinco de Mayo.

by Angelina Bruno May 5, 2017August 17, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

The view from the bar: Charlie Doan’s Little Bar Stories

The veteran Ybor bartender and artist’s show opens this weekend at Silver Meteor Gallery.

by Julie Garisto December 3, 2015August 2, 2025

Food & Drink

Weekend Platter: Celebrate Halloween, international cultures & more

More than five ways to get your party, drink and food on this weekend around the region.

by Angelina Bruno October 30, 2015October 27, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

Have a Ball! Steampunk soiree at the Castle

If you like dress-up fun, attend a futuristic, industrial, historical shindig with inventive costumes.

by Julie Garisto August 4, 2015August 13, 2024

News & Views

Lust List Awards Party 2015: We Came, We Saw, We Lusted

by David Warner February 12, 2015March 9, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Do This: Sexy pre-Valentine’s fun w/Erotica at MFA and Lust List Party

Two tantalizing, somewhat absurd and totally lusty events get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.

by Julie Garisto February 13, 2014April 29, 2025

News & Views

Lust List 2014: They’re so lust-worthy

See the pics from Creative Loafing’s Lust List Awards Party

by David Warner February 13, 2014May 18, 2024

Food & Drink

Za-Gay Guide: Log Cabin Republican Edition

Your handy guide to the Bay area’s LGBT-friendly clubs, bars and restaurants.

by David Warner August 22, 2012August 3, 2023

Food & Drink

Za-Gay Guide 2012

Where to eat, drink and be Mary.

by David Warner and Arielle Stevenson June 28, 2012June 2, 2025