TAMPA, Fla. — If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (January 18-20), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, January 18
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Straz Center at 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $45
Info: Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!”.
Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition Exhibit
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Henry B. Plant Museum at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
Cost: $10
Info: The Gasparilla invasion takes over the Henry B. Plant Museum! Join us for an exhibit on the rich history of Tampa’s oldest and most fun-loving community festival. The new exhibit, Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition explores Tampa’s premier party, attended by a motley crew of the famous and infamous, the beautiful people and bad dudes. Learn more about the early Gasparilla parades and enjoy vintage photographs from 1904 to the present. Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition opens January 18th and is underwritten by Hank, Suzanne, Sara Katherine and Margo Ennis.
Saturday, January 19
Pigz In Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Fest
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Cost: Free Admission, $10 parking
Info: The Zephyrhills Annual Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Festival features a friendly BBQ competition amidst a background full of the blues music. With 9,000-12,000 guests per year, BBQ & Blues has grown to become the most attended event in Zephyrhills.
When: Jan. 19-20
Where: RP Funding Center at 701 W Lime Street, Lakeland
Cost: $25 per day, $35 for both days
Info: Join thousands of fans at the first ever Central Florida Comic Con at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland! Taking place on January 19-20, this comic con will be a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy.
When: 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: Mateys of all ages jump and shout for beads as over 100 parade floats make their way down Tampa Bay’s Bayshore Boulevard. Since 1947, families, friends and neighbors bring their own krewes out to take in Gasparilla’s Children’s Parade. The parade is all about elaborate floats, impeccably dressed krewes, booming marching bands, whirling dancers, and the familiar faces of schools and community organizations. It ends, of course, with a bang. What pirate parade would be complete without some monstrous “pirate-technic” explosions? Take a gander as they recreate the battle between Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and Tampa. The pirates win every year, arghhh!
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Music Fest
When: Jan. 19-20
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 60 North Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: $10 per person each day
Info: Celebrate the 18th Annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Music Fest at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday, January 19-20. The captivating event will host a variety of family-friendly activities that include an engaging Children's Village, Free Health Screening, food vendors, local/regional musical entertainment, giveaways and much more.
St. Pete Beer and Bacon Festival
When: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Vinoy Park at 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Pete
Cost: $10
Info: Get ready for a great combo of beer and bacon! The St. Pete Beer and Bacon Festival will feature 60+ bacon-inspired dishes, 100+ craft beers, live music, games, prizes and so much more.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $40
Info: Go Bolts! The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at Amalie Arena.
Sunday, January 20
Trevor Noah Loud and Clear Tour
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Yuengling Center/USF Sun Dome
Cost: $31
Info: The Daily Show host and celebrated comedian is known around the world for his insightful and authentic take on politics and current events. Born in South Africa during the end of apartheid, he often shares incisive social and political commentary on his Comedy Central platform, The Daily Show, and through his various stand-up specials and writing. In 2016, Trevor released his first book Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, which became an instant New York Times best-seller.
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