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It's a classic September weekend, highs around 92 and storms rolling in most afternoons, so do the outdoor stuff before lunch. In this edition, we have...
A free three-day Arts Fest in New Tampa (Zootopia 2 included)
130+ vendors on the water at Coachman Park
Totally Rad Vintage Fest at the Fairgrounds
And more!
Arts Fest '26 Takes Over New Tampa This Weekend
Photo: Samuel Sianipar, Unsplash
The New Tampa Performing Arts Center opens its doors for three days of free theater, dance, music, and comedy starting Friday night.
Saturday is the family day. Disney's Zootopia 2 screens at 10am, then the Florida Orchestra sets up its instrument petting zoo at 11am (your kid or grandkid gets to play a trombone). Tampa City Ballet closes the night at 8pm.
Sunday is the one I'd pick. Rudram Indian Dance at 1:30pm, the Countdown Improv Festival right after, and Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Africa at 4:30pm.
Backstage tours run all three days, and none of it costs a dime.
When: Friday 9/11 from 5pm, Saturday 9/12 from 10am, Sunday 9/13 from 12:45pm
Where: New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd)
Cost: Free
Tip: It's all indoors, so a great event for these intermittent rainy days.
Market Marie Fills Coachman Park Saturday Morning
Photo: Jason Ng, Unsplash
Clearwater's second-Saturday market sets up on the waterfront at Coachman Park from 10am to 2pm with more than 130 vendors.
Expect produce, local makers, food trucks, a bounce house for the kids, and pet adoptions. Fair warning if you weren't planning to come home with a dog.
Storms are due after 2pm on Saturday, which is exactly when this wraps up. Go early, eat lunch there, and you're back over the bridge before the sky opens.
When: Saturday 9/12, 10am-2pm
Where: Coachman Park, Clearwater (101 Drew St)
Cost: Free
Totally Rad Vintage Fest Hits the Fairgrounds
Photo: Greg Rosenke, Unsplash
The '80s, '90s, and Y2K market takes over the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
It's rows of vintage vendors, a free-play retro arcade, and photo ops built for the throwback feed. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Tickets are $8 online and $12 at the door. The $25 early entry gets you in at 8:30am, before the good denim is gone.
When: Saturday 9/12, 10am-5pm (early entry 8:30am)
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall (4800 US-301)
Cost: $8 advance / $12 at the door / Kids 12 and under free / Early entry $25
Weather
Thursday 9/10: High 92° / Low 76° - Mostly Sunny, Scattered Storms
Friday 9/11: High 91° / Low 76° - Scattered Storms
Saturday 9/12: High 92° / Low 76° - Mostly Sunny, Storms
Sunday 9/13: High 92° / Low 76° - Storms
Monday 9/14: High 92° / Low 76° - Chance of Storms
Tuesday 9/15: High 92° / Low 75° - Mostly Sunny, Chance of Storms
Wednesday 9/16: High 96° / Low 77° - Partly Cloudy
Sunset Saturday: 7:39pm
Same story every day this week. Mornings are yours, afternoons belong to the storms.
More This Week
Thursday 9/10
Downtown's Backyard Market - 11am-2pm at Poe Plaza (free, produce and a lunch run)
Art on the House - 4-8pm at the Tampa Museum of Art (pay what you wish)
Sounds of the Street - 5:30-8:30pm at Water Street (free, live music inside four restaurants)
Friday 9/11
Fridays I'm In Love at The Florida Aquarium - 5-8pm (buy one admission, get one free after 5pm)
Howl-O-Scream opening night - 7pm to close at Busch Gardens (from $48.99, separate ticket)
Kehlani - 8pm at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre (ticketed)
Saturday 9/12
ZooTampa Kids Fun Run - races from 7:15am at ZooTampa ($40 per kid, includes zoo admission and a medal)
Grandparents' Weekend at The Florida Aquarium - 9am-5pm (grandparents get in free with one paid admission, ticket window only)
The Strokes - 7pm at Benchmark International Arena (ticketed)
Bruno Mars - 7pm at Raymond James Stadium (ticketed, and again Sunday)
Rock the Bay Dinner Dance Party - 8-10:30pm on the Yacht StarShip (ticketed, cruise-only option available)
Sunday 9/13
Grandparents' Weekend at The Florida Aquarium - 9am-5pm (grandparents get in free with one paid admission)
Bucs Watch Party at TradeWinds - from 11am on St. Pete Beach (free, with a Bucs legend and the cheerleaders)
Yoga in the Park - 6-7pm at Curtis Hixon (free, bring a mat)
Monday 9/14 to Wednesday 9/16
Mon: HIIT in the Park - 6pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (free)
Tue: Zumba in the Park - 6pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (free)
Tue: Central Park Jazz Jam - 6-7:30pm at the Tampa Black History Museum (free)
Wed: September Night Market at Armature Works - 6-9pm (free, local vendors along the river)
Looking Ahead
Fri 9/18: Zac Brown Band with Brothers Osborne - 7pm at Benchmark International Arena (ticketed)
Sat 9/19: Rides by the River car show - 8-10am at Armature Works (free to walk around)
Sat 9/19: Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final - 6:30pm on the Tampa Riverwalk (the winner goes to the world final in Zurich)
Ongoing: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens (select nights through Oct 31)
That's it for this week's edition of Tampa Loop!
I've got one favor to ask. Hit reply and tell me what kind of events you want more of. I read every one, and your answers decide what leads the next few issues.
See you next week! 🌞
Kevin C
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