Published Aug. 12
Monster Jam: World-class drivers control 12,000-pound machines that are capable of doing backflips and vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds of up to 70 mph. The lineup includes Grave Digger (driven by Tyler Menninga), El Toro Loco (driven by MJ Solorio), ThunderROARusa (driven by Tony Ochs), Monster Mutt Dalmatian (driven by Jamie Sullivan), Megalodon (driven by Mikayla Tulachka), Just Get-Er-Done (driven by Brandan Tulachka), Excalibur (driven by Michael Pagliarulo) and Kraken (driven by Nick Pagliarulo). The lineup is subject to change. 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17), 1 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 18). Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.
Tampa Bay Comic Convention Preparty: This celebration leading up to the convention, which will be Aug. 23-25, features costume contests for adults and kids, films, virtual reality sessions, movie discussions, crafts, “Caped Crusader” activities, book signings and artist meet-and-greets. $10-$15, members/ages 6 and younger free (museum admission). 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Sunday (Aug. 16-18). Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-300-1700.
Gulfport Gecko Crawl: A six-stop pub crawl with one free drink, a poker run and an after-party. Prizes for best hand and worst hand. Stops include Neptune Grill, the Tiki Bar and Grill, North End Taphouse, Gulfport Brewery, Peninsula Bed and co*cktails and Hurricane Eddie’s. $25, $10 poker only. 4-9 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17). Neptune Grill, 5501 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-623-4823.
Deep Purple: To celebrate more than 50 years of “Smoke on the Water,” Deep Purple brings its show to Tampa, with special guest Yes. $135 and up. 8 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 15). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire: The Grammy-winning bands unite for the Heart and Soul Tour. $35.50-$500. 7:30 p.m. Friday (Aug. 16). MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4801 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-740-2446.
Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour: The festival includes fiction, documentary and animation from around the world. The 2024 Short Film Tour program is a sampling of festival offerings (NR, 110 minutes). $12, $10 seniors/students. 4 and 7 p.m. Friday (Aug. 16), 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17). Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.
Haunted Trolley Tour: Board a creepy trolley and join Spirits of St. Petersburg founder Brandy Stark for a tour through haunted areas of St. Petersburg including Roser Park, the Old Northeast and the downtown waterfront area. $45, $35 members. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 15). St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE. 727-894-1052.
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Explore all your optionsClearwater Threshers: The Threshers play the Tampa Tarpons. Friday features a Justin Crawford bobblehead giveaway. On Saturday, there will be fireworks after the game. $9-$12. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (Aug. 13-17), noon Sunday (Aug. 18). BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. 727-467-4457.
Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion: Board the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s eco-vessel at Gate 23 on the St. Pete Pier for a journey to shallow areas of Tampa Bay where you’ll don a mask and snorkel and search for spider crabs, sea stars, mangrove snappers and grouper. Age 5 and older only. $34, $26 children. 10 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 18). St. Pete Pier, 600 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-867-8166.
Aquatic Luau: This tropical luau celebrates the end of summer with live entertainment, Hawaiian food and marine life. $55, $45 kids. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17). Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage. 727-441-1790.
311: The group that blends rock, rap, reggae and funk performs. Awolnation and Neon Trees also perform. $100 and up. 8 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 18). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
Menagerie at the Museum: Bring the family for a day of live animal encounters, wildlife gallery exploration and children’s activities. $5 (timed ticket). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17). The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-892-4200.
Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Monthly Film Series: This month, board member Kayden Rodriguez selected 2016 movie “Moonlight” (R, 111 minutes). $12, $10 seniors/students. 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 18). Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.
Wine-O Bingo: A wine-themed version of bingo. Rather than G-32, it’s W-Chardonnay and I-Pinot Grigio. Yell out “Wine-O” when you win. There will also be wine tastings and wine by the glass, beer, hard cider and seltzers. No cover. 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 15). Aspirations Winery, 22041 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-799-9463.
Maren Morris — RSVP Redux Tour: The Grammy-winning artist, who has won numerous other awards, performs. $44-$74. 8 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 17). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
Mapping the American Sea: A Cartographic History of the Gulf of Mexico: Following his conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1522, Hernán Cortés wrote a lengthy letter to Spain’s King Charles V. It is the earliest printed map with the name “Florida” and the first accurate map of the Gulf of Mexico. These rare finds have been unveiled to the public for the first time in Florida in a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center. Included with museum admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through April 27. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.
