Downtown After Hours

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Thursday, November 30

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
4pm to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Tango Buenos Aires
Begins 7:30pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
This audience favorite arrives in with The Spirit of Argentina; a fresh, new show that takes the viewer through the story of Carlos “The King of Tango” Gardel, the most prominent figure in the history of tango. His life cut short in a tragic plane crash, Gardel’s legacy survived throughout Latin America in his long list of famous tango tunes. Tango Buenos Aires

Glee Clubs Winter Concert
Begins 7:30pm
University of Tampa – Sykes Chapel
The Women’s and Men’s Glee Clubs will provide a rousing musical performance showcasing a collection of songs. Rodney Shores and Ryan Hebert will conduct the clubs. This event is free and open to the public, so grab a seat and enjoy the show! Glee Clubs Winter Concert

Red Grant
Begins 8pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
A fine purveyor of down-and-dirty raw comedy, Red Grant launched his career from the stage at the Apollo Theater and on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Known for his films with Katt Williams, Grant has appeared in his own stand-up specials, Showtime’s Caught Red Handed and Comedy Central Presents Red Grant. Red Grant

Friday, December 1

13th World AIDS Day event
7am to 3pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This event promoting AIDS awareness and action will include free HIV and STD testing for people ages 13 an older, free flu shots and vaccines, and music. Community partners will be offering educational information and there will be educational sessions. 13th World AIDS Day event

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
10am to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Unveiling of the 2017 Riverwalk Historical Monuments
Begins 11am
Tampa Convention Center
Take your spot to witness the unveiling of this year’s monuments. This event is a great chance to spend some time outside and see these Riverwalk adornments take their place along the river. Unveiling of the 2017 Riverwalk Historical Monuments

Outside The Lines: Coloring For Adults
Begins 2pm
John F. Germany Public Library
Coloring is not just for kids! Join the hottest trend for adults. Relieve stress and boost creativity with art, fun, and mellow music to help you release your inner artist. Outside The Lines: Coloring For Adults

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour
5:45pm to 6:30pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Cruise through Downtown Tampa on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy a whimsical narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a delicious holiday cookie. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour

Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Begins 6pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Attend Tampa’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the first Friday in December in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The evening will include a countdown to light the tree with Mayor Buckhorn and a free movie in the park. Admission is free. Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

A Christmas Carol
Shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Patel Conservatory
Performed by students in grades 2-12, Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling stage adaptation. Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts lead him through his Past, Present and Future on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol

Lady Gaga: Joanne World Tour
Begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
GRAMMY® and Golden Globe winner and Academy Award-nominated Lady Gaga is a one-of-a kind artist and performer. Gaga is also one of the biggest living forces in social media with millions upon millions of followers. This concert is sure to excite and awe! Lady Gaga: Joanne World Tour

The Polar Express in the Park
8pm to 9:45pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The Polar Express will be presented as a free community screening as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village event. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, so please don’t forget your blankets or folding lawn chairs. Refreshments will be available for sale from Tampa Theatre and a variety of other Winter Village vendors. The Polar Express in the Park

The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2
8pm to 9:45pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Relax wand fill your evening with the sounds of the Florida Orchestra! Alex Kerr will put on an enthralling performance with a violin and Stuart Malina will conduct the orchestra. Enjoy Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 and Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2. The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2

Avenue Q – The Return
Begins 8pm – Opening Night
Stageworks Theatre
A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return

Saturday, December 2

My Doll and Me: Josephina
Begins 10am
Tampa Bay History Museum
Drawing on the American Girl© book series, participants will travel through time with their favorite dolls. Peek into the past with crafts, games, and snacks, as well as hands-on gallery experiences. This month, experience the similarities between Josefina and Florida Seminole girls while crafting a colorful wrap skirt for your doll. My Doll and Me: Josephina

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
10am to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Kai Water Fitness
10am to Noon
Urban Kai on the Riverwalk
Are you ready to get an amazing core conditioning workout and have fun at the same time? This workout is taught entirely on paddleboards using mostly body weight exercises like planks, sit-ups, burpees, prone paddles and even plyo jumps! Please RSVP if you need a paddleboard. Kai Water Fitness

Saturday With Santa
10:30am to 1:30pm
The Florida Aquarium
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Santa will be at the Aquarium for photos and general merriment. His elves will join him and dive in the Aquarium’s Coral Reef habitat during its regularly scheduled dive presentations. Saturday With Santa

Art Spot
11am to 2pm
Tampa Museum of Art
Let your imagination run free as the Museum’s art facilitators introduce exhibition-specific methods of art making filled with fun and creativity for you and yours. Art Spot

Santa Fest
Begins 11am
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Get in the Christmas spirit with the 36th Annual Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade, followed by even more holiday festivities. Enjoy Free photos with Santa Claus, make-n-take holiday crafts, hands-on games and activities, and continuous holiday entertainment. Santa Fest

UT Women’s Basketball vs. Lynn
Begins 2pm
The University of Tampa – Martinez Athletics Center
The University of Tampa Spartans welcome the visiting Lynn Fighting Knights. Grab a seat and cheer on the home team! UT Women’s Basketball vs. Lynn

UT Men’s Basketball vs. Lynn
Begins 4pm
The University of Tampa – Martinez Athletics Center
The University of Tampa Spartans welcome the visiting Lynn Fighting Knights. Grab a seat and cheer on the home team! UT Men’s Basketball vs. Lynn

Polar Express PJ Party With Santa
Begins 5:30pm
Glazer Children’s Museum
Wear your pajamas for an after-hours whimsical night at the Museum with Santa! Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, cuddle up for a screening of Polar Express, play in the exhibits at night, and take your holiday family photo with Santa! Polar Express PJ Party With Santa

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour
5:45pm to 6:30pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Cruise through Downtown Tampa on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy a whimsical narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a delicious holiday cookie. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour

Grown Up Night (21+)
Begins 6:30pm
Glazer Children’s Museum
Celebrate the holidays like a kid again! Grownups take over the museum at this popular event. Get your picture taken with Santa, play in the exhibits, and enjoy FREE beer and snacks while supplies last. Grown Up Night (21+)

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks
Begins 7pm
Amalie Arena
The Lightning welcome the visiting San Jose Sharks for the only regular season match-up in Downtown Tampa this season. Cheer on your team and Be the Thunder! Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks

Senior Musical Theatre Showcase
Begins 8pm
University of Tampa – Plant Hall
The graduating class of musical theatre and theatre majors take the stage to showcase their talents and abilities before a panel of casting representatives and talent agents from around the country. This annual showcase and senior capstone project gives students a chance to secure professional employment before graduation. Senior Musical Theatre Showcase

Avenue Q – The Return
Begins 8pm
Stageworks Theatre
A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return

Sunday, December 3

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Noon to 9pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Concert Artist Series – Holiday Concert
Shows at 2pm and 4pm
University of Tampa – Sykes Chapel
University of Tampa Choirs sing seasonal music with brass ensemble. Maestro Ryan Hebert and Rodney Shores will conduct. This event is a great Tampa institution and a joyful opening to the holiday season with traditional and new music sung by the student voices of the UT Chamber Singers and Camerata. Concert Artist Series – Holiday Concert

Winter Village Express
3pm to 8pm
Whiting Station and Centro Ybor
Operated by the TECO Line Streetcar System, the Winter Village Express offers a holiday experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Hop on at Centro Ybor or Whiting Station and enjoy treats, music and fun as you travel. A quick walk along the Tampa Riverwalk brings you to Winter Village. Winter Village Express

Avenue Q – The Return
Begins 3pm
Stageworks Theatre
A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return

Opera Tampa Singers – A December to Remember: A Holiday Extravaganza
Begins 3pm
Patel Conservatory
The Straz Center’s own charismatic, young opera ensemble shines in this family-friendly concert celebrating the sacred, secular, pop, and classical favorites of the holiday season. The Opera Tampa Singers deliver soul-stirring interpretations full of joy to the world and the happiness of ring-ting-tingling, too. Opera Tampa Singers

Yoga in the Park
Begins 5pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
In operation since 2010 and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership, Yoga in the Park is a free riverside yoga session led by an instructor from Yoga Downtown Tampa. Yoga in the Park

China Soul: The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
Begins 7:30pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Get ready for jaw-dropping Shaolin Kung Fu with some breathtaking feats of gravity-defying acrobatics. Expect a magic stunt or two. In this recreation of the soul of China, The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin transport audiences to another world – where everyone juggles, plates and carpets spin on sticks, and we catch a glimpse of the rarely seen great Icarian acrobatic performance. China Soul

Nightlife & Music

Beyond This Weekend - Upcoming Events

Winter Village Express

December 3, 10 and 17
Centro Ybor and Whiting Stations
New this year, the Winter Village Express offers a holiday experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Hop on at Centro Ybor and enjoy treats, music and fun as you travel to Whiting Station. A quick walk along the Riverwalk brings you to Winter Village. Winter Village Express

Activities on the Water

Yacht Starship Captain Larry’s Water Taxi eBoats Tampa
Olde World Sailing Line Urban Kai Paddleboarding American Victory Ship
FL Aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise Tampa Bay Fun Boat
Riverwalk Boating Company Pirate Water Taxi Kraken Cycle Boats

Arts & Culture Spotlight

Amalie Arena
Lady Gaga – December 1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks – December 2
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders – December 5
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Colorado Avalanche – December 7
Harlem Globetrotters – December 8
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets – December 9
Katy Perry – December 15
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators – December 21
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild – December 23
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens – December 28
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Philadelphia Flyers – December 29
Jim Gaffigan – December 31
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes – January 9
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames – January 11
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Las Vegas Golden Knights – January 18
US 103.5’s Throwdown by the Bay – January 20

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
By the Yard, Cirkut Camera Photography – Through December 31
Voices of Cuba: Open Mic Night – November 3
Under the Cuban Sun – Through December 31

Glazer Children’s Museum
Make it Monday – Weekly 
Toddler Tuesday – Weekly 
Worldly Wednesday – Weekly
Tinker and Tech Thursday – Weekly
Fun Fridays – Weekly

Global Food + Culture – Through November 30
Geek Week – December 1 to 8
Grown Up Night (21+) – December 2
Member Morning – December 3
Children’s Board of Hillsborough Free Tuesday – December 5
Stream of Consciousness A Mindfulness Program – December 9
Gingerbread Village Cardboard Challenge – December 10 to 23
Sorting Ceremony Dinner: A Magical Holiday Feast – December 16
Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – December 24 and 25
Winter Maker Workshops – December 27 to 29
Downtown Countdown – December 31
Check the Museum’s website for a full list of weekday programming.

Henry B. Plant Museum
First Fridays – First Friday of the Month
Menus: The Epicurean Experience – Through December 23

Jobsite Theater
The Tempest – January 19 to February 18
Man in Snow – March 19 to April 1
1984 – April 27 to May 20
Dancing at Lughnasa – June 15 to July 8

The John F. Germany Public Library
Walk-In Tech Help – Wednesdays
Toddler Time – Wednesdays
Crafternoon – Thursdays
Baby Sign – Thursdays
Tai Chi with Bonnie Birdsall – December 5
Movies @ the Library – Riders of the Purple Sage – December 8
Wood Carving with Tech: Ornaments – December 11
Come Write In: Flash Fiction – December 16
Collage Art for Adults – December 17
Holiday Early Closings – December 18 to 28
Movies @ the Library: Ghost in the Shell – December 22
Closed for Holidays – December 23 to 26

Patel Conservatory
A Christmas Carol – December 1 to 3
Holiday Music Concert – December 8
Private Lesson Recitals – December 16
Disney’s The Aristocats Kids – February 15 to 18
Peter Pan, Jr. – April 26 to 29

Stageworks Theatre
The Speak! Tank: Spoken Word Sundays – First Sunday of every month
Christ Fellowship – Wednesdays
brownsville song (b-side for tray) – February 8 to 25

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Fun Home – Through December 3
Red Grant – November 30
Tango Buenos Aires – November 30
The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 – December 1
Opera Tampa Singers – A December to Remember: A Holiday Extravaganza – December 3
China Soul: Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China – December 3
The Book of Mormon – December 5 to 10
The Florida Orchestra – Cheers – December 7
Holiday Music Concert – December 8
A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour – December 9
Love Never Dies – December 12 to 17
Ben Haggard – December 15
The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops – December 15
Private Lesson Recitals – December 16

Tampa Bay History Center
My Doll and Me: Josephina – December 2
Florida Conversations: Towers in the Sand – December 6

Tampa Museum of Art
The Classical World: Selections from the Permanent Collection – Ongoing
The Classical World in Focus: Animals in Ancient Art – Ongoing
Monday Meditation at the Museum – Mondays
Art on the House – Fridays
Art Spot – Saturdays
Kiss and Tell by Wolfgang Flad – Through December 10

Tampa Theatre
The Polar Express – December 1 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park)
Elf – December 15 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park)
It’s A Wonderful Life – December 16 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park)
NYE Wrap Party 2017 – December 31 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park)
Darlene Love – January 18
In the Mood – February 3
Iliza Shlesinger Live – February 17
Wayne’s World – March 1
Winefest 2017: Wine’s World – March 2
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live – April 5

Outside is In - Public Space

First Wednesday, 11am to 2pm at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.
Rock the Park
First Thursday, 6:30pm to 9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
– Free Weekly Community Fitness Classes at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park –
Powered by Athleta
U-JAM Fitness – Monday, 6pm to 7pm
Zumba in the Park  – Tuesday, 6pm to 7pm
Bamboozle Fit Club Boot Camp – Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
Yoga in the Park – Sunday, 5pm to 6pm
– Free Seasonal Programs –
Do the Local Motion – First and third Friday, noon to 1pm (October to May). Walking tours take off from Poe Plaza, Jackson and Franklin streets.

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 Downtown After Hours –  Downtown After Hours is a weekly arts and entertainment guide to help you plan your upcoming weekend. Published every Thursday, it provides information on outdoor events, museum exhibits, live performances, movies and more! Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.

 

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