Hurricane Benefits, Season Spectacular, SHINE Fest: FL Weekend Events

TAMPA BAY, FL — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There’s something for every interest — a free chorale concert, a mural festival, a crockpot cook-off, art markets.

Check out these weekend events in the greater Tampa Bay area:

Tampa Bay Afrofuturism Festival

The second weekend of this year’s Tampa Bay Afrofuturism Festival kicks off with a second Community Tech Day on Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., at Artz 4 Life Academy in Clearwater. Nico Sweet and Tha Banned perform Saturday, 8 p.m., at the Studio@620 in St. Petersburg. The Studio also hosts Valor Fest, honoring veterans through art; “3 Women’s Tales;” a fashion show; and more on Sunday afternoon and evening. Multidisciplinary artist and author Tenea D. Johnson is featured Saturday, 4 p.m., at the E. Chambliss Studio in St. Pete and an evening of art, music, and poetry is planned at Shuffle in Tampa on Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.

SHINE Mural Festival

The SHINE Mural Festival wraps up this weekend with artists from around the globe completing their murals at various St. Petersburg locations as part of this 10-day festival. Daily mural tours by trolley are available.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival

Twenty-four professional sand sculptors from around the world take over Siesta Beach Friday through Monday for this annual sand sculpting festival. There are also more than 90 vendors, food to purchase, workshops and demos.

Season Spectacular

Kick off the holiday season Friday, starting at 5 p.m., at Water Street Tampa. Season Spectacular features the unveiling of holiday dećor across the neighborhood, festive food and beverages, themed kids’ activities, and cheerful live entertainment. There’s something for everyone to enjoy including a holiday-themed silent disco, hot chocolate bars, seasonal cocktails and bites, photos with Santa and more.

The Love Boat Gala

All aboard The Love Boat Gala on Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., at Tampa Bay Watch in Tierra Verde for a 1970s-themed night of great food, music, and memories—all in support of a resilient culinary community. St. Pete Beach’s beloved restaurants, including the locally adored The Helm, face immense recovery challenges after hurricanes Helene and Milton left their kitchens flooded, equipment destroyed, and dreams on hold.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Fundraising Concert

Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd are headlining a charity concert, Rock ‘N’ Support, to raise funds for local hospitality workers affected by recent hurricanes. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band will take the stage at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto on Friday, 7 p.m., with special guest Marcus King.

West Tampa Heights Community Yard Sale

This community yard sale hosted by the West Tampa Heights Neighborhood Association takes place Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Art Show and Sale

The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch presents its annual fall art show on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

American Heart Association Heart Walk

This year’s Tampa Bay Heart Walk takes place Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. The event, which raises funds for the American Heart Association, opens at 7:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.

East2West Art Market

The Parrish Arts Council presents this joyful gathering of artists, artisans and art enthusiasts Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. In addition to original artwork, there will be “Try Art” booths, raffle baskets, and live music performances by Arts Conservancy for Teens and Jazz Sounds.

Intergalactic Flea Market

Bartow Con presents this pop-up comic convention on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the International Market World Auburndale Flea Market. There will be vendors, a costume contest, a lightsaber demonstration, a magic show, trivia and more.

Hope for Tampa

This sixth annual community festival, organized by Hillsborough County Schools is set for Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Foster Elementary School in Tampa. There will be bounce houses, carnival games, educational assistance, a hot lunch and other resources.

The Avett Brothers

American folk rock band The Avett Brothers make their debut at The BayCare Sound in Clearwater on Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Crockpot Cook-Off

Clearwater’s Aspirations Winery hosts its first-ever Crockpot Cook-Off on Sunday starting at 1:30 p.m. For just $30, you can enter your best crockpot creation and compete for cash prizes for the top three dishes! It’s free to attend, and if you’d like to vote, a drink purchase is required.

Bethune Cookman Concert Chorale

Known for performing a variety of music in the classical, jazz, and gospel styles, the 60 members of the Bethune Cookman Concert Chorale present a free concert on Sunday, 4 p.m., at St. Petersburg’s First Presbyterian Church. This concert features the music of African-American composers paired with the robust sounds of the Chorale and their featured soloists.