Labor Day Weekend 2017: Free, Cheap Things To Do In Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors on the hunt for affordable fun over the long Labor Day weekend are in luck. From free art displays and a regatta to wacky fun at Gulfport’s Geckofest, there are lots of things going on this weekend.

Here are just a few of the more affordable options from around the Tampa Bay area:

Check Out The Art Of Brick Before It Goes

Labor Day marks the last day for Nathan Sawaya’s Tampa exhibit. The Lego artist’s work is on display, free of charge, at 802 E. Whiting St. in downtown Tampa. The exhibit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day, Sept. 4. To find out more, visit the Art of the Brick online.

Celebrate Oldsmar

Folks looking for a carnival atmosphere, complete with fireworks, may want to head to Oldsmar over the weekend. The community’s Celebrate Oldsmar festival takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. The 22nd annual event features live music, carnival rides and fireworks with free admission at R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore West Drive. Find out more on the event’s website.

Check Out Geckofest

Gulfport taps into its wild side during this annual celebration that takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along Beach Boulevard on Saturday, Sept. 2. The 17th annual Geckofest includes live music, street performances, art and awesome costumes. For more details, check out the Gulfport Merchants Association online.

Get Crabby In St. Pete

St. Petersburg’s second annual Crab and Music Festival gets under way at noon on Saturday, Sept. 2. The event takes place at Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive S.E., featuring food, entertainment, games and other attractions. Tickets start at $20. For more information, check out the event’s listing.

Watch A Regatta

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s 71st annual Labor Day Regatta takes place Sept. 2-3 at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. More than 300 competitors are expected to take part in the two-day event, including junior sailors ages 8 to 18. For more information, visit the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s website.

Explore A Waterfront Market

Folks with a passion for shopping may want to set a course for Gill Dawg’s in Port Richey Friday night, Sept. 1. The Market on the Bayou takes place from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring locally grown produce, artisan breads, jams, honey, arts and more. Gill Dawg’s is located at 5419 Treadway Drive. For more information, visit the market’s webpage.

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