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It’s another busy weekend with tons of awesome things to do in Tampa Bay with the kids!
While the ghouls and goblins are gone until next year, there are still a few fun fall festivals to check out around Tampa Bay! And although it’s November, it’s not too early to start making your list of all the holiday events to check out around town, with some kicking off in just a few weeks!Before we dive into our list of Weekend Top Picks of Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend, here’s how we’ve set it up to make it easier for you to find an event on a day that works best for your family: Featured Eventsthat make this page possible, More Awesome Things to Do, Save the Date, What’s on Exhibit, and more.
Metropolitan Ministries’ flagship community outreach program is a beacon of hope known as the Holiday Tent with the goal of aiding individuals, families, children, and seniors in need with food and toys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, with the help of community donations and 30+ collaborative partners, Metro expects to serve over 30,000 families and children. You can support this mission by volunteering as a family or donating food and toys. Learn more at metromin.org/holiday-central.Metro Ministries Holiday Tent
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover, FL
Celebrate family, agriculture and community at the 2026 Hillsborough County Fair, November 5–15 in Dover! This year’s “Celebrate America” theme brings 11 days of exciting carnival rides, fair food, youth livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, contests, live entertainment and family fun. New for 2026, gate admission includes special grandstand events, including rodeo action, truck and tractor pulls and the fan-favorite Demo Derby. Plus, parking is always FREE! Come celebrate America’s heritage, support local youth and agriculture, and make lasting memories with family and friends.
Join Mayor Jane Castor for a special story time at GCM! Families are invited to design and build gingerbread-inspired houses and structures using recycled and everyday materials. Add your creation to our growing village or take it home. Either way, you’re helping bring this festive landscape to life.
Date: Select nights, November 6, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Location: SeaWorld Orlando
Cost: Included with park admission
Beginning this weekend, millions of sparkling lights, beloved shows, and festive experiences are returning to SeaWorld Orlando for their beloved Christmas Celebration! Recognized by USA Today’s 10 Best as one of the nation’s top holiday theme park events, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration transforms the park into a dazzling winter wonderland, shimmering with millions of lights and more decorations than ever. Available on select dates through January 4, 2027, families can enjoy heartwarming shows, beloved characters, festive fireworks, and holiday traditions you’ll only find at SeaWorld — all included with park admission.
The ultimate Holiday family celebration at LEGOLAND returns with tons of all-NEW fun seasonal activities, special holiday character meet & greets, delicious limited-time food offerings and more! This year debuts an all-new Christmas Drone Show featuring LEGO Santa (starting December 5), a new festive Rap Battle Show, and an interactive holiday light trail where families can combine LEGO building with dazzling seasonal fun. Included with park admission.
MORE Awesome Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend
Get ready to be back in the room where it happens! Hamilton is the epic saga with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy and Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Head down to Benchmark International Arena for the annual 5K and 1 mile fun run! Each participant will recieve a Bolt’s finisher’s medal, Bot Run race shirt, and a race bib.
Dates: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8
Time: Saturday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Tampa
The Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club presents its 67th Annual Fall Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show at the Florida Fairgrounds Special Events Center. More than 60 vendors will showcase a remarkable selection of unique slabs, cabochons, beads, gemstones, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re a collector, creator, or simply love working with nature’s materials, this event is perfect for you. Highlights include a kids’ area featuring a sluice, a touch table with rock identification, scavenger hunt, a mineral ID booth and a bean bag toss with prizes for kids and adults. Kids under 12 are free.
Welcome one and all to the 22nd anniversary of the Sarasota Medieval Fair with exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, and pure family fun at their new permanent home, the Woods of Mallarranny at Mallaranny Farms! Step back in time and watch full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches and other fantastic shows on 14 stages! Enjoy rides, games, music, and shop for the holidays in the artisan marketplace with over 140+ shops! Each festival weekend has a unique theme and a full line-up of unique acts!
The parade starts at 10:00 am and will march down 5th Avenue, beginning at the intersection of 16th Street. This event is free and open to all! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to show your appreciation for our brave men and women in uniform. After the parade, continue the celebration at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History with the Battle for Veterans event. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about our military history and support those who have served.
Spend your Saturday with a 3 hour LEGO workshop full of LEGO robots, LEGO mosaic art, LEGO 3D art, and much more! Each week is a different theme, so we are sure to have one your child will enjoy! And at the end of each workshop, every child will get to take home their every own Bricks 4 Kidz minifigure! All children ages 4.5 – 12 years old are welcome! Every child will take home a custom minifigure! Spots are limited to just 20 builders per workshop.
This annual event is a must-do for family members of all ages. Experience the wonders of aerospace through hands-on activities that range from building a wing rib to exploring flight through simulation, to constructing and testing your own balsa wood glider! There will also be puppy time with furry friends from the SPCA for $5. Proceeds go to the SPCA.
Dates: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8
Time: Saturday from 10:00 am-3:45 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am-1:45 pm
Location: Largo
The Largo Central Railroad hits the rails the first full weekend of every month. Enjoy the miniature train ride through Largo Central Park! The ride is available for anyone (except for pregnant mothers). Children must be accompanied by an adult and babies must be able to sit on their own or baby-worn. Please note that all participants must wear shoes and no pets are allowed.
Held in the historic Deuces Corridor, the St. Pete Reads Lit Fest invites you to explore storytelling through literature, visual art, music, and interactive experiences while discovering one of St. Petersburg’s most vibrant cultural destinations. Hear from acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford, and illustrator R. Gregory Christie, whose Caldecott Honors and multiple Coretta Scott King recognitions celebrate the power of storytelling.
Cyber Bowling is the fusion of high energy entertainment and bowling where anything is possible! Your favorite music and club lighting create a glowing, nightclub-like atmosphere while you bowl. This family matinee will feature family appropriate music so families can enjoy the fun together at an earlier time.
Spend the afternoon developing gaming fundamentals. Esports Lounges include: six 65-inch televisions, nextgen consoles (Xbox Series S, PS5, Nintendo Switch), gaming chairs and furniture, and high speed internet. Games inclulde: Super Smash Bros., Fortnite, Rocket League, Paladins, Pokémon Unite, and Mario Kart.
Bring the whole family to Pin Chasers for unlimited bowling plus breakfast! Breakfast Bowling includes: two hours of bowling, two eggs (your way), bacon, and toast.
Head to United Skates for a hands-on Girl Scout STEM & Skate experience! Girl Scouts will explore science, technology, engineering, and math through an exciting STEM lesson, then hit the rink for skating fun. Every participating Girl Scout will also receive a special Rollerskate Patch! Presales only, so register today!
Bring the kids out to dance, sing, and request all their favorite tunes! Movie Songs, TV Shows, and pop music are all on the table! Yes, the adults can request songs too! FREE! Reserver your seat now!
The Holiday Gift Market is The Junior League of Tampa’s largest fundraiser bringing together merchants and shoppers for a unique shopping event. Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, this year’s Market will feature over 200 specialty merchants from the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Shoppers can find gifts for everyone on their list and enjoy holiday-themed events while giving back to the Tampa Bay community. 100% of the Holiday Gift Market proceeds support The Junior League of Tampa’s community projects and programs benefiting women, children and families. Early-bird ticket sales going on now; group discounts available at HolidayGiftMarket.org.
Dates: Select Dates, November 12 – January 3, 2027, at various showtimes
Location: 1211 1st Aven N., Suite 101, St. Petersburg 33705
Celebrate the season with Zubrick Magic Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling 70 minute performance created and produced by Illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick. Featuring world-class magic, holiday-inspired surprises, audience interaction, and plenty of unexpected moments, this special production blends audience favorites with fresh seasonal touches. It’s a festive tradition for families, friends, and anyone looking to experience something truly magical this holiday season in downtown St. Petersburg. Visit zubrickmagic.com to view the calendar and purchase tickets.
Dates: Select days, November 13, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Location: 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa
Going to Busch Gardens is a Tampa bucket list item year-round, but during the holiday event season, it’s even more enticing! With thousands of lights and decorations strung out across the park, Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town is a holiday event like no other. You can enjoy the signature thrill rides at night and eat festive bites from all around the park. Plus, enjoy holiday shows like the brand new “Lights of Wonder” and “A Very Merry Cirque!”There are so many beautiful light displays throughout Christmas Town. You’ll find these lights as you make your way toward Santa’s house.
Don’t miss the holiday spectacular everyone will be talking about! A Magical Cirque Christmas is coming to the Mahaffey Theater for one unforgettable evening of world-class cirque artistry, comedy, magic, and music. Featuring breathtaking aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and specialty performers, this dazzling production brings beloved Christmas classics to life with a fresh, modern twist. Filled with jaw-dropping feats, festive fun, and unforgettable moments, A Magical Cirque Christmas is the perfect holiday experience for the whole family, a festive night out, or a gathering with friends. Get your tickets and make it part of your holiday tradition.A Magical Cirque Christmas is coming to the Mahaffey Theater
Get ready for an unforgettable evening where the aquarium transforms into an after-hours adventure! This special event invites kids ages 5-10 to experience a magical night. When the lights go out, the ocean adventure truly begins! Drop-off: 5:30 – 6 p.m.; pick-up: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Kids can enjoy:
Captivating Stories: Hear amazing tales about the ocean’s most incredible creatures!
Hands-On Activities: Dive into interactive fun with ocean-themed crafts and games.
Aquarium Exploration: Discover the secrets of CMA like never before!
Night at the Aquarium is coming back to Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater
This November, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage! returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall to spread holiday cheer with the timeless characters, music and heart that have made it a cherished family tradition for generations. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season.
Dates: Select nights, November 27 – December 31, 2026
Location: 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
This year’s Christmas in the Wildwill be the biggest and brightest yet! You’ll still get to enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern, and experience new additions. Kids will also love exploring Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Rudolph in person at Rudolph’sReindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!
Cowboy Santa invites you to kick off the holiday season at The James Museum in downtown St. Pete for a festive and fun celebration. Come see the 12-foot Yule Cactus, enjoy art making for all ages, photos with Cowboy Santa, live music from Tampa Bay band Local Honey, and more! The event takes place on our first floor, and it is FREE to attend.
Get ready to come face to face with two of Africa’s most legendary predators at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Lion & Hyena Ridge is an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in North America. Included with general admission.
Dinosaurs are taking over the SciLinx mini golf course at MOSI! You can now putt putt your way millions of years back in time alongside five massive dinosaurs! The debut of the Cretaceous Course marks the first step in a larger dinosaur transformation taking place across the museum as MOSI prepares for the arrival of SUE The T. rex Experience in January 2027.
Meet CMA’s newest residents–Wahoo and Tuna, the sea lions, in their new home at Pinniped Pier! Be among the first to meet these sweet animals in their new habitat, along with more new animals that have recently joined the CMA family! We’re sharing more about what’s new at Clearwater Marine Aquarium here.
David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed at Tampa Museum of Art
Date: Open through February 28, 2026
Location: Tampa Museum of Art, Downtown Tampa
The exhibition features 140 prints, collages, photographs, and iPad drawings by the artist David Hockney, from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation. By rejecting the idea of being limited to one medium or mode of perception, Hockney helped transform modern art. Throughout his lifelong career, which began in the early 1960’s, he worked with etching, lithography, Polaroid collage, office copiers, photography, video, iPhones, and iPads.
The Tampa Museum of Art has just unveiled a first-of-its-kind exhibit for the Tampa Bay area featuring art and artifacts of ancient Egypt. The exhibit features pieces on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and from private collections of owners, along with works from TMA’s collection. The exhibit is an exploration of the everyday life of ancient Egyptian people, the power of the pharaohs and priests, the worship of the gods, and the afterlife. Mysteries of the Nile: Ancient Egypt will be on display for two years.
Go check out the NEW Magic Grasshopper at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete
Date: on display now
Location: St. Pete
The MFA just unveiled Magic Grasshopper, a pink-hued fantastical art sculpture by a renowned artist, Yvette Mayorga. It’s the first in a series of public art displays the museum will showcase outside of its gallery walls for all to enjoy. No admission is required to experience it!
Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
NOW OPEN!
Location: LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven
Be one of the first to experience LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s awesome new indoor family coaster, Galacticoaster! You’ll find it in the new LEGO Galaxy, where you can immerse yourself in 40+ years of LEGO space history. The ride is a first of its kind, and we’re sharing all of the details about Galacticoaster here!
From the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to the future of space exploration, this immersive exhibit lets you design, test, and experience flight firsthand through cutting-edge, hands-on technology. Step into the action as you build your own aircraft, explore the forces of flight, and push the limits of what’s possible.
Science LIVE! All-New Science Demos at MOSI in Tampa | Daily at 2 p.m.
Watch a MOSI educator bring science to life with exciting, hands-on demos. Each show lasts about 15 minutes and features fun experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, and more. You’ll see colorful reactions, cool demos, and amazing science in action. MOSI makes science easy to understand, and even easier to get excited about!
Get ready for this under-the-sea adventure at this all-new indoor attraction! You can expect to see more than 3,000 sea creatures and even walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel! We’ll be there for the official opening on Friday morning!
The beloved FORTS exhibit returns to Glazer Children’s Museum this weekend in its newly expanded and permanent home on the second floor, just in time for spring break! You’ll find it on the second floor, where kids can use their imaginations to build an epic fort!
This colorful, bilingual (English and Spanish) exhibit, created in partnership with the Glazer Vision Foundation, invites families to explore the science of vision through hands-on, mind-bending experiences. Discover how your eyes work with playful interactives that bring light, color, and perspective to life. Mix colors on spinning wheels, walk into a giant kaleidoscope, and cast dazzling colored shadows. Peer through a water sphere to see the world flipped upside down – just like your eyes do before your brain flips it back! Try on glasses, test for color blindness, and watch your pupils dilate as you explore how we see the world.
This new permanent exhibit, created in partnership with Tampa Bay Water, was designed to engage young minds and spark environmental curiosity. The immersive experience brings one of Florida’s most vital ecosystems to life inside the museum, and kids can even go face-to-face with some of the creatures that call our wetlands home, like turtles, lizards, and a snake!
Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops, is now on display at the Glazer Children’s Museum for a three-year exhibition. For the first time, the museum is waiving its requirement that adults attend the museum with a child, to ensure everyone has a chance to see Big John nose to snout for themselves. While you do not need a reservation to go to the museum, you will need to book a timeslot to see Big John. This will eliminate crowds so you can make the most out of the experience. Learn more about how to plan your day to see Big John the Triceratops here.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals a chance to spend time with them while catching up on their reading or improving their reading skills. Children are paired with homeless pets who love to hear the stories and look at the pictures. The program is offered for children ages 5 and up. They’ll provide reading stools, books, and treats (for the animals), but children are welcome to bring their own books if they wish. Books provided include animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond, and books that teach empathy to young readers. Supervised by a Florida state certified teacher.
Ruskin Family Drive-In in Ruskin | Wednesdays-Sundays
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has over 50 years of continuous service to the Ruskin and South Hillsborough County. It’s been a community gathering place since its first movie, “Singing in the Rain” played in 1952. They offer great movies, good food, and peace and quiet on a continuous basis with a 2000 square foot screen, clean restrooms, snack bar, and clean parking lot. Please note: you must bring a portable radio with you or use the radio in your car to hear the movie. There will be no showings on Monday and Tuesday.
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