Things to Do Community Events GUAVAWEEN

CONGA CALIENTE

(813) 248-0721 www.cc-events.org October 29, 2011

This Latin-style Halloween celebration begins with Family FunFest during the day with activities for the entire family. When dusk falls, revelry starts with the “Mama Guava Stumble” a parade through the streets of historic Ybor City and continues with concerts ranging from rock to reggae.

NOVEMBER 2011

ARTE – TAMPA BAY’S FESTIVAL OF THE AMERICAS www.artefestival.org November 2011

Tampa Bay’s Festival of the Americas will be the largest cultural event on the West Coast of Florida. Visit one of our 40 arts venues and you’ll experience the best visual, film and performing arts from South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

RUSKIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

(813) 645-3808 www.ruskinchamber.org November 5-6, 2011

Seafood lines the shores of Tampa Bay at the Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival to serve up shrimp, conch, grouper and much, much more. Other entertainment includes a boat show, children’s court, exotic animals and an arts and crafts show at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin.

(813) 353-8151 www.codasoundusa.com November 2011

Something hot is sizzling in Tampa and this November, and this time it’s not just the sun. Join us at Al Lopez Park from 11am-6pm for this free admission, family-oriented event. We invite participants to experience Tampa’s Latin culture through performances, artistic displays and a variety of ethnic foods. The festival is organized in partnership with the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department and produced by Coda Sound.

10TH ANNUAL PLANT CITY PIG JAM STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP

(813) 754-3707 www.plantcity.org

November 19, 2011

In addition to some of the finest barbecue in the Southeast, the 10th Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship offers music, live entertainment and plenty of activities for the kids. It all happens from 10am-5pm at the Plant City Stadium, 1500 S Park Rd. in Plant City. This Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned contest brings out some pretty tough competition. More than 75 teams from across the country will be on the hunt for trophies, cash prizes and the right to brag about cooking the best barbecue. Guests can purchase some of the great barbecue featured in the competition, as well as t-shirts, snacks, refreshments and more. Admission is free.

TAMPA CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL

(813) 247-1434 www.cigarheritagefestival.com November 2011

Come join the fun and ambiance of Ybor City for a day of activities celebrating the rich cigar heritage that once made Ybor City the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Join thousands of cigar enthusiasts at the 11th annual festival!

HYDE PARK VILLAGE ENCHANTED TREE LIGHTING

(813) 251-3500 www.hydeparkvillage.net

November 26, 2011

Join Santa as he lights the 30-foot tree in Hyde Park Village. This event kicks off a four-week series of holiday activities. Highlights include musical performances, carriage rides, free photos with Santa, carolers and other children’s activities.

DECEMBER 2011

LIGHTED HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES (813) 223-4250 www.channelsidebayplaza.com December 2011

Gather the family and enjoy a series of fun-filled events on waterfront Channelside Bay Plaza, including a lighted boat parade and waterside lighting competition.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL

(813) 254-1891 www.plantmuseum.com December 1 - 23, 2011

Experience the charm and grandeur of a 19th century holiday at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s “Victorian Christmas Stroll,” located alongside the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Complimentary cider and cookies are served on the veranda every day and holiday entertainment is provided nightly. Call for more information and admission prices.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS

(813) 223-4250 www.channelsidebayplaza.com December 31, 2011

Come down to waterfront Channelside Bay Plaza and enjoy an up-close view of the dazzling New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display at midnight. Event is free to attend.

OUTBACK BOWL PARADE & PEP RALLY

(813) 874-2695 www.outbackbowl.com December 31, 2011

The Outback Bowl is a New Year’s Day college football game featuring teams from the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference in a match up at Raymond James Stadium. The game is the culmination of a week of fun events including a New Year’s Eve Parade. Call (813) 874- BOWL for more information.

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