Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of July 10-16

Kelly A. Stefani, Tampa Bay Times
Updated ·5 min read
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SharkCon: Dive deep into the world’s oceans and learn about its amazing inhabitants at this convention with shark science, aquarium exhibits, a shark dissection, a 27-foot shark slide, a shark tooth sand dig pit, paddleboard and kayak clinics, mermaids, touch tanks, a demonstration on marine mammal rescues and conservation activities. $20, $5 children. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (July 15-16). Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. 813-621-7821.

Metrocon: Florida’s largest anime convention features stage shows, vendors, panelists and interactive events throughout the weekend, including the Anime Human Chess Match, where characters from your favorite anime and video games battle it out for the fate of the world. $35-$45, $20 children. 11 a.m.-midnight Friday (July 14), 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday (July 15), 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday (July 16). Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St. 813-274-8511.

Damon Wayans Jr.: The actor and comedian who played Coach on “The New Girl” and Brad Williams on “Happy Endings” performs his standup act. $42-$52. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday (July 14), 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday (July 15). Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.

Boy George and Culture Club: The band whose hits include “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and ”Church of the Poison Mind” performs. Featuring special guests Howard Jones and Berlin. $24.95-$500. 7 p.m. Saturday (July 15). MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4801 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. 813-740-2446.

Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival, which takes place on the St. Pete Pier plaza and includes a wide range of ice cream flavors from over 25 vendors. There will also be music, family-friendly activities and votes for the best ice cream awards. Free admission. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday (July 16). St. Pete Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE. 727-452-6984.

Rays Day at Great Ex: Raymond and DJ Kitty of the Tampa Bay Rays join Morris the Explorasaurus for a DJ Kitty Dance “Pawty” with baseball-themed games and crafts. Kids of the Rays Rookies Club get free admission to the museum all day. Included with admission. Noon-2 p.m. Sunday (July 16). Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-821-8992.

Summer Classics Movie Series: Now in its 32nd year, Tampa’s longest-running classic movie series celebrates a century of extraordinary filmmaking. It includes silent films, singalongs, Disney classics and more. This portion features the 1985 hit “The Breakfast Club” (R, 97 minutes). $10, $7 members. 3 p.m. Sunday (July 16). Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.

Ted Nugent: The singer-guitarist who has sold more than 40 million albums and performed over 6,500 live shows in a career that spans five decades takes the stage. $70 and up. 8 p.m. Sunday (July 16). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.

Blink 182: The award-winning, multiplatinum selling band performs. $25.75-$145.75. 7:30 p.m. Monday (July 10). Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.

Summer Family Movies: Escape the heat and take the kids to a local theater to see discounted films. The following are three deals offered by the larger theater chains:

  • Summer Movie Funfest: Select CMX movie theaters offer $1.99 movies every Tuesday through Thursday. This week features “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (July 11-13). Also taking place at Countryside in Clearwater and Hyde Park Cinebistro in Tampa. $1.99. 10 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday (July 11-13). CMX Cinemas Tyrone Luxury, 2998 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg. 727-209-1950.

  • Summer Movie Camp: Get $3 tickets on Wednesday and $5 tickets on Saturdays. Catch “Trolls World Tour” on Wednesday (July 12) and “Mummies” on Saturday (July 15). Also taking place at Westshore 14 and Veterans 24 in Tampa. Screening time varies by location. $3-$5. 11 a.m. Wednesday (July 12) and Saturday (July 15). Sundial 12, 151 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-502-9573.

  • Summer Movie Express: Regal Cinema locations show $2 family movies every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long. This week features “Sonic the Hedgehog 2″ and “Paw Patrol the Movie” (July 11-12). $2. 10 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday (July 11-12). Park Place Stadium 16, 7200 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. 727-525-7777.

An Evening with Steven Curtis Chapman: The most awarded artist in Christian music history, whose accomplishments include five Grammys, 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 50 No. 1 singles, performs. Cochren & Co. also appears. $38.50-$98.50. 8 p.m. Wednesday (July 12). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.

Same Time, Next Year: In this classic romantic comedy, George and Doris rendezvous each year beginning in 1951. Buffet lunch/dinner and show. Reservations required. $45. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday (July 13). Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater. 727-446-5898.

Laser Lights Nights: Enjoy music by popular bands from all eras set to a laser light show in the planetarium. 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13: Bob Marley; 9 p.m. Thursday, July 13: Jimi Hendrix; 7 p.m. Friday, July 14: Michael Jackson; 9 p.m. Friday, July 14: David Bowie; 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15: Taylor Swift; 9 p.m. Saturday, July 15: Bruno Mars. $15. Bishop Planetarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton. 941-746-4131.

Cannnadelic Summer: An immersive “psychedelic” experience museum, interactive workshops, a consumer marketplace with over 50 vendors and exhibitors, plus expert speakers and discussion panels focused on the science, business and culture of cannabis and psychedelic medicine. $25-$100. Noon-midnight Saturday (July 15). The Factory and Fairgrounds St. Pete, 2622 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 813-739-4800.

Lizzie: The Musical: Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the 1892 ax murders of her stepmother and father, but creepy legends and schoolyard rhymes insist on her guilt. Young Miss Borden’s tale is related by four women fronting a six-piece rock band. $24.50. 8-10 p.m. Saturday (July 15), 4-6 p.m. Sunday (July 16). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.