Here is a short list of things going on along the Tampa Bay Beaches in January for all the Vacation Rental Customers looking for something to do while on the beach.
January
Jan. 12 - Chef Pritchard's 1200*F Roast. Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. 6:30 p.m. www.stpete.org/coliseum or 727-892-5202
Jan. 13 Natural History Speaker Series - Florida's Bottlenose Dolphins. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S. 7:30 p.m. N Dr.Randall Wells, Senior Conservation Scientist and Dolphin Research Program Manager from Mote Marine Laboratory discusses his latest research findings and the conservation issues surrounding them. Learn about their soc ial structure, behavior, and communication as well as human interactions and impacts. www.stpete/boyd or 727-893-7326.
Jan. 14 - Tampa Bay Job Fair.Coliseum. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Job Fair provides an opportunity for employers to showcase their organization and promote available employment opportunities. A great day to seek and find qualified candidates/employees. 727-893-8523
Jan. 14 - "Oldies But Goodies Dance."The Pier, Dockside Eatery Food Court. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Relax and listen or dance to the music of The Downtowners or the Ron Berringer Trio. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.
Jan. 15 - " Principles of Landscape Design 101" Lunch n Learn.Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Want to learn more about gardening while lingering over lunch and a glass of wine? Well, you need to call your friends and join us at Sunken Gardens' new Lunch n Learn programs! Programs will be lead by Bill O'Grady, Horticultural Enthusiast. A box lunch will be served and a cash bar will be available. Pre-registration is required and the fee is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. 727-551-3102 to register. www.sunkengardens.org
Jan. 15 - Movies at MFA. Sweet and Low Down.Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. Movies begin at 7 p.m. in the Marly Room, galleries open in the original building from 6 to 7 p.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.
Jan. 16 - St. Petersburg Opera Company-The Merry Widow. The Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun.2 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.
Jan. 16 to 18 - The Art and Decorating, David & Tracy Gamble Workshop.St. Petersburg Clay Company, 420 22nd St. S. David and Tracy Gamble join us again this year for another entertaining and informative hands-on workshop focusing on low-fire decoration techniques. Sign up today.www.stpeteclay.com or 727-896-2529.
Jan. 17 - Air Potato Pick-up.Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S. 10 a.m. Help us rid the preserve of these horrible tubers. Air Potatoes are an exotic vine that shades out other plants. www.stpete/boyd or 727-893-7326.
Jan. 17 - Nature Walk.Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the preserve with a Ranger. You will learn new facts about Florida's habitats and the animals that call our preserve home. www.stpete/boyd or 727-893-7326.
Jan. 17 - FISH-ful Saturday: Tales from the Deep. Pier Aquarium, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. Noon to 2 p.m. www.pieraquarium.org or 727-895-7437.
Jan. 17 - 6th Annual Psychic Fair.The Pier Dockside Activity Room. Noon to 4 p.m.See what your future holds. There will be 13-15 Tarot card, Palm and/or Rock readers, as well as mentalists for your entertainment. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.
Jan. 17 - 24th Annual MLK Drum Major for Justice Awards Banquet. Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, 333 First St. S. 8 p.m. Official opening of MLK week in Florida; featuring Sen. Cleo Fields, Louisiana State Legislature, as keynote speaker. www.mlknationalparade.org, Tickets, $35, available at Enoch Davis Center. Contact: Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), 727-327-0085; 727-327-6555.
Jan. 17 - St. Pete Beach Classic. Hosted by the Sirata Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach, this fifth year event has set a new standard for area road races. The competitive 10K and 5K races are complemented by a 1M fun run and four kids races for the younger folks. A two day Health and Fitness Expo is also included wrapped around a community Beach Party and bonfire the night before the races. A truly unique running event in a location that can only be described as paradise! 727-367-RACE.
Jan. 17 - Tampa Bay Church Choir Competition.Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater. 3 p.m.www.mahaffeytheater.com, 727-327-7197 or 727-892-5798.
Jan. 17 and 18 - Buckler's Craft Show.Coliseum. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unique home decor, delicious fudge, gourmet delights, country, handcrafted furniture, clothing, custom jewelry and more. www.bucklerpromotions.com, www.stpete.org/coliseum or 727-892-5202.
Jan. 17 and 18 - Peter Max Exhibit.The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave. Meet the artist: Sat. 6 to 9 p.m.and Sun. noon to 3 p.m. Gallery open Sat.10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. noon to 5 p.m. Famed artist Peter Max will bring his inspirational artwork to the Arts Center in St. Petersburg. Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary American culture. In addition to his traditional works, Max will be selling three hand-painted football helmets, created especially for this event. The helmets will be designed in the monikers of the University of Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Max will donate 5% of helmet sales to the alumni associations of each college. www.petermax.com, www.theartscenter.org or 727-822-7872.Jan. 17 to 24 - Writers in Paradise Evening Readings.Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S. Miller Auditorium 8 p.m. All readings are free and open to the public. Jan. 17 Stewart O'Nan; Jan. 18 Les Standiford and Peter Meinke; Jan. 19 Sterling Watson and Ann Hood; Jan. 20 Tom Perrotta and Scott Ward; Jan. 21 No readings scheduled; Jan. 22 Jill Bialosky, Nahid Rachlin and Helen Pruitt Wallace; Jan. 23 Michael Koryta and Laura Lippman; Jan. 24 Dennis Lehane, "Best Of" Nominees announced. 727-864-7979.
Jan. 18 - Sunday Afternoon Fun.The Pier, 800 2nd Ave N.E. Lars Erick Robinson, caricature artist from Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus and family fun. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.
Jan. 18 - Annual MLK Ecumenical/Multi-faith Worship Service and Candlelight Vigil. Bethel Metropolitan Church, 3455 26th Ave. S. 4 p.m. Pastor Ricky Houston will conduct a service open to people of all faiths, followed by a candleight vigil. Contact: Abdul K. Ali, Congregations United for Community Action (CUCA), 727-867-7067.
Jan. 18 - 24th Annual National MLK Drum Major for Justice Battle of the Bands & Drum Line Extravaganza.Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive. 6:15 p.m. Performers include college and high school marching bands from five states; and HBCU All-Star band members (Historically Black Colleges & Universities). Tickets: $12 at the door; $10 in advance; $15 VIP seating. Purchase advance tickets at Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., or Looking Good Men's Fashions in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Bradenton. www.mlknationalparade.org, Ticketmaster, 813-287-8844; Enoch Davis Center, 727-893-7134; 727-327-6555.
Jan. 19 - 23rd Annual MLK Leadership Awards Breakfast.Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. 7:30 a.m. Dr. Bartholomew Banks, Sr. keynote speaker. $25 per person, proceeds benefit student scholarships. Contact: National Council of Negro Women/St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section. 727-403-0144 or 896-2922.
Jan. 19 - 24th Annual National MLK Drum Major for Justice Parade. Starts at 1:15 p.m. The parade route begins at Third Ave. S. and Martin Luther King St., proceeds north to Central Ave., east to Bayshore Drive, and north to Fifth Ave. N., disbanding at Vinoy Park. www.mlknationalparade.org or 727-327-6555.
Jan. 20 - "History in the Making" Inauguration Luncheon.Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. 10 a.m. door open. This is one of the most exciting times in our nation's history and we would like to celebrate together! Friends of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum and the International Association of Firefighters - Local 747 will host an inauguration luncheon. Contact www.woodsonmuseum.org or 727-323-1104.
Jan. 20 - Night Hike. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S.7 p.m. A night hike will allow you to view the preserve in the evening and the mystery of the forest. Many nocturnal species slip out into the preserve. Space is limited to 15 people. Paid registration is required to guarantee a space. www.stpete/boyd or 727-893-7326.
Jan. 21 - Runaway Circus and Loose Caboose Performance Troupe. The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. 7:30 p.m. www.thestudioat620.org or 727-895-6620.
Jan. 21 - Tea Dance.Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. Dance instruction 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., taped music 12:30 to 1 p.m. and live music by various bands 1 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon dancing. www.stpete.org/coliseum or 727-892-5202.
Jan. 22 - Side Door Jazz. The Palladium Theatre at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N. 7:30 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.
Jan 23 - 4th Friday - Grand Central Evening Stroll.Grand Central District. From 1st Ave. N. to 1st Ave. S. and 19th St. to 31st St. Fourth Friday monthly. Shop, night spots, businesses and galleries stay open late with specials entertainment and more. A Florida Main Street Community. www.grandcentraldistrict.org or 727-328-7086.
Jan. 23 - Collectors Circle Lecture - Albrecht Durer and the Language of Prints.Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. 6:30 p.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.
Jan. 23 to 25 - Tampa Bay Home Expo. Tropicana Field. Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The St. Petersburg Times is your partner who will deliver home enthusiasts by the thousands. This three-day event will showcase Home Improvement specialist throughout Tampa Bay and will focus on all things for the home. The Tampa Bay Home Expo will also include a seminar series featuring great advice for improving your home. Our newest seminar will be presented by a local interior designer- listen and learn as Jaime Rogers from Doxa Design explains how to create a look with classic pieces. You can also get ready for spring gardening with Stan DeFreitas, a local horticulturist; learn decorative painting styles with Jeff Monsein from Splat Paint; or conjure up new game day grilling creations with Tony Fatso. Individual booths will also feature new products, demonstrations, giveaways, advice and trade secrets. If you want to reinvent your living space for the New Year… the Home Expo is the place to be. www.tampabayhomeshows.com or 727-893-8523.Jan. 23 to 25 - First Anniversary Celebration.The International Museum of Radiant Peace, 5601 Central Ave. Fri. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. 1 to 4 p.m. Ribbon cutting, special Museum tours, interactive activities, light refreshments, prizes. www.radiantpeace.org or 727-343-8212.
Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 - Kiss Me Kate.St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. www.splt.org or 727-866-1973.
Jan. 23 to Feb. 15 - Regional Premiere of American Stage's Next Chapter in our "Wilson Cycle" Festival King Hedley II.American Stage, 211 3rd St. S. Wed. and Thur. 7;30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Matinee 3 p.m. Play by Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson.www.americanstage.org or 727-823-PLAY(7529).
Jan. 24 - The Hospice St. Pete Stroll.The Pier. 8 to 11 a.m. Team up with neighbors, family and friends in the community for a leisurely stroll on the waterfront of beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. The Stroll will begin and end at the back of the St. Petersburg Pier where refreshments and breakfast snacks will be served. Our Memory Wall is on display at the event and we welcome you to bring pictures of your loved ones to hang on the wall and celebrate their lives. www.thehospice.org/calendar or 727-586-4432.
Jan. 24 - Roy Bookbinder in concert.Craftsman House,2955 Central Ave. 7 p.m. Roy has been performing across the globe for over 40 years. He plays the blues while telling hilarious stories & one liners. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com or 727-323-ARTS.
Jan. 24 - Too Smooth Productions: When loving you is hurting me! The Palladium, 253 5th Ave. N. 7:30 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.
Jan. 24 - Florida Orchestra Masterworks Concert: Pictures at an Exhibition. Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater. 8 p.m.www.floridaorchestra.org or 1-800-662-7286.
Jan. 26 - Band of the USAF Reserve. The Palladium, 253 5th Ave. N. 7:30 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.
Jan. 26 - Ebony Fashion Show - "What's Hip. What's Hot. What's Now!" Coliseum. 8 p.m. World's largest traveling fashion show and our 51st annual tour. The famed runways of Paris, New York, London and Milan are once again sparking fashion bulletins and sounding style alerts as there is plenty of exciting news to be reported from the new world of fashion, featuring a new generation of models and designers forecasting what's hip, what hot, and what's now! Hosted by the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. www.stpete.org/coliseum or 727-892-5202.
Jan. 26 to Feb.17 - Thom Pain (based on nothing).American Stage, 211 3rd St. S. Sun., Mon. and Tues. at 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 11:30 p.m. Play by Will Eno. www.americanstage.org or 727-823-PLAY(7529).
Jan. 27 - Naturalist Night Out. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S. 6:30 p.m. "Great Women Exploring Nature" - Local author Linda Taylor shares the adventurous lives of the women in her new book. www.stpete/boyd or 727-893-7326.
Jan. 27 - Judith Alstadter Lunchtime concert in Side Door Cabaret.The Palladium Theatre at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N. Noon. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.
Jan. 28 - "Oldies But Goodies Dance."The Pier, Dockside Eatery Food Court. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Relax and listen or dance to the music of The Downtowners or the Ron Berringer Trio. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.
Jan. 29 - Florida Orchestra Coffee Series: Great Brits. Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater. 11 a.m.www.floridaorchestra.org or 1-800-662-7286.
Jan. 29 to 31 - Portraiture: In Three Movements. The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. 8 p.m. www.thestudioat620.org or 727-895-6620.
Jan. 29 - Pulp Fiction screening & VIP party with John Travolta. Muvico Baywalk 20, 151 2nd Ave. N. 7 p.m. John Travolta will do a Q&A immediately following the film and host a VIP party afterwards. Other members of the Pulp Fiction cast are invited, additions will be added as they confirm. The VIP party will also include; Kelly Preston, MLB and NFL players and much more. www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com or 727-259-8417.
Jan. 30 - Lunch with Durer and the Director.Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. 11:30 a.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.
Jan. 30 - Last Friday Concert Series. Williams Park. 6 p.m. Concerts will feature nationally touring artists and several local and regional music professionals. Enjoy delicious Tapas and spirits in the VIP area. www.lastfridayconcerts.com
Jan. 30 - Florida Orchestra The Music of Pink Floyd.Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater. 8 p.m. The Florida Orchestra joins forces with a full rock band for a night of Pink Floyd's timeless hits from Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Taking center stage is the lead singer of the rock band zebra, Randy Jackson, with conductor/arranger Brent Havens on the podium presenting the hallmark sounds of Pink Floyd with an all-new symphonic dimension. www.floridaorchestra.org or 1-800-662-7286.
Jan. 31 - "Westward Ho from the Waterfront." Central Ave. and 2nd St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Petersburg Preservation Inc. walking tour of historic waterfront and 4th Ave. N. then by trolley/bus to Historic Kenwood Neighborhood. www.stpetepreservation.org or 727-824-7802.
Jan. 31 - Third Annual DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl.Progress Energy Park, Al Lang Field. 1:30 p.m. Pre-game show, 2:30 p.m. Kickoff and 3:30 p.m. Concert. Cheer on NFL Hall of Famers and Hollywood celebrities as they compete in an old-school grudge match game of flag football then enjoy a post-game concert by one of today's hottest artists. www.tampabaysuperbowl.com
Jan. 31 - National Poet, Jenny Browne. Craftsman House, 2955 Central Ave. 5 p.m. In between readings, enjoy music by the local duo of Lara Cerri & Dan DeGregory while feasting on a lavish spread of hors'deuvres. www.jennybrowne.com, www.craftsmanhousegallery.com or 727-323-ARTS.
Jan. 31 - Taste of the NFL.Tropicana Field. 6 p.m. A food and wine extravaganza that features 32 top chefs from each NFL city, paired with a current or alumni NFL player for a great evening of food, fun and football. Guests sample great food, wonderful wines from E&J Gallo Winery and have the chance to meet and get autographs from some of the games greatest players. Event also includes spectacular silent auction and great entertainment! www.TasteoftheNFL.com
