Weekend Highlights: Events and Weather in Tampa Bay
Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.
Clouds will pass through the area Saturday, but there won’t be enough moisture for any rain. The forecast is looking really nice for this weekend with high temperatures bumping up into the mid 70s. Saturday will be partly cloudy with a high of 74. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low in the 50s. Sunday will be partly cloudy to sunny with a high near 75.
Beach and Boating
The best beach day will be Sunday due to more abundant sunshine, but both days will be pleasantly mild to enjoy the outdoors. The winds will be lighter on Saturday at about 5 to 10 knots for boating. On Sunday, the winds will be near 10 knots.
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Pinellas
Rockin’ for Tots | 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.: The 6th Annual Rockin’ for Tots provides a helping hand to children whose families are struggling to provide Christmas gifts this holiday season. Admission of an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or $10 cover will be accepted at the door as a donation.
Location: The Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grille | 14995 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Hillsborough
2025 Brandon Parade of Lights | 5:30 p.m.: With over 100 participant entries, thousands of families, friends, and neighbors will line the streets to watch dazzling lights and colorful floats with lively music and festive energy.
Location: Oakfield Drive | Brandon, FL 33511
25th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Paddlers lead the way upriver from Lowry Park to Sulphur Springs. Spectators may watch from Lowry Park, Sulphur Springs Park, or anywhere in between.
Location: Lowry Park Boat Ramp | 1204 W Flora St, Tampa, FL 33604
Bayou Bash Community Block Party | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Bayou Bash is Florida Home Partnership’s community celebration hosted in Bayou Pass Village, Ruskin. The free event features family activities, music, food, vendor booths, giveaways, and more.
Location: Pfeiffer Pavilion – Bayou Pass Village Clubhouse | 1406 Blossom Bayou Cir, Ruskin, FL 33570
Polk
Lake Region Village Christmas Craft Show | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Talented crafters will show off their creations and you can purchase some one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for Christmas.
Location: Lake Region Village | 31850 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844
The Crystal Nutcracker 2025 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $13: Clarice and her Nutcracker Prince embark on an adventure as they battle the Mouse King, travel through the snow forest, and navigate to the Crystal Palace.
Location: Polk Theatre | 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801
Winter Wellness with Lakeland Regional Health | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Get ready for a morning of festive fun and movement, featuring a holiday-themed Zumba session, a “Reindeer Games” family activity zone, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Location: Bonnet Springs Park | 400 Bonnet Spgs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
Pasco
Ring Noel | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.: This year’s concert features 170 instruments, with 15 ringers accompanied by drums, bass guitar, keyboard, and other percussion. This family event also features a free will offering collection.
Location: Holiday United Church of Christ | 4826 Bartelt Rd, Holiday, FL 34690
Dade City Christmas Stroll | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Enjoy a night full of holiday cheer with horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, carolers, twinkling lights, and festive decor.
Location: Downtown Dade City | 14138 6th St, Dade City, FL 33525
Saturday @ Zephyr Park | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: A mix of artisan vendors, nonprofits, local small businesses, and food truck fare for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Location: Zephyr Park | 38116 5th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Hernando
Country Christmas at HarvestMoon Fun Farm | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $13.95: View a dazzling Christmas light display and stroll along the magical lighted paths to visit Santa. Enjoy festive fun and cozy treats.
Location: HarvestMoon Fun Farm | 15990 Stur St, Masaryktown, FL 34604
2025 Winter Waterland | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $14+: Enjoy festive lights, underwater mermaids, and Christmas cheer as the park transforms into a holiday wonderland. Meet Santa, The Grinch, and take a cruise along the Weeki Wachee River.
Location: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
51st Annual Brooksville Christmas Parade | 10 a.m.: The 2025 theme for the parade is “Lighting the Way Through Learning.” The parade’s Grand Marshall this year will be Florida’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, Jaime Suarez.
Location: Downtown Brooksville | 205 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601
Manatee
An Old Florida Christmas | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Experience an old-fashioned Florida holiday celebration at Manatee Village Historical Park. This event features food, crafts, music, and vendors selling handmade goods.
Location: Manatee Village Historical Park | 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Home for the Holidays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Celebrate the holidays with the Manatee Community Concert Band as they perform traditional holiday music.
Location: SCF Neel Performing Arts Center | 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Friendly City Art Festival | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Support local art and local makers in the area this holiday season. Enjoy a kids’ art zone, food, drinks, art demonstrations, pottery, painting, and more.
Location: Oscura Coffee & Cocktails | 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Citrus
Art Center Youth Production – “Everyone’s Christmas Story” | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | $10: A young writer, tasked with creating her church’s Christmas play, reimagines the Nativity with pop stars, superheroes, and circus acts to escape the familiar. But as her playful versions come to life, she discovers the timeless power of the original and realizes it’s truly everyone’s.
Location: Art Center of Citrus County | 2644 N Annapolis Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
2025 Inverness Christmas Parade | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Get ready to celebrate all your favorite holiday moments as the streets come alive with dazzling floats, festive music, and the warmth of community cheer.
Location: Main Street/HWY 44 | Inverness, FL 34450
2025 Homosassa Christmas Boat Parade | 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Santa’s Sleigh will lead the parade that will pass by all the waterfront restaurants and marinas, including River Haven, MacRaes, Crumps Landing, Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, Homosassa Springs Marina, Seagrass, and Margarita Grill.
Location: Price Creek | 10806 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448
For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar >>
Local News Headlines
- St. Pete council votes to approve extension for Tangerine Plaza developer
- DeSantis declares CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood as terror organizations in executive order
- Federal Reserve approves third rate cut of 2025, cautions about ‘uncertainty’ in economic outlook
- National FEMA meeting attended by Tampa mayor called off
- Ybor City livability survey results address housing, parking, safety
- USF introduces Brian Hartline as new coach: “Time is now for USF football”
Tap/Click here for more headlines >>
Location: Ruskin | Courtesy: Michelle Kissman
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Your Weekend is Here, Tampa Bay! Events and Weather to Enjoy
As the weekend approaches, Tampa Bay is set to welcome a delightful mix of mild weather and festive events. With temperatures reaching the mid-70s, it’s the perfect time to step outside and soak up the sun!
Weather Forecast:
Saturday will greet residents with partly cloudy skies and a high of 74°F, while the evening will cool down to the 50s. Sunday promises even more sunshine, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 75°F. While clouds may drift through, there’s no rain in sight, making it an ideal weekend for outdoor activities.
Beach and Boating:
Sunday is expected to be the best beach day, thanks to the abundant sunshine. Boaters can enjoy lighter winds on Saturday at 5 to 10 knots, increasing to around 10 knots on Sunday. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or hitting the water, the weather is sure to enhance your experience.
Exciting Events This Weekend
Pinellas County:
- Rockin’ for Tots (Saturday, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.): Join the 6th Annual Rockin’ for Tots at The Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grille. Bring an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or a $10 cover charge to help provide Christmas gifts for children in need. Location.
Hillsborough County:
- Brandon Parade of Lights (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.): Watch as over 100 entries light up the streets of Brandon. Location.
- Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade (Saturday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.): Enjoy a festive boat parade along the river, with great viewing spots at Lowry Park and Sulphur Springs. Location.
Polk County:
- Lake Region Village Christmas Craft Show (Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Discover unique handmade gifts just in time for the holidays. Location.
- The Crystal Nutcracker (Saturday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Experience a magical performance at the Polk Theatre. Location.
Pasco County:
- Dade City Christmas Stroll (Saturday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.): Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, including carriage rides and live music. Location.
Hernando County:
- Country Christmas at HarvestMoon Fun Farm (Saturday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.): Stroll through dazzling light displays and enjoy festive treats. Location.
Manatee County:
- An Old Florida Christmas (Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Celebrate the season at Manatee Village Historical Park with crafts, food, and music. Location.
Citrus County:
- Inverness Christmas Parade (Saturday, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Join the community for a festive parade filled with holiday spirit. Location.
With so much to do and beautiful weather on the horizon, Tampa Bay residents are in for a fantastic weekend. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or participating in local festivities, make the most of this vibrant community spirit!
For more events and updates, check out our Community Calendar. Enjoy your weekend, Tampa Bay!