The weekend of August 1 brings a wide spread of options across greater Tampa Bay, anchored by the opening of The Art of Banksy at the Straz Center in Tampa. The exhibit features more than 160 original works from the world's largest authenticated, privately owned Banksy collection — valued at $35 million. Ticket prices vary by day and time.
Music lovers have a few strong choices. A candlelight tribute to Michael Jackson, performed by the Listeso String Quartet, takes the stage Saturday evening at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church with tickets at $62.50 — though it's nearly sold out. Separately, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre puts Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics on one bill Saturday night, with lawn seats available for around $35.
Families are well served this weekend too. Hillsborough County Public Schools is holding its Back to School Fair at Citrus Park Town Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — conveniently timed with the Florida sales tax holiday weekend. The first 1,000 kids in line receive a free backpack. Over in St. Petersburg, Deuces Park hosts a separate free backpack giveaway Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., alongside food, bounce houses, and face painting.
Other highlights include METROCON, Florida's largest anime convention, running Friday through Sunday at the Tampa Convention Center, and the Dude Perfect Squad Games Tour stopping at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday with tickets starting at $28.80. Special guests on that show include Zach King, Mark Rober, and Insane Shayne. Comedian Tom Arnold also plays two nights at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre in Sarasota, and Corporate Ladder Brewing Company in Palmetto hosts a Harry Potter-themed beer event all day Saturday.
This weekend events roundup was reported by WUSF.
