Community Corner
Get Out: Weekend Events Preview Dec. 2-4
Holiday season's in full swing, people. No excuses for staying in. Check out Tampa's tree lighting ceremony, the Tampa Holiday Parade, Santa Fest and more.
Where/When: 200 block E Twiggs Street, Friday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m.
Why go: Located from the 200 block to 300 block of Twiggs Street, the Tampa Downtown Market offers fresh, high-quality food from local farmers and gourmet products from local artisans. The market appears every Friday from October to May, weather permitting.
Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Price: Free
Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where/When: 1023 E Hamilton Ave., Friday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
Why go: Seminole Heights astronomer Kurt Kuechenberg has, like, really good telescopes. So he's inviting everybody to come hang out at his yard for , Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy, and maybe a passing satellite or two. Before the stargazing, he'll warm the crowd up with a viewing of the classic Star Trek episode "Man Trap." Bring chairs, blankets, lots of questions for Kuechenberg, but no alcohol, please.
Price: Free
Where/When: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Why go: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn lights the city's official tree. The evening includes family-friendly activities and refreshments, as well as music from Late Night Brass and Belinda Womack. Keith Cate of NewsChannel 8 acts as the night's host. A free screening of the movie "Elf" (starring Will Ferrell, rated PG) will follow at 8 p.m. Don't forget about skating rink.
Price: Free
Where/When: St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Why go: The St. Pete Times Forum welcomes "the largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion on the East Coast."
Price: $15 and up.
Where/When: 1203 E Powhatan Ave., Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Why go: The Seminole Heights Bicycle Club invites local riders for its monthly slow ride. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in the 5-mile ride through the neighborhood. The group will depart from Powhatan Avenue, take a scenic ride around Hamton Terrace's Lake Roberta and continue to Park Circle in Evelyn City. The slow ride takes place the first Saturday of each month. Don't forget your helmet!
Price: Free
Where/When: E Madison and N Morgan streets, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.
Why go: The city's official holiday parade — complete with Santa Claus — starts at this intersection and heads to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for an afternoon of holiday fun.
Price: Free
Where/When: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Why go: The city's official holiday parade — which starts 11 a.m. at Morgan and Madison streets — ends here for an afternoon of holiday games, crafts, and other activities. Children can visit with Santa Claus while adults enjoy holiday music and entertainment. Don't forget the ice skating rink!
Where/When: Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Why go: Make a serious dent in your holiday gift shopping while the kids enjoy fun and educational activities, games, music, pizza and more. Lowry Park Zoo's "Parent's Night Out" takes place the first Saturday of each month, featuring professional caregivers and entertainers, for children 3 to 12 years of age. Registration is required.
Price: $30