Issue #538: Cold Weather Shelters Open • Tim McGraw at NHL Outdoor Game • Sarah Brightman Tribute • Rays Fan Fest Returns

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

WEATHER 

— Subfreezing Nights Ahead: Tampa Bay Opens Cold Weather Shelters

Local News

— Tim McGraw to Headline NHL Outdoor Game at Raymond James Stadium

Entertainment

— A Night of Musical Magic: Tribute to Sarah Brightman in Tampa

Sports

— Rays Fan Fest Block Party Returns Outside the Trop

🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:

https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
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Subfreezing Nights Ahead: Tampa Bay Opens Cold Weather Shelters

Tampa Bay is preparing for the coldest air in years, with temperatures forecast to plunge into the mid-30s Friday and again on Monday. Along the Nature Coast, conditions could be even more severe.

Hillsborough County will open cold weather shelters Thursday and Friday, offering warm refuge between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., or until full.

Shelter locations include:

• Hyde Park United Methodist (Thursday only)

• The Portico (Friday only)

• Amazing Love Ministries, and others

Shelters serve adults only. For families with children, Metropolitan Ministries offers limited motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required by calling (813) 209-1176 (Thursday only, before 5 p.m. or until filled).

Officials warn of serious risk to those without adequate heat, urging residents to seek shelter or help others find one during this dangerously cold spell.

Read More: wfla.com — see article for full list

Tim McGraw to Headline NHL Outdoor Game at Raymond James Stadium

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in a landmark outdoor NHL game at Raymond James Stadium on February 1 at 6:30 p.m., with country icon Tim McGraw performing during the first intermission.

This marks the league’s 45th stadium event, and — along with the Winter Classic in Miami — the furthest south the NHL has ever gone with outdoor play.

McGraw, known for hits like “Don’t Take the Girl” and “Just to See You Smile,” has sold over 106 million albums worldwide.

Building a rink in Florida’s warm, humid climate poses challenges. The NHL will keep the ice tent-covered until game day and has a weather contingency plan in place.

This game represents years of planning and is expected to be a historic hockey moment for fans in Tampa Bay.

Read More: fox13news.com

A Night of Musical Magic: Tribute to Sarah Brightman in Tampa

Celebrate the legacy of world-renowned soprano Sarah Brightman in an unforgettable evening of music and performance at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on February 7, 2026.

Presented by Elona Krasavtseva, this tribute concert blends classical crossover, Broadway favorites, and beloved selections by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The show features powerful performances by guest artist Constantine Grame, the acclaimed Lumina Youth Choirs, and a live ensemble of musicians and dancers.

Adding a dazzling twist, Anastasia Krit will perform a belly dance to Brightman’s “Harem”, infusing cultural flair into this elegant homage.

Tickets range from $25 to $60 and are available now. The event is produced in partnership with the Classical Crossover Music Foundation Inc.

📍 New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa, FL 33647
📞 Box Office: 727-488-8724

Read More: broadwayworld.com 

Rays Fan Fest Block Party Returns Outside the Trop

The Tampa Bay Rays will host their annual Fan Fest Block Party on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1–5 p.m., this year returning outside Tropicana Field on 16th Street S in St. Petersburg.

Admission is free but requires a mobile ticket from RaysBaseball.com/FanFest. Season ticket holders get automatic entry via the MLB Ballpark app.

Free parking will be available in Lots 1, 2, 6, and 7, and only medical and diaper bags will be permitted.

The event includes:

• Player autograph signings (passes on sale Feb. 5)

• Mascot appearances & family games

• A community yard sale with memorabilia

• The Rays Pop-Up Team Store

Following repairs to the Trop’s roof after Hurricane Milton, the event sets the stage for the April 6 home opener and new features like the MaintenX Sky Deck, an all-inclusive fan space opening this season.

Read More: mlb.com

Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
- NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre

Misc
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com

For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids

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