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- Issue #287: Guide to Gasparilla, Steinway’s Star Duo, & NHL in the Sunshine State
Issue #287: Guide to Gasparilla, Steinway’s Star Duo, & NHL in the Sunshine State
1/10/2025
Ted Grellner
10 Jan
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Gasparilla Pirate Fest: Your Guide to the Parade and Fun
— Gasparilla Music Festival Postponed Amid Financial Struggles
Food
— OMG! Bizarre Bites: 5 Strange Foods to Try at the 2025 Florida State Fair
The Arts
— World-Class Piano Duo Headlines Steinway Series
Sports
— Outdoor NHL Action Heads to Sunshine State in 2026
🎵 Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
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NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Gasparilla Pirate Fest: Your Guide to the Parade
and Fun
Tampa’s iconic Gasparilla Pirate Fest is set to take over Bayshore Boulevard and downtown Tampa on January 25, 2025, promising swashbuckling fun for locals and visitors alike. This annual tradition, dating back to 1904, features a pirate-themed parade, live music, and festivities celebrating the mythical pirate José Gaspar.
The event begins with the Gasparilla Invasion at 11:30 a.m., where pirates aboard the José Gasparilla II storm the Tampa Convention Center. The parade follows from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., featuring floats and plenty of bead-throwing.
Attendees are advised to arrive early to secure parking, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Accessible parking and reserved parade seating are available. Safety measures include designated “Wet Zones” for alcohol consumption, restrictions on pets, bicycles, and scooters, and environmental guidelines like #beadfreebay.
For families, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade on January 18 offers pirate-themed fun for all ages.
Gasparilla Music Festival Postponed Amid
Financial Struggles
The Gasparilla Music Festival, initially slated for February in Tampa, has been postponed, event officials announced Thursday. The decision stems from financial difficulties caused by two years of extreme weather and other unforeseen challenges.
Ticket refunds are currently being processed, and attendees will receive further communication regarding next steps. Organizers have yet to announce a rescheduled date for the festival, leaving fans awaiting updates on the popular event’s future.
The Gasparilla Music Festival has long been a staple of Tampa’s cultural scene, drawing large crowds to enjoy live music and community festivities. Organizers expressed gratitude for continued support as they navigate these challenges.
OMG!
Bizarre Bites: 5 Strange Foods to Try at the 2025 Florida State Fair
The 2025 Florida State Fair, running from February 6–17 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, will showcase its usual wild mix of rides and culinary creativity. This year’s food lineup features some bizarre yet intriguing creations sure to delight adventurous eaters.
Highlights include Baked Ziti on a Stick, a handheld twist on a classic Italian dish; the Southern Comfort Funnel Cake, a savory treat topped with sausage gravy; and the Campfire Burger, a burger and hot dog hybrid loaded with baked beans and gouda. Sweet options like the Strawberry Lemonade Donut, topped with lemon buttercream and freeze-dried strawberries, offer fairgoers a sugary indulgence. For pickle lovers, the What The Dill-Io Grilled Cheese combines creamy ranch, dill pickles, and three cheeses.
For traditionalists, there are simpler but delicious options, including strawberry shortcake crunch ice cream and caramel cinnamon buns.
World-Class Piano Duo Headlines Steinway Series
The renowned Genova-Dimitrov Duo, celebrated as "the top duo at the zenith of their mastery," will grace the Steinway Piano Series with an unforgettable performance.
Organized by the USF School of Music, Tampa Campus, this event on Sunday Feb 9 (4-6pm), promises an afternoon of exceptional artistry, showcasing masterworks for two pianos and piano four-hands.
Recognized globally as one of the finest piano ensembles, the Genova-Dimitrov Duo boasts an extensive recording repertoire, encompassing the breadth of piano duo compositions. Their technical brilliance and musical depth have earned them international acclaim.
Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to piano duets, this performance offers a rare opportunity to witness the unmatched chemistry and virtuosity of these world-class musicians.
Outdoor NHL Action Heads to Sunshine State in 2026
Outdoor hockey is coming to Florida in 2026, marking a historic first for the Sunshine State. The NHL announced two games: the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Miami's loanDepot Park, where the Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers, and the Stadium Series game on Feb. 1 at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins.
The Panthers and Lightning, who’ve represented the Eastern Conference in the last five Stanley Cup Finals, have long lobbied for outdoor games. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman lauded Florida’s hockey growth, calling these games a testament to the sport’s rising popularity in the state.
Logistics will be challenging, with Miami and Tampa temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The NHL will use innovative cooling methods, including a retractable roof in Miami and a temporary roof in Tampa, to keep ice conditions optimal. These games will be among the most ambitious outdoor events in NHL history.
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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota
Source: heraldtribune.com
Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
1/9 - 1/16
Source: cltampa.com
Top Things to do in Tampa Bay & Wesley Chapel
1/9 - 1/15
Source: tampabeacon.com
This Week in TB area: | This Week in NT | WC |
Things to Do Brought to You By:
NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- 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
For Kids (Nov-Dec)
- Fun4TampaKids
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