As summer transitions to fall in Florida, thoughts turn to outdoor festivals, museums, and other activities that don’t involve the beach or a swimming pool. Luckily, many of these fun events and attractions are cost-effective or even free!
We’ve rounded up several options in the Tampa Bay area that locals and visitors can enjoy in the next few months.
Events
Take the family or a date to downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park for Rock the Park, a free concert series featuring local bands, that’s held monthly on the first Thursday. If you’re on the other side of Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs hosts its own free concert the first Thursday of the month on Sunset Beach through November.
Admire artwork and crafts while strolling through the charming brick courtyards during the Hyde Park Village Art Fair, scheduled for October 12-13, 2019. Admission is free for this 30th annual event.
At the Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival, you can watch more than 40 local and regional artists create masterpieces in chalk on the sidewalks of Beach Walk. There’s no charge to attend the festival, which takes place from October 18-20, 2019.
Celebrate Halloween early by attending the 4th Annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat on October 26, 2019, from 4-7 p.m. Tampa’s Riverwalk has up to 60 stops where costumed kids can collect candy in a safe environment. The family-friendly event is free.
Museums
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 21, Smithsonian Museum Day, when hundreds of museums throughout the country waive their admission fees. Explore the website to choose your museum and download your ticket, which provides free general admission for two people.
The Museum of Art portion of Sarasota’s Ringling Museum has free admission on Mondays. Expect to see European paintings from the 16th through 20th centuries in the permanent collection, as well as more contemporary works of art in the special exhibitions.
One of the newest additions to downtown St. Petersburg’s cultural scene, the James Museum, features Western and wildlife art. Make plans to visit on any given Tuesday to enjoy discounted $10 admission and an artistic experience, such as a sketching lesson or a lecture. Reserve your spot at the admissions desk ahead of time.
Of course, you can also take advantage of the cooler weather and beautiful scenery at any of the area parks for no-cost fun.
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