Tampa Bay Magazine

10/05/2026

🏒 MONDAY FUNDAY

Why wait for the weekend?

The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Philadelphia Flyers Monday, October 5 at 7 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena.

Grab your crew, make a night of it in downtown Tampa, and start the week with a little hockey, a little excitement and plenty of Tampa Bay energy.

Who do you recommend for a pre-game drink or dinner? 🍸🍽️

10/04/2026

🎢 WHAT EXACTLY IS BUSCH GARDENS? 🦒

For nearly seven decades, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has been something a little different.

It started as a garden and wildlife attraction, grew into a world-class animal destination, and eventually became one of America’s most recognizable theme parks—home to incredible wildlife, spectacular shows, and some seriously legendary roller coasters.

And maybe that’s what makes Busch Gardens so uniquely Tampa Bay.

Is it a zoo? A theme park? A wildlife experience? A thrill-ride destination?

The answer might be: all of the above.

With new leadership and a new era of investment underway, it’s an interesting time to look at what Busch Gardens has been, what it is today, and what it could become next.

Because after nearly 70 years, one thing hasn't changed:

Busch Gardens is part of Tampa Bay.

What do you think makes Busch Gardens uniquely Busch Gardens? 👇

10/04/2026

10/03/2026

👻 SOMETHING A LITTLE SPOOKY THIS SUNDAY

If your idea of a perfect Sunday involves discovering something strange, wonderfully weird and decidedly local, Spookyzarre! is worth a stop.

The Halloween-themed makers market returns to ArtLofts in downtown St. Petersburg for its third year, bringing together local artists and crafters with spooky, unusual and one-of-a-kind creations.

🕸️ Sunday, October 4
🕚 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 ArtLofts, 10 5th St. N., St. Petersburg
🎟️ Free admission

Come for the art. Stay for the weird.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever brought home from a local makers market?

10/03/2026

🍴 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: DATZ

Some Tampa Bay restaurants were places to eat. Datz was an experience.

Known for its over-the-top comfort food, towering sandwiches, outrageous desserts, creative cocktails and unapologetically fun atmosphere, Datz became a Tampa Bay favorite and a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you were there for a massive burger, a ridiculously indulgent grilled cheese, brunch with friends, or just to wander through the shelves of treats and specialty foods, Datz had a way of making an ordinary meal feel like an event.

For years, its colorful personality became part of the Tampa Bay dining scene—and for plenty of us, part of our memories of the area.

Today, the Datz restaurants are gone, but the memories remain.

What’s the one Datz dish, drink or memory you still think about? 🍔👇

10/02/2026

🎃 WE ARE OFFICIALLY IN FULL SWING.

Halloween in Florida hits a little differently when the sun goes down and Halloween Horror Nights takes over Universal Studios Florida.

Now celebrating its 35th year, HHN is in full swing with haunted houses, sinister scare zones, live entertainment, monsters around every corner—and enough screams to remind us that October is officially here. 👻

From Stranger Things 5 and Sinners to Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness and more, this year's lineup gives horror fans plenty of reasons to make the trip to Orlando.

So grab your friends, pick your favorite house, and prepare to be scared.

Florida may still feel like summer… but Halloween is officially here. 🩸🎃

Who's already made it through HHN 35—and who still needs to go?

10/02/2026

🍳 FOOD FRIDAY: BENEDICT’S

Sometimes Friday calls for a breakfast that doesn’t believe in small portions.

At Benedict’s, classic breakfast and lunch favorites are served up with plenty of choices—and plenty of reasons to arrive hungry. From their signature Eggs Benedict and hearty omelets to fluffy pancakes, waffles, skillets, and crispy Chicken & Waffles, there’s something for every kind of breakfast craving.

And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Caramel Pecan Waffle or Cinnamon Roll French Toast makes a pretty convincing argument for skipping straight to dessert.

With locations throughout Pinellas County, Benedict’s makes a leisurely breakfast, weekend brunch or midday lunch easy to find.

📍 Clearwater • Dunedin • Largo • Pinellas Park • Seminole

What’s your go-to order at Benedict’s? 👇

Order from Benedict's at 768 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida. Delivery available. Pickup available.

09/28/2026

🎬👻 MONDAY FUNDAY: ST. PETE IS GETTING A LITTLE WEIRD! 👽🧟

Calling all horror fans, sci-fi lovers, comic collectors, gamers, cosplayers and anyone who thinks a normal Saturday is overrated!

Sunscreen Fantastic Fest is bringing a full day of genre entertainment to St. Petersburg—combining the excitement of an independent film festival with the energy of a Comic-Con-style fan convention!

📅 Saturday, November 28, 2026
📍 Coastal Creative
2201 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg
🕘 9 AM–10:30 PM

🎬 40 GENRE SHORT FILMS
Horror • Sci-Fi • Fantasy • Thriller • Dark Comedy

🎭 COSPLAY CONTEST
Come dressed as your favorite character and compete for prizes!

🛍️ COMIC-CON-STYLE MARKETPLACE
Comic books • Pokémon & trading cards • Artwork • Collectibles • Toys • Books • Horror & sci-fi merchandise • Handmade creations

🎤 WORKSHOPS & PANELS
Learn about horror filmmaking, independent film distribution, special effects makeup and more.

🎮 INTERACTIVE FUN
Board games, photo opportunities and the chance to meet filmmakers, artists, authors and creators.

And here's the best part…

🆓 THE VENDOR MARKETPLACE IS FREE!
No ticket required!

🎟️ Day Pass: $25
🎓 Student Day Pass: $10 with valid student ID

Your pass includes film screenings, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, the vendor marketplace, cosplay contest, panels and interactive programming.

So grab your friends, your favorite costume and your love of all things strange and spectacular.

🎥 St. Pete, are you ready for a FILM FEST GONE MAD?!

👇 TAG THE PERSON WHO WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS EVENT!

09/26/2026

🍝 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: TONY’S YBOR RESTAURANT 🍝

For 93 years, Tony’s Ybor Restaurant was a Tampa institution, serving generations of families from its longtime home on North 22nd Street. 🇮🇹❤️

Known for its homemade Italian favorites, hearty Italian-American dishes and legendary Cuban sandwiches, Tony’s was more than a restaurant—it was a neighborhood gathering place and a piece of Tampa’s culinary history.

After nearly a century of serving the community, Tony’s closed its dining room doors in September 2022. Rising costs, changing economic conditions and the family’s desire to step back after decades in the restaurant business brought an end to its daily dining operation.

But the story didn’t completely end. Tony’s catering operation continues, giving longtime fans a chance to enjoy some of those classic favorites for special events and gatherings.

93 years is an incredible legacy. 🍝🥪

💭 Did you ever eat at Tony’s Ybor Restaurant? What was your favorite dish?

Share your memories and photos in the comments and help us remember one of Tampa’s longtime family-owned treasures.

09/25/2026

🍴 FOOD FRIDAY: A Taste of St. Pete on Beach Drive! ☕️🌴

Looking for a casual bite while exploring downtown St. Petersburg? Annex 400 Beach is a family-owned walk-up café right on Beach Drive serving up a little bit of everything St. Pete!

Start your morning with coffee and breakfast, grab a Pressed Cuban for lunch, or cool down with an acai bowl, smoothie or sweet treat. With sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, waffles, bagels, ice cream and plenty of drinks on the menu, there’s something for just about every craving. 😋

And the experience goes beyond the food—Annex 400 Beach also showcases local artists and Florida-inspired art and crafts, making it a fun stop while strolling Beach Drive. 🎨

📍 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
☕️ Breakfast • Lunch • Coffee • Desserts • More

So, St. Pete foodies… what would you order at Annex 400 Beach? 👇