Local businesses are getting creative in how they interact with their customers. To ensure the safety of employees and participants, many local businesses and restaurants are offering virtual experiences. So forget your Netflix plans, we’ve put together a list of Tampa Bay businesses and organizations offering upcoming virtual events. These local businesses are learning to navigate the new normal just like us — but now it can be from the comfort of our homes.
Scoops and Stream with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
When? Begins July 31 at 11 a.m. | livestream August 1 at 7 p.m.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams recently opened in Sparkman Wharf, and they’re offering a chance to try 10 of Jeni’s favorite flavors. Starting at 11 a.m. July 31, participants can pick up their ice cream flavors for $20. The following day at 7 p.m. participants can watch a live broadcast of company founder Jeni Britton Bauer offering some insight on those flavors. For more information, click here.
Back to School Bash
When? August 1 at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil and his Bullard Family Foundation will broadcast from Amalie Arena on August 1. The virtual back-to-school event will feature celebrities and sports figures as they read books, showcase their cooking skills and have some virtual heart-to-heart talks. The event will provide free health services and school supplies through Microsoft Teams. For instructions on how to participate, click here.
Rock the Park
When? August 6 at 7 p.m.
Rock the Park Tampa has been held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the first Thursday of each month for about a decade. However, Rock the Park Tampa will now be held virtually with performers like Have Gun, Will Travel and Tribal Style. These bands will perform over a livestream. You can find out more information on the free event here.
Writer’s Gym
When? August 8 at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Keep St. Pete Lit is hosting a writer’s gym with Kate Postle, a higher-education English professor. The seminar is open to 15 students and will close once it’s filled. Postle and other participants will offer feedback on all participants’ writing samples. The class is meant to stretch each person’s writing muscles and to offer support to its participants. For more information, click here.
BeerFest 2020: Groundhop Day
When? August 9 at 6 p.m.
The past few months have felt a little like Groundhog’s Day. Each day may be starting to blur together a bit, but BeerFest 2020 is embracing that feeling. Aptly named Groundhop Day, Tampa Theatre will host its 9th annual BeerFest virtually on August 8. Participants can pick up a 12-pack tasting box filled with bottles from local breweries. For a full list of breweries involved and how to purchase supplies, click here.
Christopher Jackson: Live From the West Side
When? August 15
Get behind-the-scenes details on shows like Hamilton and In the Heights from Tony Award-nominated actor and singer Christopher Jackson. Jackson, famously known as George Washington in the original Hamilton cast, will perform live from New York’s World Stages. You can purchase tickets to this livestreamed event through the Straz Center. For more ticket information, click here.
Virtual Design Studio Subscription from Tailored Twig
When? Biweekly subscription
Floral design studio Tailored Twig is offering biweekly virtual design classes along with the option to receive a design kit, all taught by Tailored Twig designers. Flowers for each kit are packed and delivered based on freshness and seasonality. Classes will teach participants how to create things like asymmetrical centerpieces or hand-tied bouquets. For information on classes, click here.
The Great Extravaganza Virtual Gala
When? September 12 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Great Explorations, St. Petersburg’s children’s museum, will host “Steampunk Exploration – A Victorian Virtual Gala” on Sept. 12. The museum will host the event from the “Great Exploratorium,” its newest exhibit space. The event will explore the wonders of the steampunk era. For more details, click here.
