The Identity Tampa Bay recommends three things to do this Thanksgiving Break:
USMNT World Cup Watch Party
Friday, 11 a.m. | Williams Park, Downtown St. Pete
The Stars and Stripes botched themselves out of the driver’s seat in Monday’s dopey collapse against Wales. But that doesn’t mean it’s over by a long shot.
Next up is global powerhouse and 18th-century war foe, England. Who are heavy favorites against the Americans but ought to provide a (hopefully) productive challenge. In other words, Team USA will need every voice possible yelling through the screen Friday afternoon for an extra morale boost. And the best place to do so in Tampa Bay is Williams Park.
DJ Whizz Kid and the Black Honkeys will be there both pre and postgame, with food, drinks and Tampa Bay Rowdies appearances in full effect. Oh, and the game’s on an 18-foot jumbotron screen. Tickets are $20 with gates opening at 11 a.m.
Florida-Florida State, USF-UCF Watch Parties
Friday, 7:30 p.m. | Various Locations
The Florida Man-Daddy of them all kicks off in Friday night primetime this year on ABC. Which means roughly three hours after USA-England, you have yet another historically charged rivalry on your post-Thanksgiving plate.
Florida State’s traditional watch party locales are taking it up a notch at American Social, BAR HWRD and Blind Goat. Florida’s usual rager at The Patio will be in full force. And if you really want to turn up the heat, places like 3 Car Garage Brewing will be welcoming both sides of the rivalry.
As for the “War on I-4,” this year’s contest is looking like the last one for a while, seeing as the two rivals are splitting conferences. So if you’re not hitting Raymond James Stadium for indefinite bragging rights, Duffy’s Sports Grill has you covered.
Shopapalooza
Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Vinoy Park, St. Pete
St. Pete’s renowned local business festival is back in Vinoy Park this weekend, where more than 350 local shops, artists, musicians, food vendors and service providers will be lined up for holiday shopping.
Shopapalooza remains a supreme flex over Black Friday in an undoubtedly preferable setting. It also serves as a solid local alternative to going scorched earth on Amazon. Expect top-notch live entertainment, kid zones, raffles and even the St. Pete Holiday Parade on Saturday.