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Safety Harbor Special Events: Fall 2016

On August 31, 2016

Harbor Sounds Oktoberfest-3 — Fall is a big season for special events in Safety Harbor, as the weather starts to cool off and visitors enjoy the many festivals, road races and other fun activities taking place in town.

Anyone who has ever spent a minute in the mid-summer Florida heat understands why there aren’t many special events scheduled outdoors in June, July and August.

It’s the same reason the Tampa Bay Rays must play in a domed stadium, regardless of what county it’s in.

Yes, the heat is unbearable in Florida during the summer, which is why as soon as the days start getting shorter and the temperatures start leveling off to the bearable low-80s, tents and stages start popping up, and the special events season kicks into high gear here in Safety Harbor.

In addition to the annual Main Street Trick or Treat and Harbor Sounds Music Festival (since renamed the Oktoberfest on Main), there are also a few fun runs, the popular Truck n Play day and the semi-annual Junk in the Trunk, plus the inaugural Bands & Beer on the Bay are lined up this fall.

For your convenience, we put together a guide to Safety Harbor’s special events for Fall 2016.

Note the list does not include seasonal markets and some private, non-city events. Check out the City of Safety Harbor website and the Safety Harbor Connect special events calendar for additional listings.

SEPTEMBER:

The Safety Harbor 9/11 memorial. — The Safety Harbor 9/11 Memorial.

9/11 Ceremony

When: Sunday, Sept. 11, time TBA
Where: 9/11 Memorial at Safety Harbor City Hall, 750 Main St.
Details: Safety Harbor’s ceremony in remembrance of the September 11 tragedy took on special meaning in the past couple of years, thanks to the city’s construction of a beautiful 9/11 memorial that has a piece of steel from the Twin Towers as its centerpiece. Be sure to bring a towel for the heat, and tissues for the speeches.

Third Friday Music Series

When: Friday, Sept 16, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: This month’s Renaissance Night theme is always one of the most popular of the dozen Third Fridays held each year, as revelers dress in period-appropriate attire while browsing the food, drink and craft tents lining Main Street. The beneficiary this month is the Embracing Life Through Love charity.
Cost: Free admission, vendor prices vary
Info: City of Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572

Bands & Beer on the Bay

When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 3:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln
Details: Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Safety Harbor and the Mattie Williams Center, the first annual Bands & Beer on the Bay promises to be a crowd pleaser, thanks to a wing throwdown, a selection of wine and craft beers, and music from three local bands, including fan favorites the Black Honkeys. “This is our first year hosting the event, and we’re really excited about it,” Kiwanis official Nadine Nickeson said. “We’ve got three bands, including the New Rulers, Shevonne and the Bad Boys and the Black Honkeys, and we’ll have a wing throwdown to kick it all off. It should be a great time at a great venue like the Waterfront Park.”
Cost: $5.00 admission ($50.00 VIP passes available); $5.00 to participate in wing throwdown; $5.00 per beer ticket ($17 beer and wine pass good for 4 drinks). Purchase tickets here.
Info: 727-791-8255

Truck n Play Day

When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Safety Harbor City Park,
Details: One of the best days of the year for kids (and adults!) in town, as City Park is turned into a real life Tonka toy collection complete with a variety of official cars, trucks and other vehicles to take photos of and climb on. Games, obstacle courses and arts and crafts will help make it a fun day for everyone.
Cost: Free
Info: City of Safety Harbor, 727-724-1545

Thin Mint Sprint and Tagalong Trot

When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln.
Details: Another fun event for the whole family, this road race sponsored by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida is ostensibly a way to get out and get some exercise in scenic downtown Safety Harbor, but we all know its just an excuse to snag some of those delicious cookies! (Note: Road closures will be in effect in the downtown area from 7:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.; the marina will be closed from 5:00 a.m.-noon)
Cost: Entry fees $10-35.00
Info: 813-281-4475

Art & History Exhibit: Cuba In Tampa Bay

When: Wednesday, Sept 28, 6PM
Where: Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center
Details: Explore Cuban influence in the Tampa Bay through art and history. The exhibit is on display Sept-Oct and on September 28th there is a special history talk by Ben Cardoso and Fpan.
Cost: Free
Info: 727-724-1562

OCTOBER:

Harbor Sounds Oktoberfest on Main

When: Saturday, Oct. 1, noon-10:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: How do you make what was already a terrific event even better? Move it downtown and rename it Oktoberfest! The savvy marketing minds at the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce did just that a few years ago by relocating their annual music festival from the marina to Main Street, and then by adding a taste of Munich to the festivities by giving it an Oktoberfest theme. The result? More food, beer and music than you can shake a bratwurst at, plus arts & crafts, a car show and a family fun zone!
Cost: Free admission, vendor prices vary
Info: 727-726-2890

Junk in the Trunk

When: Saturday, Oct. 8, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Community Center, 650 9th Ave. S.
Details: Another favorite for locals and bargain shoppers alike, this giant, semi-annual outdoor garage sale is known for its eclectic finds and great deals, especially to those who arrive early.
Cost: Free admission, $10/space, unlimited amount of haggling on items you must have!
Info: 727-724-1530

Superhero 5K Run, Walk and Stroller Roll

When: Saturday, Oct. 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Nolan’s Pub, 230 Main St.
Details: A family friendly road race/walk for a great cause, this event benefits the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay, which raises community awareness for the more than 3,000 children in Pinellas and Pasco counties who have been removed from their homes through no fault of their own.
Cost: $20-$30
Info: 727-464-6528

Cool cars like this Mini Cooper will be found at the All British Car Show — Cars like this Mini Cooper can be found at the All British Field Meet and Autojumble on Saturday, Oct. 22.

All British Field Meet and Autojumble

When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 9:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: One of the longest-running, and most unique, car shows in the entire Tampa Bay area, this annual parade of vehicles from “across the pond” is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of everyone who strolls down Main Street to bask in this automotive extravaganza. Hosted by the Austin Healey Club of Tampa Bay as a benefit for the Special Olympics, the show features classic and newer model British cars, trucks and motorcycles, plus food, drinks and automotive trinkets for sale.
Cost: Free admission, vendor prices vary
Info: 727-442-1842

Third Friday Music Series

When: Friday, Oct. 21, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: Cooler weather and a close proximity to Halloween always help this Third Friday enjoy a boost in attendance, as the yearlong festival of music and street venders nears a close. The Lions Club of Safety Harbor is this month’s beneficiary.
Cost: Free admission, vendor prices vary
Info: City of Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572

Main Street Trick or Treat

When: Monday, Oct. 31, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street
Details: As the years have passed, this spooktacular longtime Safety Harbor tradition has continued to grow in popularity, to the point where Main Street is now completely overrun with costumed creatures and makeup-clad characters every Halloween night. Kids get free candy while trick or treating at the businesses on Main Street, while parents can take pit stops in the local bars and restaurants along the route. What’s not to love?!
Cost: Free

November:

Stop by the Safety Harbor Connect red carpet photo booth during Wine Fest! — Stop by the Safety Harbor Connect red carpet photo booth during the 16th annual Wine Fest on Nov. 5, 2016.

Safety Harbor Wine Festival

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 5:00-11:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: Now in its 16th year, this massive wine festival is the event that keeps on chugging in Safety Harbor, and why not: the quaint downtown setting combined with fine wines and sweet music is what a fall festival in the Tampa Bay area is all about. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit the Mattie Williams Center, the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and the Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History. Oh, don’t forget to stop by the Safety Harbor Connect VIP photo booth for a free Wine Fest social media pic!
Cost: Free admission, drink tickets sold for beer and wine purchases
Info: 727-724-1572

Safety Harbor Salutes Veterans

When: Friday, Nov. 11, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Veterans Memorial Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln.
Details: Much like the city’s 9/11 ceremony, Safety Harbor’s annual salute to America’s veterans is always an emotional affair, filled with moving speeches, touching tributes and the ceremonial wreath-tossing into the bay.

Third Friday Music Series

When: Friday, Nov. 18, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor
Details: The second to last 3rd Friday festival of 2016 means it should be cool enough for everyone to come out and enjoy the musicians, street vendors, bars, shops and restaurants along Main Street.
Cost: Free admission, vendor prices vary
Info: City of Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572

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