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Discounted entertainment keeps summertime fun
When fun doesn’t fit into the budget, try some of these inexpensive entertainment options.
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Monday, June 30, 2008 |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – These days, checking out the newest release from Hollywood at an area theater complex can practically break the bank.
To take in a movie with popcorn and drinks, followed by the traditional impulse shopping at a nearby mall or superstore as well as dinner, a family of four may find themselves going into debt. The summer doldrums seem even more bleak this year with the current economic stagnation. People are faced with difficult decisions, and more often than not, cultural and entertainment outings are the first victims when the family budget needs pruning.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to get off the sofa and out of the house and enjoy some affordable fun without emptying wallets or draining checking accounts.
The Gulf Coast Museum of Art, for instance, will offer free admission to its galleries in July.
During this period, guests will be able to browse the current exhibition and permanent collection galleries, stroll through the sculpture gardens and stay for a blockbuster movie in the museum’s theater, all for free. The museum is at 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Movies are screened Tuesday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m. GCMA has scheduled the following movies for July:
- July 1 through 6 – “Pirates of the Caribbean,” PG-13.
- July 8 through 13 – “A League of Their Own,” PG.
- July 15 through 20 – “Night at the Museum,” PG.
- July 22 through 27 – “National Treasure,” PG.
- July 29 through Aug. 3 – “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream,” PG-13.
For information, call 518-6833 or visit www.gulfcoastmuseum.org.
American Stage Theatre will present “Souvenir: a Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins” this month on its mainstage, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg.
While ticket prices generally range from $22 to $35 depending on the date and time of the performance, American Stage will host Pay What You Can Nights on Tuesday, July 22 and 29, 7:30 p.m.
“We started Pay What You Can Nights three seasons ago,” said Andy Orrell, director of marketing at American Stage. While the company has always prided itself on being the home of great theater for the Tampa Bay area, in doing research it was found that “ ... there was a segment of people that wanted to attend our plays that were intimidated to come through the doors for the first time.”
American Stage decided to set aside a few performances of each production and make them as open, inviting and unintimidating as possible.
“The price of admission is whatever the patron wants to pay,” Orrell said. “Although we don’t have a dress code for our theater, we stress that Pay What You Can Nights are all about coming as you are.”
There is no pre-sale for Pay What You Can Night tickets. The box office opens at 6 p.m. and tickets are sold until the box offices sells out.
For information, call 823-7529 or visit americanstage.org.
Free kids’ matinees will be shown on Saturdays, 10 a.m., through July at Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave.
The theater, in conjunction with several sponsors, has put together a lineup of classic films for the family. The schedule includes:
- July 5 – “The Little Princess,” starring Shirley Temple, 1939.
- July 12 – “Mysterious Island,” based on Jules Verne’s novel, produced by Charles Schneer and special effects master Ray Harryhausen, 1961.
- July 19 – “Batman,” starring Adam West and Burt Ward, 1966.
- July 26 – “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad,” starring John Phillip Law as Sinbad and Tom Baker (who would go on to play the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in “Doctor Who”) as the evil magician Koura, 1974.
Beach Theatre is seeking more sponsors for its free kids’ matinees. Those interested in becoming a sponsor should call 360-6697.
Flair for the Arts, Largo’s second annual free exhibit of traditional, digital, textual and performance art, will offer attendees an opportunity to meet artists and learn about their work on Saturday, July 26 and Aug. 23, at Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive.
Artists will share their inspirations, discuss the tools and methods they use and explain how they hope their expressions will ultimately affect the world around them. Artistic styles, disciplines, themes, mediums and masteries will vary with each show. A wide range of arts on display may include paintings, photography, poetry, music, sculptures, plays and fashions.
Sunset Sounds, Largo’s free concert series, will host local musicians on Friday, July 11 and Aug. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., at Ulmer Park.
On July 11, Tim Mullally, an American rock and folk guitarist, will take the stage. On Aug. 8, Panakolada will bring a tropical beat to the park with steel drums.
Florida State Parks is celebrating July as Recreation and Parks Month by waiving admission to all state parks on Sunday, July 13. For more information about Florida State Parks and activities scheduled for July 13 and throughout Recreation and Parks Month, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa is offering several opportunities to enjoy the zoo at discounted prices. $5 Day at the zoo is Sunday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nite Zoo is Friday, July 4 and 18. Enjoy free unlimited rides from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for the price of zoo admission. Nite Zoo is free for pass holders.
Summer Safari Night is set for Friday, July 11 and July 25, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy free rides, special animal encounters, live entertainment and more – all for the price of admission. Safari Night is free for pass holders. For more information, visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.
In addition to these destinations, Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area are home to a number of natural wonders and vistas. Whether enjoying a picnic at an area park, viewing a sunset on the beach or frolicking in public pool, there are a number of ways to have inexpensive fun during the summer months.
Send free and affordable entertainment and cultural opportunities to entertainment@TBNweekly.com.
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Article published on Monday, June 30, 2008
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