|
|
Tampa Bay Events of the Week
|
|
|
A.R. Rahman – The Wonderment Tour Comes to Tampa
📅 Friday | August 08, 2025 | 7:30 PM 📍Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
🎼 An Evening of Cinematic Magic
Prepare for an extraordinary night of music and visuals as A.R. Rahman—Oscar‑winning composer and global music icon—brings The Wonderment Tour to Tampa. This is more than a concert; it’s a multisensory journey where timeless melodies meet orchestral grandeur and cutting‑edge visuals.\
Fans will be transported through Rahman’s legendary catalog, from soul‑stirring film scores to high‑energy anthems, all performed with the lush arrangements of a live orchestra. Expect a night that blends East and West, tradition and innovation, past and future in a way that only Rahman can deliver.
With only one Tampa date, tickets will be in high demand. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the world’s most celebrated composers in a night of musical brilliance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$uicideboy$ – Grey Day Tour Storms Tampa
📅 Wednesday | August 06, 2025 | 6:30 PM 📍Location: Florida State Fairgrounds,
4800 US Hwy 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610
⚡ A Night Where the Bass Hits Hard
The Grey Day Tour is about to set Tampa ablaze as $uicideboy$ bring their high‑octane energy and dark, hard‑hitting tracks to the stage. Known for their cult‑like following, genre‑blending style, and unapologetic lyrics, this will be more than a show—it’s an immersive experience in raw emotion and relentless beats.
The night goes beyond $uicideboy$—special guest BONES and other hand‑picked artists will make this a full‑force lineup designed to keep the crowd moving from the first drop to the last encore. Every set will turn the Florida State Fairgrounds into a pulse‑pounding, all‑night soundtrack.
This isn’t just another tour stop—it’s a rare chance to experience the Grey Day energy live. The Tampa date is expected to draw fans from across the region, making the crowd as electric as the performance itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chef Andrew Yeo Takeover – Night One: Asian Tapas Experience
📅 Thursday | August 07, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM 📍 Location: The Tampa EDITION, 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
🎎 Where Michelin Precision Meets Underground Glamour
Tampa’s culinary scene will shimmer with anticipation as Chef Andrew Yeo brings his soulful Cantonese mastery to the Arts Club at The EDITION for two spectacular evenings. The first night will unveil a tapas-style journey through bold Asian flavors, layered with modern technique and rooted in Michelin‑level precision.
Each plate promises to be a conversation starter—think: crispy soft-shell bao, lacquered duck skewers, wasabi-dusted crudo, and aromatic bites that balance texture, heat, and elegance. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a curated moment that taps into your senses and redefines what “fusion” really means.
Housed in the moody, art-forward setting of the Arts Club, the evening will be laced with curated cocktails, ambient sounds, and a who’s-who of Tampa’s most adventurous food lovers. Expect an atmosphere where culinary sophistication collides with creative nightlife—and where every bite tells a story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brick Fan Expo – Tampa’s Ultimate LEGO Celebration
📅 Saturday | August 9-10, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 📍 Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610
👀 A Weekend Built for Wonder
Get ready to step into a world of imagination as Brick Fan Expo returns to Tampa for its 3rd spectacular year! Whether you're a lifelong LEGO lover or discovering the joy of bricks for the first time, this two-day fan event will be bursting with color, creativity, and community.
You’ll explore mind-blowing LEGO displays, meet talented builders and special guests from the LEGO universe, and connect with thousands of other fans who share the same love for tiny bricks and big ideas.
This isn’t just about admiring epic builds—it’s your chance to jump in and play! From interactive zones and STEM activities to character meet-and-greets and build-your-own challenges, the Brick Fan Expo is designed for kids, collectors, and creators alike.
Whether you’re geeking out over rare sets or diving into the creative zones, there’s something for every fan, every age, and every imagination.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Countdown Improv Festival – 9th Annual Comedy Takeover
📅 Wednesday | August 6-10, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM 📍 Location: The Commodore & HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building, 811 East 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
🎤 Five Nights of Unscripted Magic
Tampa will be buzzing with laughter this August as the Countdown Improv Festival returns for its big ninth year, bringing together some of the sharpest improv performers from across the country. Over five unforgettable nights, audiences will experience unscripted brilliance, spontaneous storytelling, and scenes so wild you’ll wonder how they thought of them in the moment.
This isn’t just a run of shows—it’s a celebration of the improv community. Alongside nightly performances, expect interactive workshops, comedy jams, and special programs designed for everyone from families looking for a night out to Tampa Bay’s military and veterans community. The festival’s inclusive spirit and supportive atmosphere make it a standout on the national comedy circuit.
With nine years of building a reputation as America’s biggest and best improv festival, this year promises the most diverse lineup of acts yet, featuring everything from quick-witted duos to massive ensemble performances. Whether you’re a die-hard improv fan or brand new to the scene, this is Tampa comedy at its finest—and it only happens once a year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunset Market at Midtown Tampa – August Edition
📅 Thursday | August 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Location: Midtown Commons, 3654 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
🌆 A Perfect Midtown Evening Awaits
This Thursday, Midtown Tampa transforms into a vibrant evening market—filled with local vendors, artisan creations, fresh flavors, and live music. As the sun dips below the skyline, the walkways come alive with soft lights, friendly faces, and the energy of the community.
Explore over 50 vendors showcasing everything from handcrafted goods and boutique fashions to farm‑fresh produce and gourmet bites. It’s the ideal spot to discover new favorites and support Tampa’s creative small‑business scene.
Enjoy live music, specialty drinks, and delicious eats as you stroll Midtown Commons. The dog‑friendly, family‑friendly atmosphere makes this a summer evening you’ll want to linger in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenwood Sunday Market – August Edition
📅 Sunday | August 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: St. Petersburg High School, 2501 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
🛍️ Sunday Starts in St. Pete
This Sunday morning, the heart of Historic Kenwood comes alive as the Kenwood Sunday Market returns to the campus of St. Petersburg High. Picture rows of local vendors under the morning sun, the scent of fresh pastries in the air, and neighbors chatting over handmade goods and produce baskets.Whether you're on the hunt for fresh produce, handmade candles, local art, or artisan bites, this market delivers with charm. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds—many locals treat this as their Sunday tradition.
Expect familiar faces, good conversation, and a friendly St. Pete vibe. While the market winds down at 1PM, the connections and goodies you take home will linger well into the week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Month’s Market Trends in Tampa Bay
|
|
|
Reflecting data from August 2025, with year-over-year comparisons to August 2024
📊 Market Movement at a Glance
(90‑day rolling average as of August 2025)
The broader Florida media narrative continues to emphasize a shift toward a buyer’s market, driven by elevated inventory and longer DOM in certain metro areas. Hillsborough County, however, remains out of step with this narrative—still leaning toward sellers.
Closed sales averaged 1,240 per month, up 2% over the rolling period, while pending sales dropped 27%, reflecting a moderation in contract activity. Inventory is the key differentiator: active listings fell 40%, and months of supply is holding at just 3—well below the 6‑month balance threshold.
Days on market averaged 62 (down 8%), and the sale‑to‑list ratio remains at 94%, showing that motivated buyers are still making strong offers on competitively priced homes.
🔢 Key Market Metrics – August 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Single-month snapshot of 7 core metrics; data from Redfin, Zillow, Rocket Homes, Realtor.com, Stellar MLS)
🧠 Market Insights for All
Hillsborough County’s August performance reinforces a seller-favored dynamic, even as Florida’s broader headlines suggest buyers are gaining ground. The reason lies in inventory pressure—active listings are down nearly 30% year-over-year. This imbalance sustains pricing stability and keeps leverage in the hands of sellers.
Economic fundamentals add context:
-
Average home value is around $383K, paired with a value-to-income ratio of 4.8, suggesting affordability is strained relative to incomes.
-
Mortgage payments consume ~38% of household income, above historical comfort zones, which explains why pending sales volume has cooled.
-
The buy vs rent differential of ~15% still tips slightly toward ownership for long-term residents, helping to keep demand from collapsing.
In short: rising ownership costs are moderating buyer urgency, but constrained supply is keeping the market balanced in favor of sellers for now.
🏡 Advice for Sellers
-
Inventory works in your favor: With listings sharply lower, well-presented homes still stand out.
-
Price with precision: Higher rates and stretched affordability mean overpricing risks stalling momentum.
-
Expect selective buyers: With financing costs elevated, buyers are prioritizing quality condition and realistic pricing.
🔍 Opportunities for Buyers
-
Patience pays on stale inventory: Homes on market past 45–60 days may offer room for negotiation.
-
Leverage affordability conversations: Sellers are aware of the 38% payment-to-income burden—this can open doors for concessions.
-
Look at long-term hold value: The buy vs rent gap still slightly favors owning for those planning extended stays.
📈 Additional Market Highlights
-
Mid-tier homes ($325K–$500K) are absorbing fastest, particularly in Brandon, Valrico, and Carrollwood.
-
Luxury inventory ($1M+) is building, giving high-end buyers more options.
-
Cash activity remains strong in sub-$450K segments, offsetting some financing challenges.
💡 Final Thought
Hillsborough’s August numbers show that while affordability constraints are real—and are tempering buyer velocity—tight supply continues to shield the market from a full buyer’s shift. Sellers still hold the advantage for now, but both sides must navigate carefully in a market defined by rising ownership costs and selective buyer engagement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflecting data from August 2025, with year-over-year comparisons to August 2024.
📊 Market Movement at a Glance
(Based on 90-day rolling averages through August 2025)
Florida media coverage continues to lean into the story of a buyer’s market—fueled by reports of slower pending sales and rising affordability pressure. Pinellas County’s numbers partly align with this broader trend, but the local story is more nuanced.
Closed sales averaged 1,189 (down 4%) while pending sales fell sharply by 28%, indicating a pullback in buyer urgency. However, active listings dropped 32%, cutting supply to just 4 months—still below a balanced 6-month level. Homes are selling in an average of 69 days with a sale-to-list ratio holding at 93%, suggesting that despite slower contract activity, sellers remain in a competitive position when pricing correctly.
🔢 Key Market Metrics – August 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Single-month snapshot of 7 core metrics; data from Redfin, Zillow, Rocket Homes, Realtor.com, Stellar MLS)
🧠 Market Insights for All
While Pinellas sales activity has slowed, the drop in active listings and months of inventory prevents a full shift into buyer territory. Supply remains compressed enough to stabilize prices, though affordability pressure is a growing drag on demand:
-
Average home value of ~$377K and a value-to-income ratio of 5.1 point to a higher-than-average cost burden for residents.
-
Mortgage payments consume ~40% of income, pushing buyers to be more selective and slowing pending contracts.
-
Buy vs rent gap (9.9%) is narrower than in other counties, making renting more competitive and limiting urgency to purchase.
Despite affordability challenges, limited inventory keeps the market from tipping fully into a buyer’s environment. Sellers still see solid interest when pricing aligns with buyer expectations.
🏡 Advice for Sellers
-
Position carefully: Buyers are value-conscious; overpricing risks prolonged time on market.
-
Highlight cost of ownership: Transparency on efficiency, maintenance, and HOA costs can help offset affordability concerns.
-
Leverage scarcity: A 32% drop in inventory favors well-prepared listings.
🔍 Opportunities for Buyers
-
Focus on motivated sellers: Declining pending sales mean some sellers may be more flexible.
-
Evaluate rent vs buy: With a smaller gap between the two, timing and location become key to justifying a purchase.
-
Watch for stale inventory: Homes listed over 45–60 days may offer negotiation leverage.
📈 Additional Market Highlights
-
Mid-priced homes ($325K–$500K) remain competitive in Seminole, Largo, and Safety Harbor.
-
Luxury properties ($1M+) are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more leverage.
-
Short-term rental areas remain in flux due to regulatory changes but still draw investor interest.
💡 Final Thought
Pinellas County’s August market is balanced with mild seller lean, but affordability pressures are real and continue to shape buyer behavior. Limited inventory keeps pricing stable, while slower contracts give patient buyers room to negotiate. Sellers who adapt to today’s economic realities will still find success.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflecting data from August 2025, with year-over-year comparisons to August 2024.
📊 Market Movement at a Glance
(Based on 90-day rolling averages through July 2025)
The Florida media narrative continues to highlight a shift toward buyer-friendlier conditions, citing rising affordability challenges and softening sales. In Pasco County, however, the data tells a slightly different story—supply contraction is maintaining a seller-leaning balance.
Closed sales averaged 760 over the past 90 days, up 5%, showing that demand is still active. Pending sales fell 24%, indicating buyer caution, yet active listings dropped 41% year-over-year, cutting months of inventory to just 3. Days on market averaged 70 (down slightly), while the sale-to-list ratio held firm at 93%.
🔢 Key Market Metrics – August 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Single-month snapshot of 7 core metrics; data from Redfin, Zillow, Rocket Homes, Realtor.com, Stellar MLS)
🧠 Market Insights for All
Media coverage paints much of Florida as easing toward a buyer’s market, but Pasco’s August numbers show a more balanced-to-seller-leaning situation. Inventory has contracted dramatically, dropping 41% from last year. With only 3 months of supply, there’s still upward pressure on seller leverage, even as affordability becomes more strained.
Economic fundamentals explain the crosscurrents:
-
Average home value around $337K, paired with a value-to-income ratio of 4.5, indicates a stretched but not extreme affordability situation.
-
Mortgage payments at ~35% of income create buyer hesitation, consistent with the drop in pending contracts.
-
The buy vs rent gap (14%) still slightly favors ownership for longer-term stays, supporting a base level of demand.
The net effect: The pace has slowed, but low inventory keeps the market tilted toward sellers—especially for competitively priced listings.
🏡 Advice for Sellers
-
Take advantage of low competition: A 41% drop in active listings creates opportunity for strong positioning.
-
Price with awareness: Affordability strain means overpricing will push buyers away; precise pricing is critical.
-
Condition is key: Buyers are choosier, so properties in top shape move faster.
🔍 Opportunities for Buyers
-
Look for stale listings: Homes sitting past 60 days often come with more negotiation room.
-
Factor in financing pressure: Use high mortgage cost sensitivity as leverage in discussions.
-
Target areas just outside hotspots: Locations like Zephyrhills or Hudson offer value relative to Wesley Chapel or Trinity.
📈 Additional Market Highlights
-
Mid-tier homes ($300K–$450K) are still the most active price segment.
-
Investor activity remains stable in new construction and rental-demand areas.
-
Suburban growth corridors along SR‑54 and SR‑56 continue to drive traffic.
💡 Final Thought
Pasco County’s August conditions show no dramatic swing to a buyer’s market—despite statewide headlines—because inventory remains low and sellers still benefit from solid absorption rates. Buyers have opportunities through careful targeting and timing, but sellers who adapt to today’s affordability-sensitive climate can still achieve strong results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Message From Craig
🎶 Global Sounds, Local Flavors & Lego Creativity
This Week in Tampa Bay | August 5–11, 2025
Hey neighbors — summer’s still in full swing and we’ve got something for everyone this week: soaring music, immersive dining, creative adventures, and family fun. Let’s dive in.
🎼 First up: A.R. Rahman – The Wonderment Tour rolls into the Mahaffey Theater this Thursday night. Expect cinematic soundscapes, Bollywood classics, and a live orchestra elevating every note—this is one of those nights you tell people about.
🍽️ Next: Chef Andrew Yeo Takeover kicks off Friday night with an Asian Tapas Experience at Heights Bistro. Bold flavors, communal bites, and inventive twists that'll have you rethinking small plates forever.
🧱 For a weekend adventure: The Brick Fan Expo lands at the Tampa Convention Center all weekend. Think elaborate LEGO builds, creator sessions, kids’ activities, and enough nostalgia to bring your childhood self right back.
🛍️ Need some retail therapy? Sunset Market at Midtown Tampa returns Sunday evening for the August edition—artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, and chill vibes right as the sky turns golden.
Let’s make this week count— Whether that means music under the stars, creative LEGO fun, foodie discoveries, or stepping into the market with confidence.
— Craig
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|