The Dog Days of Summer, what exactly are they?  Like us, do you picture a dog, laying in the heat, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth?  The truth is, they have nothing to do with a dog.  The phrase comes from ancient Greek beliefs about a star. Greek and Roman “dog days” occurred when Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun in late July, the hottest time of the year.  As we begin to look for things to do in the A/C or outside on the water, here is our list of the Top Ten things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay including everything from concerts to nightclubs, family events and more. Remember it's National Ice Cream Day Sunday! Also visit:  The Scoop on Where to Go for National Ice Cream Day in Tampa Bay

July Parents' Night Out 8 pm - 10 pm

Mom, Dad, we are halfway through the summer break, and Great Explorations Children's Museum feels your pain! And because they fully get it, they are offering you a Parent's Night Out in Downtown St. Pete. Drop your children off at the museum for a night of fun, while you take some time for yourself! It's time!

1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg FL, 33704. Phone 727-821-8992

Sam Hunt 15 In A 30 Tour

Sam Hunt invites us to sloooooow down with his 15 in a 30 Tour kicked off June 1st in Cleveland, Ohio. This tour is Sam Hunt's first as a Headliner and reports are the crowds doesn't stop singing and dancing. Described as a "giant party" this is another Summer Concert that should be on your bucket list! Hunt plays MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Cool off before or after the concert with drinks and nibbles, or perhaps a little action at the table inside Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Related Content:  Your Go-To Guide to this Summer’s Concerts in Tampa

4802 N US Highway 301, Tampa FL, 33610.

Kegs & Collections–A Celebration of Regional Art and Collectors

Join the Museum of Fine Arts for a special evening of art, collecting, and beer at the Pinellas County Budweiser distributor - Great Bay Distributors. Meet local artists and take a behind-the-scenes tour of Great Bay's private art collection as we celebrate Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration (June 24–October 1, 2017). Beer and wine will be provided by Great Bay Distributors with light bites from Stillwaters Tavern.  $25/$35 at the door the night of the event.

 
2750 Eagle Ave N, Saint Petersburg FL, 33716. Phone (727) 584-8626  (Vitale Bros., mural detail, Collection of Great Bay Distributors)

Splash's Treasure Hunt 10 am - 2 pm

Parks and Rec! They are putting on a huge Summer Splash party at the Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo. Hunts are divided by age group; Splash's Snack Bar will be open and serving $1 hot dogs. Board the Mystic Krewe of Santa Margarita pirate ship but beware of the plank! Admission bracelets are $6 - $9 at the center and limited to 350 individuals.

Related Content:  Soak in Summer Fun at the Coolest Splash Pads, Pools and Sprinkler Parks in Tampa

400 Highland Ave N, Largo FL, 33770. Phone (727) 518-3016

Paddle 4 Autism Clearwater Sailing Center 2017 10am - 3 pm

All participant paddling spots are filled, but you can 'wait list' if you want to paddle. A great event simply to attend in Tampa Bay each year come out in support of a great cause and plan to hit up one of the many after parties when the event ends. Details about the after-parties in Clearwater are available at the event.

1001 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater FL, 33767. Phone (727) 517-7776

Sunset Sounds 4 Edm Sunset cruise / Rooftop party / After party 7:30 pm

The Tropics Boat Tours and Shephard's Beach Resort have teamed up to bring you a spectacular EDM cruise on the water and a crazy after party at the resort on Clearwater Beach. Dance as the sun sets with three parties and two levels of sound.

25 Causeway Blvd # 5, Clearwater Beach FL, 33767.

Sun, Swimsuits & Suds 1 pm - 5 pm

Summer's biggest and best Pub Crawl is back this weekend in Ybor City! This year enjoy the addition of water balloons and super soakers as you stroll through Ybor popping into participating bars and restaurants for special deals!  Registration begins at 1 pm at The Italian Club. Click on the link above to see who is participating and for more details.

Related Content:  Summer Pub Crawl Brings the Beach to Ybor City

1800 East 9th Avenue, Tampa FL , 33605. Phone 813-241-8838

The Total Package Tour: NKOTB w/ Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men at Amalie Arena 7:30 pm

The Total Package Tour: New Kids On The Block With Paula Abdul And Boyz II Men includes an optional purchase Boyz II Men - Upgrade Meet & Greet Packages if you wanna go Full Circle and Collide with the Men! Find places to eat before and after the concert in Downtown Tampa Restaurants.

401 Channelside Dr, Tampa FL , 33602. Phone (813) 301-6500

Bikini and Banana Hammock Party! 9 pm - 3 am

One way to beat the heat is to just take your clothes off and wear a bathing suit all day, and night! Club Prana in historic Ybor City is 5-levels of Bikini and Banana Hammock Party, wear a bikini and you are in free, 18+

1619 E 7th Ave., Tampa FL , 33605. Phone 813-241-4139

Game of Thrones Premier Party 8 pm - Midnight

We know everyone's favorite bloodshed drama is premiering it's final season today, and the lads and lasses of Lowry Parcade & Tavern would love for you to stop in for a cold winter's brew. With that said, be warned. HBO frowns on Watch Parties and shuts them down. We recommend calling Sunday before heading out to be sure you can watch it at the Parcade.  

1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa FL, 33604.
 
Celebrate like the Romans and Greeks this weekend, don't let the Dog Days of Summer keep you in the house!  There are plenty of things to do in Tampa Bay; there's lots to see and places to be!  Look for 727area and 813area photographers in the crowd and remember, your photos are always FREE to download from the MyArea Network family of websites.  We are everywhere you need to be with 75 sites across the US and Canada.  Have fun this weekend, bark it up, howl at the moon and have a memorable weekend in Tampa Bay.