The week of November 12, 2026
Good morning, neighbors. Veterans Day has come and gone, Thanksgiving is two weeks out, and this weekend is a full one close to home. The weather is finally cooling down, the grass is growing slower, and the holiday season is upon us. Grab some Christmas lights, your coffee, and let's get into it.
THIS WEEKS PLACES TO BE
Friday, Nov. 13
Free movie night in Westchase. Hillsborough County's Movies in the Parks shows How to Train a Dragon at Westchase Park & Recreation Center. Dragon-themed crafts start at 6:30 p.m., the movie at 7. Free, with complimentary popcorn, a food truck and light refreshments. Bring a blanket or pop-up chairs. Details HERE
Art reception at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Main Theatre. Join us for an evening of art, refreshments, and camaraderie as we announce the winners of the annual Student, Faculty & Member Show.
Carrollwood Players open Patsy, Dolly, Tammy and Loretta, 8 p.m., 4333 Gunn Hwy. The black-box musical runs Nov. 13 to 22: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. show on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Saturday, Nov. 14
Carrollwood Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the park at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd. Local produce, baked goods, plants, handcrafts and live music. Dog-friendly.
Odessa Fall Artisan Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Texas Roadhouse, 13715 State Road 54, Odessa. More than 30 local artisans and small businesses selling art, crafts and food.
Franz Mantini, piano, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Main Theatre, Carrollwood Cultural Center.
Lightning vs. Detroit, 7 p.m., Benchmark International Arena.
Sunday, Nov. 15
The Carrollwood Winds present "Roots & Rhythms," 3 to 4:30 p.m., Main Theatre, Carrollwood Cultural Center. The Winds are a community concert band made up of local residents.
215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover. Saturday gates are open noon to 10 p.m. (carnival to 11), and Sunday gates close at 9 p.m. (carnival to 10).
OUR LOCAL SECRET (New Feature)
Our Local Secret. Tell us your favorite item and spot. Share on our Facebook page Citrus Park & Carrollwood Weekly
Own a local business?
Advertise with Citrus Park & Carrollwood Weekly and put your business in front of local residents.
Email: [email protected] Subject: Advertise
NEED TO KNOW: Planning Thanksgiving
No trash pickup on Thanksgiving. Hillsborough County curbside collection is closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and the county does not offer make-up days. County offices are also closed. (county customers only; City of Tampa customers should check tampa.gov)
BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot, Thu., Nov. 26, Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz. The 5K runs between 7 and 10 a.m. and there's a shorter 1(Tur)K run for the kids. Proceeds benefit the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA in Wesley Chapel. Online registration closes at 7 p.m. on Nov. 25. The listed prices were $35 for the 5K and $22.50 for the 1(Tur)K, but prices went up after Oct. 30, so check the current price at BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot 2026 before running a number. (Packet pickup: Nov. 24 at Fleet Feet Flatwoods, 8604 Hunters Village Rd., 4 to 7 p.m., or Nov. 25 at the outlets' food court, 4 to 7 p.m.)
Holiday Trees Display & Auction at Carrollwood Cultural Center is a fundraiser for the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Visitors can view and bid on a variety of themed holiday trees displayed in our lobby. Proceeds benefit our Tom Jones Tuition Assistance Fund, which provides families in need of financial assistance with the opportunity to send their child(ren) to Summer Camp for free or reduced tuition. What a great cause, giving back to the community.
Auction Ends: December 13, 2026 at 9 p.m.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT-BLACK FRIDAY PLANS
Who misses the hustle and bustle and challenge to get that rare item. You didn’t need that TV, but it was a great deal. Right!? 😃 Here is an early list to help your plan of attack. We’ll update it closer to the day. Be safe.
Where | Opens | What’s special |
|---|---|---|
Citrus Park Town Center (8021 Citrus Park Town Center) | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. | The mall is closed Thanksgiving. Extended holiday hours start Nov. 28 (Mon–Thu 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.). No Santa or event schedule is posted yet; call (813) 926-4644. |
Kohl’s | 5 a.m. | The first 200 shoppers at each store get $5 to $100 in instant Kohl’s Cash. On Saturday, Nov. 28, the first 200 get a $5 to $100 Sephora at Kohl’s gift card. Doorbusters run in store Nov. 27–28, with $15 Kohl’s Cash per $50 spent and a sweepstakes with a $10,000 grand prize. |
Walmart | 6 a.m. | In-store deals start at 6 a.m. The main sale event runs Nov. 23–29. |
Target | 6 a.m. | Opening time is confirmed. I found no in-store giveaway announced yet. |
JCPenney | 5 a.m. | Opening time is confirmed. A “free gifts” promotion was mentioned in a headline, with no details. |
Home Depot | 6 a.m. | Opening time is confirmed. |
Announced sales, hours not yet confirmed
Best Buy: Black Friday doorbusters run for 10 days starting Nov. 19, and stores are closed Thanksgiving. Members get double rewards Nov. 19 to Dec. 6. Last year it opened at 6 a.m.
Lowe’s: doorbusters are on Nov. 27, with free tools on qualifying purchases. Stores are closed Thanksgiving. Last year it opened at 6 a.m.
Costco: Black Friday offers run Nov. 27–30. Last year it opened at 9 a.m. for Executive members and 10 a.m. for others.
Last year’s hours only (not confirmed for 2026)
Hobby Lobby: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Michaels: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
T.J. Maxx: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ulta: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bath & Body Works: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sam’s Club: 8 a.m. for Plus members, 9 a.m. for others.
AROUND THE AREA THIS WEEK
Thu., Nov. 12
Lightning at Columbus, 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 13
Movies in the Parks, Westchase Park & Recreation Center, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Art reception, Carrollwood Cultural Center, 5:30 p.m.
Carrollwood Players open, 8 p.m.
County Fair, gates 5 to 10 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 14
Carrollwood Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Odessa Fall Artisan Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
County Fair, gates noon to 10 p.m.
Franz Mantini, piano, 7 p.m.
Lightning vs. Detroit, 7 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15
Carrollwood Winds, 3 p.m.
Carrollwood Players, 2 p.m. matinee.
County Fair closes, gates until 9 p.m.
Tue., Nov. 17
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Senior Safety, Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., 11 a.m. to noon. For adults.
🀄 Mahjong, Carrollwood Cultural Center, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 18
Senior Fitness Walk, Citrus Park Town Center, 10:30 a.m. Free every Wednesday; meet at the Dick's Sporting Goods entrance. Call (813) 494-6376.
SAVE THE DATE
Thu., Nov. 19: Great American Teach-In, Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Thu., Nov. 26: (Thanksgiving Day) Turkey Trot in Lutz; no trash pickup.
ONE LAST THING
Would you like to donate some time and give back to your local community?
If you're looking to help feed people in need around Thanksgiving in Tampa, these are some of the best organizations to volunteer with:
The largest Thanksgiving outreach effort in the Tampa Bay area. They operate Holiday Tents and distribute meals, groceries, and holiday food to thousands of families. They actively recruit holiday volunteers for food distribution, registration assistance, packing meals, and event support.
Location: Tampa and other Tampa Bay sites
Volunteer signup: Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Volunteering page. [metromin.org]
Offers volunteer shifts year-round and during the holiday season. Opportunities include:
Packing food boxes
Sorting donations
Serving meals at Trinity Cafés
Mobile pantry food distributions throughout the community [ftb.org], [volunteer.ftb.org]
Their special Thanksgiving Day Delivery program provides holiday treats and gifts to homebound seniors who may otherwise spend the holiday alone. Volunteers deliver pies, cards, and holiday items on Thanksgiving morning. [mowtampa.org]
Location: 5320 N Blvd, Tampa [Meals On W...s of Tampa]
A Tampa nonprofit focused on serving meals and assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. They often welcome volunteers for meal service and community support efforts. [Faith Cafe]
Best options if you're volunteering for the first time
Metropolitan Ministries - biggest Thanksgiving experience, lots of volunteer slots. [metromin.org]
Feeding Tampa Bay - flexible shifts and direct food distribution. [ftb.org], [volunteer.ftb.org]
Meals on Wheels - great family-friendly Thanksgiving morning tradition. [mowtampa.org]
See you next Thursday,
— Citrus Park & Carrollwood Weekly
