01/05/2026  – 04/13/2026

10:30 am – 11:30 am
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - Ages 5 - 9
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - Ages 5 - 9
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Firehouse Cultural Center in partnership with Patel Conservatory @Straz Center presents a Kids Theater Program.
This Free program will start Mondays, Jan. 5 until April 13 from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Limited Space for ages 5 – 9. Free Programming provided by Patel Conservatory. Underwritten by The Straz.

01/05/2026  – 04/13/2026

11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - 2026
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - 2026
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Firehouse Cultural Center in partnership with Patel Conservatory @Straz Center presents a Kids Theater Program.
This Free program will start Mondays, Jan. 5 until April 13 from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. Limited Space for ages 11 – 16. Free Programming provided by Patel Conservatory. Underwritten by The Straz.

01/08/2026  – 12/17/2026

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesday - Thursday
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesday - Thursday
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 9:30 am – Noon, Adults. 4 session fee, each day is it’s own session. Book January 2026 – December 2026.

01/08/2026  – 05/21/2026

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Figure Drawing Group
Figure Drawing Group
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

New schedule. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Age 18+, beginning January 8, 2026. Strengthen your skills in our monitored figure drawing session with a variety of timed poses. Bring your chalk, paint, charcoal or pencil, you choose the medium! Model varies by session. Please reserve online or by phone, 813-645-7651. Reservations are Limited. Your $15 cash tuition is due at the door.

01/08/2026  – 12/17/2026

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Adults. 4 session fee, each day is it’s own session. Book from January 2026 – December 2026.

02/23/2026  – 03/30/2026

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Paint it Your Way: Watercolor Or Acrylic
Paint it Your Way: Watercolor Or Acrylic
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some painting experience, this class offers an enriching journey tailored to your pace and interests. Choose the medium that suits you—watercolor or acrylic—and unlock your creative potential. Instructor: Michael Parker. Mondays, Feb 23 – March 30, 2026, Six (6) week class. Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm.

03/15/2026  – 03/29/2026

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Studio 55 | Jewelry Sampler | TMA@Firehouse
Studio 55 | Jewelry Sampler | TMA@Firehouse
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Adults 55+ | Beginner-Intermediate Level | Students will create mosaic pendants, transform artwork and photos into necklaces, and learn metal texturing and stamping. Each session will guide you in creating your own unique, wearable pieces of art!
Sundays | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Class Dates | Mar 15– 29 (3 classes).

03/26/2026  – 04/23/2026

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Intro to the Pottery Wheel
Intro to the Pottery Wheel
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

You’ll discover the joy of working with clay in this hands-on, beginner to intermediate course focused on the fundamentals of wheel throwing. In 5 weeks, you’ll learn how to center clay, pull walls, and shape basic forms like bowls, mugs, and cylinders. We’ll also cover trimming, surface decoration, and glazing techniques so you can finish and fire your own unique pieces. No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and willingness to get your hands dirty! Includes 25 lbs. of clay, glaze and firing.
Thursdays, 9:30 am until 12:00 pm, March 26 – April 23 (5 weeks).

03/26/2026  – 03/27/2026

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Figure Drawing
Figure Drawing
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Strengthen your skills in our monitored figure drawing session with a variety of timed poses. Bring your chalk, paint, charcoal or pencil, you choose the medium. Model varies by session. Second and Fourth Thursday of the month in 2026, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Age 18+. Begins Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
7
8
9
12
14
15
16
17
10:30 AM - The Snow Queen
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Adult Clay - A.M. Tuesdays
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – Tuesday, December 16, 2025    
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
BOOK FOR THE MONTH! Learn the basics of how to form clay through pinching, coil building, and working with slabs. Combine these forming methods together to make some fun shapes! Students should expect to make several pieces using these techniques. With introduction of wheel throwing. Clay, tools, glazing and firing included. Tuesdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. Book Monthly, Mar 2025 - Dec 2025.
Beaded Holiday Ornaments Workshop - Dec 3
Wednesday, December 3, 2025    
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
You create 3 holiday ornaments - a wirewrapped seaglass starfish, a beaded snowflake and a fun Florida flamingo suncatcher. Your choice of holiday and coastal color options will be provided so you can match to your holiday decor. Includes all tools and supplies. Wednesday, December 3rd from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Thursdays
Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026    
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. Book March 2025 - December 2025.
Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026    
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Adults. Book from April 2025 - Dec 2025.
Center Stage Comedy: Al Ernst with Nathan Wallace
Friday, December 5, 2025    
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Headliner Al Ernst will be joined by featured comic Nathan Wallace on Friday, Dec 5 2025 at 7:30 pm. Al Ernst is a stand-up comedian known for his unique blend of humor and wit. He has been named Entertainer of the Year by Carnival Cruise Lines and is often referred to as the “Warrior of Humor.” Ernst’s comedy style is characterized by his balance between art and war. These two comedians will keep the audience laughing!
Beaded Holiday Ornaments Workshop - Dec 6
Saturday, December 6, 2025    
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
You create 3 holiday ornaments - a wirewrapped seaglass starfish, a beaded snowflake and a fun Florida flamingo suncatcher. Your choice of holiday and coastal color options will be provided so you can match to your holiday decor. Includes all tools and supplies. Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Valerie Gillespie: Jazz
Saturday, December 6, 2025    
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Come out to see the Valerie Gillespie Jazz Show! Valerie Gillespie and her ensemble will be playing jazz music from her Holiday Repertoire. Join us live, up close and personal at Center Stage at the Firehouse! Saturday December 6, 2025.
Valerie Gillespie: Jazz
Saturday, December 6, 2025    
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Come out to see the Valerie Gillespie Jazz Show! Valerie Gillespie and her ensemble will be playing jazz music from her Holiday Repertoire. Join us live, up close and personal at Center Stage at the Firehouse! Saturday December 6, 2025, 7:30 pm.
Explore Color Creatively
Wednesday, December 10, 2025    
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
You will discover the secrets of color mixing in this fun, hands-on watercolor workshop designed for all skill levels! No experience required! A great date, group outing, or solo activity! Wed., Dec. 10 at 11:00 am.
Glass Fusing Workshop: Holiday Ornaments - Dec 11
Thursday, December 11, 2025    
10:00 am – 11:30 am
You will make 3 ornaments; you choose your pattern and colors in creating your Holiday creation. This 4 x 6 glass art will brighten any Tree, Room or Window. All Skill Levels Welcome, and all Materials Supplied. Thursday, December 11 from 10:00 – 11:30 am.
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (And More!)
Saturday, December 13, 2025    
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Enjoy the 61st anniversary of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with a 60 minute stage production of this holiday favorite. Join East Bay Theatre for an afternoon of family fun as we celebrate the Christmas season. Our festivities will start with Letters to Santa, cookies, and Florida hot chocolate. Saturday, December 13 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Glass Fusing Workshop: Holiday Ornaments - Dec 13
Saturday, December 13, 2025    
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
You will make 3 ornaments; you choose your pattern and colors in creating your Holiday creation. This 4 x 6 glass art will brighten any Tree, Room or Window. All Skill Levels Welcome, and all Materials Supplied. Saturday Dec. 13 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.
Holiday Cabaret
Saturday, December 13, 2025    
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
East Bay Theatre's Moving Minds Theatre Co. will be celebrating the holiday season with their annual Holiday Cabaret. It's an evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer! Our talented performers bring the sparkle of Broadway and the warmth of the holidays to the stage. Expect festive songs, spirited dance, and a dash of humor. Fill your heart with holiday magic! Saturday, December 13 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
The Snow Queen
Wednesday, December 17, 2025    
10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Snow Queen, Hans Christian Andersen's tale of mystery and adventure comes to the stage in this musical adaptation for the Holidays. Wed. Dec. 17, 2025 at 10:30 am. (40 minutes) Grades K- 5.
Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown Christmas with Zach Bartholomew
Friday, December 19, 2025    
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and music educator who maintains an active performance career as one of the most sought after pianists, accompanists, and sidemen in South Florida. In both 2016 and 2017, he placed as one of the top three finalists in the highly acclaimed Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. Zach has since been featured as a performer, composer, and bandleader at national and international jazz festivals. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, 7:30 pm.
Events on Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Adult Clay - A.M. Tuesdays
2 Dec 25
Ruskin
Events on Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Events on Thursday, December 4, 2025
Events on Friday, December 5, 2025
Events on Saturday, December 6, 2025
Events on Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Explore Color Creatively
10 Dec 25
Ruskin
Events on Thursday, December 11, 2025
Events on Saturday, December 13, 2025
Events on Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Snow Queen
17 Dec 25
Ruskin
Events on Friday, December 19, 2025