Don Lemon & DL Hughley: DL + DL 'Anything Goes'

Two DLs Take the Mahaffey Theater Stage for Unfiltered Comedy

Don Lemon and DL Hughley bring their "Anything Goes" tour to the Mahaffey Theater on Saturday, September 26th at 7:00 PM, promising an evening where news commentary meets stand-up comedy. This pairing puts a former CNN anchor and one of the Original Kings of Comedy on the same stage, creating a dynamic that's part political discourse, part pure entertainment. The show runs just one hour, making it a tight, focused performance that doesn't overstay its welcome on a Saturday night.

What to Expect:
The Mahaffey Theater's intimate setup means no bad sightlines, whether seated in the orchestra or balcony levels. This "Anything Goes" format suggests both performers will lean into current events and cultural commentary, the kind of material that shifts with each tour stop. The all-ages designation doesn't mean the content will be sanitized—both DLs built their careers on sharp-edged observations—so families should gauge their comfort level accordingly.

Insider Tips:
- The Mahaffey Theater box office opens 90 minutes before showtime for will-call pickup and last-minute ticket purchases
- Concessions stay open through intermission, though this one-hour show likely won't have a break
- The theater's acoustics work best from center orchestra seats, but the balcony offers better overall stage views for physical comedy
- Street parking becomes scarce after 6:00 PM on Saturdays, so aim for the surface lots or garage options
- The theater maintains a strict no-photography policy once the show begins
- Post-show traffic clears faster if exiting through the north lobby doors toward 1st Street

Getting There:
The Mahaffey Theater sits at 400 1st Street South in downtown St. Petersburg's waterfront district, easily accessible from I-275 via the I-375 exit. P14 and P12 surface lots along 5th Terrace South offer the closest parking, just 255 and 289 meters away respectively. The 5th Ave Parking Garage Facility provides covered parking about 420 meters from the venue, though it requires a permit. Multiple bus routes serve the area, with the 1st South & 5th Avenue Southeast stop sitting just 231 meters from the theater entrance. Walking from Central Avenue's main strip takes about 8-10 minutes heading east toward the waterfront, passing several of downtown St. Pete's landmark buildings along the way.

Local Scene:
The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge sits 254 meters away, offering happy hour specials that work perfectly for pre-show drinks and appetizers. Ford's Garage brings its 1920s service station theme to 200 1st Avenue South, about 470 meters from the theater, with a burger-focused menu that satisfies without weighing anyone down before showtime. The Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront restaurant at 333 1st Street SE provides outdoor dining just 232 meters away, catching evening bay breezes. For post-show options, Bean Wandering offers vegan and vegetarian choices 313 meters from the venue, staying open later than typical coffee shops. The waterfront location means Demens Landing sits nearby at 405 1st Avenue SE, where the outdoor space often draws crowds after downtown events wrap up.