Hillsborough County

  • Gasparilla Music Festival: Jam out at Tampa’s signature Gasparilla Music Festival taking place all weekend long at Curtis Hixon Park. Acts like Grouplove, The Revivalists, and Trombone Shorty will be taking the Bay by storm while local eateries like Ichicoro and Blind Tiger will be selling concessions. The music festival will also host a smaller festival on Sunday that features children’s music with The Imagination Movers and School of Rock Tampa performing. Proceeds from the event benefit Recycled Tunes, the Gasparilla Music Foundation’s charity that supports youth music education.

  • Florida Orchestra Music of Star Wars: Prepare to be transported to a galaxy far, far away as The Florida Orchestra performs the music of Star Wars. Listen to the music created by iconic soundtrack composer John Williams as he set the scene for three generations of sci-fi classics. The concert will be this Friday at 8:00 pm.

  • Roaring ‘20s Speakeasy Experience: Travel back in time and experience a 1920’s speakeasy in the basement of a historic church (once an actual functioning speakeasy) while being immersed in swing music, action, and swanky art deco style. The shows will be happening at the Cerealholic Cafe and Bar on Friday night at 7:00 and 9:00 pm. Four themed cocktails are included with the price of a ticket.

  • Strawberry Bash: Enjoy some sweet, farm-fresh strawberries at Keel Farms this Saturday and Sunday at the Strawberry Bash! In addition to enjoying some berries, guests can witness a strawberry eating contest, attend a strawberry wine release party, peruse food and craft vendors, and much more. Admission and parking are free!

  • Fiesta Day: Ybor’s 75th annual celebration of the city’s rich heritage will be this Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. With festivities including opera singers from The Straz, flamenco dancers, and a day-long block party, this Fiesta Day celebration will be one for the ages!

 

Pasco County

  • Pasco County Fair: Pasco’s 75th Annual County Fair will continue all weekend long at the fairgrounds in Dade City. Munch on funnel cakes and other tasty fair delicacies as you explore the midway, board thrilling rides, and listen to live music. The fair will also host several shows and demonstrations such as a pirate adventure experience, escape artist show, and motorcycle stunt exhibition. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-10, with unlimited ride wristbands priced at $30.

  • Crab and Shrimp Festival: Enjoy a bounty of tasty crustacean dishes at the Crab and Shrimp Festival this weekend at Sunwest Park. In addition to seafood, the event also boasts plenty of standard carnival fare, rides, activities like crab racing and bungee jumping, and live music. Admission is $25 and $35 for a weekend pass.

  • Floral Design Class: Want to learn how to create amazing floral designs? The Dade City Garden Club is offering a class on flower arranging this Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is $20 for the class with coffee and doughnuts included. Attendees should bring a candlestick and scissors in order to build their arrangement.

Pinellas County

  • Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg: A day at the races ensues this weekend at the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg. Watch racers from across the globe rocket through their course, the streets of downtown St Petersburg! The races will span from Friday to Sunday with general admission tickets starting at $25. The event will also feature autograph sessions, live entertainment, beer gardens, and several interactive games and exhibits.

  • Dunedin Mardi Gras  Let the good times roll in Dunedin this Saturday, as Mardi Gras rolls in! Dunedin’s Mardi Gras Festival and Parade offer over 50 floats, food and drinks inspired by the flavors of NOLA, and live jazz, blues, and zydeco music all day long. The festival will be taking place from 2:00 to 11:00 pm in Downtown Dunedin.

  • Mayday: Studio Grand Central’s production of Mayday: Captain Lerro and the Skyway Bridge tells the story of the historical collision that destroyed the Skyway Bridge in 1980. Penned by Bill DeYoung, author of Skyway: The True Story of Tampa Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought it Down, this play offers to show audiences the true story of what happened that stormy day. The one-man performance will start at 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday evening and will have a matinee showing at 3:00 pm on Sunday.

 

Sarasota/Manatee County

  •  Sarasota Winter Arts and Crafts Festival: Over 70 artisans will be at the Sarasota Winter Arts and Crafts Festival this Saturday and Sunday selling their wares from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Get some fresh air and peruse the wood carvings, paintings, metalworking, and other masterpieces that will be on display. Admission is free

 

Polk County

  •  Lake Wales Mardi Gras Festival: Lake Wales will also be hosting their Mardi Gras Festival this weekend which will conclude with a parade. Their 38th annual celebration will of course feature beads, doubloons, as well as dixie and jazz music, and delicious food. There will also be a special Mardi Gras-themed 5k glow run happening Friday evening at 6:00 pm on the shores of Lake Wales.

 

Citrus County

  •  The Beach Boys: The iconic 60s surf rock outfit that helped define music for over half a century is back on the road, performing their hits. The Beach Boys will be performing two shows on Sunday at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

 

Lee County

  • Mardi Gras Trolley Event: Take to the Streets of Cape Coral for this fun Mardi Gras event that sees guests touring the Entertainment District by trolley, sampling iconic Mardi Gras bites and drinks along the way. There are twelve stops along the Trolley Tour, which goes from 7:00 to 11:00 pm Saturday, each offering their own snack and cocktail inspired by New Orleans. If you get a stamp from each spot you will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize. Make sure to dress up in purple, green, and gold as the best dressed could win tickets to the next trolley event.