Hillsborough County

  •  Gasparilla International Film Festival: The Gasparilla International Film Festival is celebrating its 15th year in a major way, with the festival so big this year it had to be split up among three venues. All weekend long, screen thought-provoking independent films at the Tampa Theatre, AMC Westshore, and the UT Ferman Center. Celebrities from the likes of Sean Astin, Colin Farrell, and Tommy Wiseau have also been in attendance at GIFF showings in the past, so don’t be surprised if a famous movie buff is in attendance. For tickets and the show schedule click here.

  •  River O’Green Festival: Tampa is celebrating Irish Heritage at the River O’Green Festival this Saturday at Curtis Hixon Park, starting at 11:00 am. Watch as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green, show your athletic side in a Cabbage Toss, and compete to see who has on the best leprechaun garb at the Leprechaun Costume Contest. Admission to the festival is free!

  • Pirates of Penzance: See the very model of a modern major general in person this weekend at the Straz as The Pirates of Penzance take the stage this Friday and Sunday. With the combined might of Opera Tampa and the Florida Orchestra, this take on the classic Gilbert and Sullivan satire is sure to be a tour de force.

  • Worthwich Wand Making Class: Embark on a magical quest to build your very own wand this Saturday at Worthwich Wand Making Class at Macfarlane Park. This fully guided class will illustrate the woodworking and lore that’s involved in crafting your very own magic wand. Students will be sanding and filing their own wand from any of ten different kinds of wood, and imbue their design with the magic from a personal item of their choosing. The class will end with a special wand dedication ceremony.

  • Taco and Margarita Fest: Partake in a plethora of tacos and margaritas this Saturday at Raymond James from noon to 7:00 pm. In addition to signature tacos and drinks concocted by executive chefs Brent Lewis and Casey Ryan, the Taco and Margarita Festival will have live performances and appearances by pro wrestlers Adam Scherr, Flip Gordon, and Rich Swann. General admission starts at $12.

 

Pasco County

  • Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Take a stroll through this 16th century inspired village this weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. See pirates, knights, jesters, and more as you shop at over 90 different vendors selling crafts and fantasy wares. Every weekend has a specific theme with this Saturday and Sunday’s being Barbarian Brew Fest. This Saturday also marks the festival’s formal masked masquerade ball which includes an unlimited tapas buffet.

  • Pollinator Garden:  Want to help contribute to our Florida ecosystem and observe beautiful butterflies, hummingbirds, and other animal pollinators? This 9:00 am class in Heritage Park this Saturday will teach students all they need to know about growing a garden for pollinators from just a flowerpot! The class is free for all who attend.

  • Mirada’s Farmer’s Market: Enjoy local food, eclectic vendors, live music, children’s activities, and more on Mirada Boulevard at Mirada’s Farmer’s Market in San Antonio. The market will take place this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Pinellas County

  •  Jack Kerouac’s 100th Birthday: A celebration of internationally famed beat poet, and once St Pete resident, Jack Kerouac’s 100th birthday will take place this Saturday. The house that he lived in for years prior to his untimely passing, dubbed the Kerouac House of St Petersburg, will be hosting tours of the home for the public from noon until 6:00 pm. The tour will also feature readings from the late author and refreshments before the party moves to the Flamingo Bar, which was a personal favorite of Kerouac’s. The Studio @ 620 will also feature an art exhibit to commemorate Jack Kerouac with the works of 47 different artists and poets on display that highlight the scope of the Beat Generation.

  •  Sound Pollution Saturday: Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, hear a booming two-hour set from local kids at Daddy Kool Records at their Sound Pollution Saturday event. The Maggie On The Move food truck will be serving up Mediterranean fare at the event and Lundy’s will be serving drinks. The record store will also be giving a 10% discount for items purchased during the event.

  •  Florida Orchestra Pops Series: The Florida Orchestra will be taking on Paul Simon’s discography this Sunday at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Starting at 7:30 pm, listen to hits from the genius behind songs like Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard, The Sound of Silence, Graceland, and more! Vocalist Daniel Berryman will accompany the orchestra for this special performance.

Sarasota/Manatee County

  • Englewood Shrimp and Music Festival: Kick back and relax at the Englewood Shrimp and Music Festival, all weekend long at Englewood Plaza. Enjoy some fresh seafood from the bay, sweet treats, and delicious local fare while jamming out to live music and exploring the marketplace. Admission to the festival is free. For the event schedule, lists of vendors, and performance lineup click here.

Polk County

  •  Aladdin: The Florida Dance Theatre’s production of Aladdin is taking place this weekend with shows at 7:30 on Friday and 2:30 and 7:30 pm Saturday. Witness stunning choreography that combines contemporary ballet with folk style dance as you explore the marketplace, journey through the cave of wonders, and witness the spectacle that is Aladdin.

 

Citrus County

  •  Downtown Inverness St Patrick’s Festival: Downtown Inverness is celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a parade and festival this Saturday starting at 4:00 pm. The festivities will include face painting, festive games, live Irish music, and a fairy and leprechaun costume contest at 5:00 pm.

 

Lee County

  • Irish Food Street Fest: Irish food, festive St Patrick’s cocktails, and ax throwing? Oh my! Expect the unexpected at the Irish Food Street Fest this Friday in Downtown Fort Meyers, hosted by Millenial Brewing Company. The event is free to enter and is pet friendly.