Spring is moving in the air about us as the weather warms up once again and our weekends become full of choice and oh, so much possibility! Bookmark 813area.com and check back each week as our list of Things to Do each weekend grows and grows! Spring Break ushers in an exciting time of year in Tampa Bay, it signals the time to get outside to enjoy the beauty, the parties and the businesses ranking Tampa Bay as a destination area. How fortunate are we to live here? So let's plan, what will you be doing this weekend? Not sure? This list will help!
Friday, March 24th Tampa
Play Ball!New York Yankees Spring Training vs. Philadelphia at George M. Steinbrenner Field 1:05
Last weekend fans saw A. Rod with Jennifer Lopez, who will be there this weekend? You never know. Yankee fans and greats enjoy coming to Tampa, keep your eyes open, besides a great game you may get an autograph too! Ticket prices vary by seat.
Disney on Ice! Worlds of Enchantment Amalie Arena Times vary for this 3-day event.
Take in one of (7) shows this weekend as Disney brings a new show to Tampa's Disney fans. Here Friday through Sunday, read more about this event in Disney on Ice's Exciting New Show Dazzles | Tampa Tickets on Sale
See the Easter Bunny! Hop on over to Westfield Brandon Town Center Brandon 10 am to close FREE (Photo packages are extra.)
You will find the Easter Bunny in the mall's Bunny Garden for photos and visits with children. The Easter Bunny will be at the mall through April 15th.
Hooking up Italian and Craft Beer! Craft Beer Dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy Westshore Mall 6 pm
We love it when two greats hookup to bring you an unforgettable evening. Join Maggiano's and 3 Daughter's Brewery for a three-course meal paired with a selection of craft beers. The menu includes tuna, choice of braised beef or blackened sea bass and coffee sabayon. Tickets to dinner are $40 single, $60 for two.
It Gets Better! The play, It Gets Better at Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for Performing Arts Downtown Tampa 7:30 pm.
Tampa area performers present a theater production based on the It Gets Better Project movement. The production is aimed at showing LGBTQ youth the potential and positivity they can reach. Tickets range from $25-$45.
Pop-up party! Because of Her, a Pop-up Party held in The Space at 2016 8:00 pm
A pop-up party where you can celebrate Women's History Month with music, food and drink. Appetizers provided by Anise Global Gastrobar. Pop in to celebrate women for only $20!
Daditude! Craig Shoemaker at the Improv Comedy Theater Ybor City Friday 8 pm with additional times through the weekend
Craig's Showtime comedy special titled, Daditude comes to Tampa. Laugh as Craig shares his transition from manhood to parenthood. Named Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards, Craig remains one of the country's most successful touring comedians. Tickets are $22.
Hypnotist Fun! Michael C. Anthony at the Improv Comedy Theater Ybor City 10:30 pm Friday with additional times over the weekend
Dubbed "the best stage hypnotist on the planet." by VH1, this is your chance to see and perhaps participate in this hilarious show. Michael appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox, he is Male Entertainer of the Year with Campus Activities Magazine and nominated an amazing 7 times! Tickets are $12-$14. Must be 21 and over!
Pinellas
Love a great Seafood fest in a small coastal town? Olde Bay Cafe Seafood Festival Dunedin - Edgewater Park 1:30 pm FREE (Food and drink are additional)
At this two-day fest, you can sip locally made craft beer while diving into fresh seafood on the water in beautiful Downtown Dunedin. Enjoy music by Daniel Mohr, the Outpatients and Pretty Hearts on Friday; with Taylor Reed, American Song Box and the Betty Fox Band appearing Saturday. Walk old tree-lined streets, pop over to the marina bar, shop quaint shops, it's all here. Oh, and you can bring your pup!
Play Ball!Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training vs. Boston Red Sox - Dunedin - Florida Auto Exchange Stadium 1:05 pm
Spring Training is still in play this weekend. Prices for the Jays-Sox game will run you $28-$123.
Family Fun! Safety Harbor Family Fun Color Run at Safety Harbor City Park 5 pm
Get messy for a good cause as you run to fight hunger. Bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks and prepare to become more colorful than you already are! Registration is $15 individual, $45 per family.
Movies at the Pier. Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 Clearwater Beach presents "The BFG" (PG) 6:30 pm FREE Family Friendly (Saturday is Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban)
Bring your blankets or low to the ground lawn chairs to watch The BFG on a jumbo sized screen. No alcohol allowed.
Saturday, March 25th, Tampa (if not mentioned under Friday)
Brew Fest! Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Barbarian Brew Fest at MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry in North Tampa 10:00 am
The 2017 festival continues weekends through April 2nd, this weekend it's Barbarians and Brews! It's also Deaf Awareness Weekend as ASL interpreters can be found at stages interpreting shows for the hearing impaired! Price to enter the fair is $17.95 advance, $20.95 day of; $9.95 advance, $12.95 day of (ages 5-12); $16.95 seniors / students; $10 for your pup.
- Take part in Medieval Combat Training - 11:00am 5:00pm
- Florida State Archery Competition - 11:00 am / talented archers put their arrows to the test in this competition held in Piper's Valley.
- Race for the Rattle - Saturday's Only at 12:30 pm / rally your crawlers! In this adorable baby race to the finish line in hopes of winning an exciting prize for the whole family. Participants also receive a FREE T-Shirt!
- Beard Competition - 3:30 pm / proud of your beard? Enter the Beard Competition for the chance to win! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Longest Beard, Grizzliest (Fullest) Beard, Most Unique Beard, Best Trimmed Beard
Pride Parade! Tampa Pride 2017 Parade & Festival Downtown Ybor City 10:00 am to 5 pm FREE
Tampa Bay's Rainbow Pride Marching Band kicks off the parade for this pet-friendly parade down 7th with vendors lining 8th Ave. Starting off on Nuccio Boulevard the revelry continues down Seventh Avenue to 20th Street and then north to Palm Avenue. This year's Grand Marshals are former County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and drag entertainer Joey Brooks. Join thousands of your closest friends from around the country as they descend on the Tampa area for #TampaPride2017! The festival goes from 10 am to 5 pm, at noon in front of Centro Ybor take part in a special ceremony to honor Pulse victims, the parade begins at 1:00 pm ending at the new Street Festival location around historic Centennial Park.
Pet and Kid Friendly Event! 30th annual Bark In The Park at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Downtown Tampa from 11:00 am to 3 pm
Walk your pup one-mile around the park bursting with more than 70 vendors, including food trucks. Enter the pet costume contest, enjoy the dog fun zone, a pop-up dog park, a doggie bar, live music, craft beer, wine and more as you benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Price: $20, kids 11 and under free. You can adopt at this event that also offers:
- Pre-event VIP tent with Mimosas & Sweets
- Meet Rescue Groups
- Celebrity Emcees: FOX 13’s Walter Allen, Jennifer Epstein, and Lindsay Milbourne
- Special appearances by Q105 WRBQ's Mason Dixon, B98.7 FM's Chadd & Kristi Morning Show, and WQYK-FM's Marc Jason (Marc In The Morning)
- Doggie Pop-Up Park for off-leash play time
- The Doggie Fun Zone where every dog is an agility star
- Face painting and activities for children
- Photo ops
- Pet costume contests: Best Downtown Chic, Best Workout Buddy, Best Pirate Pup, Most Creative
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
- VIP Tent with Mimosas & Sweets: 10:00am – 11:00am
- Vendors & Festivities: 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Registration and Pet Costume Contest Sign-Up: 11:00am
- Pet Costume Contests: 12:30pm
- One-mile Walk For The Animals: 1:30pm
Play Ball! New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field 1:05 pm
Catch the action at the newly renovated George M. Steinbrenner Field as the New York Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Explore major ballpark enhancements including new premium spaces and group party areas, Loge boxes on the first and third base lines with open-aired, canopied seating for four and access to the exclusive premium lounge, located on the upper level of the first base and third base Bullpen Clubs. Florida style Cabanas give you an ultimate game day experience. This shaded private area is located in the right field alley in close proximity to the Right Field Pavilion. The newly enhanced Right Field Pavilion, allows fans to take in the game in the comfort and shade of a beachside bar. The Left Field Deck is an enclosed and shaded group party area. See what's new at George M. Steinbrenner Field this weekend.
Theme Park Fun, Food, Wine and Music! Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival Concert - NBC's The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd and finalist Adam Wakefield. Park opens at noon, concert is at 7:00 pm (El Gran Combo performs Sunday)
The concerts continue this weekend with first and second place finishers on Season 7 of The Voice at this weekly Busch Gardens concert series running through April 30th. The concerts are FREE after admission to the park, food and wine are additional purchases. Cost to enter the park is $99, $79 for ages 3-9.
Charitable Fun! Superhero vs. Villains Pub Crawl Register between 3-4 pm at World of Beer South Tampa
All proceeds are awarded to college-bound students who have supported their family and sibling(s) impacted by autism. Dress as a superhero or villain for this five-stop pub crawl including World of Beer, Dubliner Irish Pub, Yard of Ale SoHo, The Lodge and MacDinton's Irish Pub. Benefits support the Sydney Has a Sister scholarship fund. Click the link SoHo Pub Crawl Heros vs Villains to buy tickets, they are $30 advance, $35 at the door.
Coppola Conducts! (Rare event!) Coppola Conducts: 100 Years Young at Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for Performing Arts
This rare event features Maestro Anton Coppola, Opera Tampa's founding artistic director and America's oldest working composer and conductor as he leads a full orchestra, soloists and a chorus in a program including the world premiere of Fa Fa Do, which he wrote for his nephew, Francis Ford Coppola. Tickets are $48.50-$110. The $110 ticket includes an elegant pre-show reception (6:00 PM) in the Riverwalk tent featuring wines from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and small bites, with premium seating at Maestro Coppola’s concert.
Pinellas
Helping Hospice 24th Annual Suncoast Hospice Fashion Show Innisbrook 9 am - 1:00 pm
The 24th Annual Suncoast Hospice Fashion Show features a fashion boutique, haute models and the fun that comes from supporting a great cause. Models display fine fashions donated to the Suncoast Hospice Resale Shoppes. The morning of the event begins with an exclusive shopping hour in the boutique. The fashion show includes entertainment, music and models showcased in themed scenes. Following the show, guests will enjoy a delicious meal with a chance to make final purchases in the boutique. The event also includes door prize opportunities. Tickets are $50
Seafood and Music Fest St. Petersburg Seafood and Music Festival held in North Straub Park Downtown St. Pete begins at 10:00 am
As area restaurants serve up local seafood you can relax and enjoy a juried art show, live music from well-known bands and more. VIP includes open bar, private lounge and a T-shirt. GA is $3 advance, $5 at the gate, VIP. is $50 at this inaugural event on St. Pete's waterfront! This is a two-day event!
Go Greek for a night! Night in the Islands takes place on the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks FREE 6 pm (Food and Drink are extra)
Where the Greek Islands are recreated with Greek dancing, music and dining at local restaurants. Free Greek dance lessons are available from 6-7 p.m. from the Levendia Dance Troupe. This event features live music by Ellada, an exciting band composed of three of the most accomplished Greek musicians in Florida!. To reserve a table for dinner, please contact participating restaurants Costa’s, Hellas, Mama’s, or Mykonos.
One Night Only! Chazz Palminteri: A Bronx Tale Capitol Theatre Downtown Clearwater 8 pm
Palminteri originally performed this award-winning one-man show in Los Angeles. It became the hottest property in Hollywood! Palminteri was offered more than a million dollars to walk away from the project and, with $200.00 left in the bank, he declined! Enter Robert DeNiro, he saw the show then moved the production to New York, where it played for four sold-out months. While in New York, Palminteri completed the screenplay of A Bronx Tale and found himself starring opposite Robert DeNiro, who chose the Bronx script for his directorial debut. This is a one night experience, tickets are $55-$65.
Sunday, March 26th, Tampa (if not mentioned under Friday or Saturday)
Foodie fun! Gasparilla International Food Festival Centennial Park, Ybor 4 - 9 pm FREE GA (food is additional)
Head to historic Ybor City this weekend to experience artisan dishes from around the world as emcee Shana Simpson, Miss Universe Jamaica 2nd Runner-up in 2015 invites you to dine! The food fest runs from 4-8pm, however, the party in Centennial Park runs until 9 pm. The line-up includes:
- International Foodie Contest
- International Fashion Showcase by John Casablanca Models
- Special Guest Appearances by the Freebooter Mermaids
- Stewie from Family Guy
- Giveaways & Raffle Prizes Every Hr
- Live Reggae Music
- International DJ
- Sunset Salsa & Kompa Dance Party
- African Sculptures & Art - European Fashion
- Indian Jewelry & Henna Body Art
- Asian Healing Traditions & Reflexology
Play Ball! New York Yankees Spring Training vs. Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field 1:05 pm
Prices may vary by game but one thing remains the same, the renovations at George M. Steinbrenner Field are nothing short of spectacular! See the Yanks and the Rays in the newly upgraded stadium including new seating options!
Marching Band Fan? Drumline Live Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for Performing Arts 7:30 pm
Big band sound mixing with marching band style for a highly percussive, high-stepping revue sure to get you out of your seat! This sensation brings the historically black university marching band tradition to the stage! Don't miss it! Price to attend, $29-$55.
Pinellas
Play Ball! Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training vs. Pittsburgh at Spectrum Field (formerly Bright House Field) at 1:05
See why so many teams hold Spring Ball here! The weather is perfect for a day at the field! Tickets run $14-$39.
Play Ball! Toronto Blue Jays vs the Baltimore Orioles in Dunedin - Florida Auto Exchange Stadium 1:05 pm
Spring Training is still in play this weekend. Prices for the Jays-Sox game will run you $28-$123.
If you are interested in the theater, be sure to see Spring Playlist of Lively Tampa Bay Theater Productions for more Things to Do in Tampa Bay and if you are consumed by NCAA March Madness, here is a helpful list: Best Sports Bars in Tampa to Catch March Madness!
