Tampa Bay quite literally has it all – on this and every weekend. Here are ten curated picks for you to consider when making plans with friends, family, or even on your own. Theater, music, art, good causes – you can find it all right in your own backyard.
Thursday and Beyond
Opening – Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Busch Gardens, Tampa
Starting on March 10th, Tampa Bay’s own favorite theme park brings you a world of flavor with their annual celebration of cuisine and spirits. Enjoy concerts as you stroll, taste, sip, and taste some more. The offerings are as unique and exciting as a Busch Gardens roller coaster. Fees are separate from park admission.
Runs through May 21st Event schedules and more information here.
4-day event – Listening Room Festival
The Palladium Theater, St. Pete
Here’s a special one. A musically magical annual experience here in Tampa Bay features a full line-up of talented musicians and singers who belong to the Listening Room Network and perform in living rooms and back yards all over the country. Once a year, they converge on St. Pete for a multi- day, multi-talent experience that you won’t soon forget. Come find out who your new favorite artists are – because that’s exactly what happens. March 9th -12th Tickets, show schedules and more information here.
Newly Opened – Wicked
Carol Morsani Hall @ The Straz Center, Tampa
Broadway’s mega smash returns to the Tampa Bay area – because if you’ve never seen it, you’ll want to – and if you have, you’ll want to see it again. Return to the pre- Oz days when two school girls meet – one green and one “popular.” See how their destinies unfold and diverge with an incredible score and set design delighting you along the way.
Runs Through March 26th Tickets, performance times and more information here.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Opening Reception – Space, Curated by Chad Mize
Warehouse Arts District/St. Petersburg Distillery Property, St. Pete
What will artist Chad Mize do with access to a cavernous bus terminal building over the course of a year? You’ll have your first opportunity to answer that question this weekend with the opening of Space – Mize’s first offering in the WADA location. It’s one weekend only and features some of the area’s most popular artists – Frank Strunk lll, Tes One, iBoms and so many more. An entire “gallery”will be devoted to the work of Bask – one of many artists supported and promoted by Mize through the years. It’s what he does.
Opening Reception is on March 10th @7pm
Second Saturday, March 11th @4-9pm
Sunday, March 12th will have poetry and readings. More information here.
Saturday & Sunday
48th Annual Tarpon Springs Fine Art Show
Craig Park, Tarpon Springs
Head North in Pinellas County to USA Today’s 2018 “Best Historic Small Town,” the land of sponges and gyros, and you’ll find some amazing fine art creations “on the Bayou” at oak lined Craig Park. For almost a half century, this juried celebration of visual arts welcomes some of the best creators from near and far in every possible creative genre. It’s a great opportunity to see and collect pieces, not just from your favorite local artists, but from artists all over the US. Check out the docks, restaurants and all that makes Tarpon Springs such a glimmering jewel in our Tampa Bay crown. Free shuttle service.
March 11th @9am-5pm & 12th @10am-5pm More information here.
Saturday
Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon
Vinoy Park, DTSP
Bring your family, bring your dogs, bring your friends, and bring your friends’ dogs to the St. Petersburg Walkathon at Vinoy Park this Saturday. This free, family-friendly event includes a 3k walk and a “Waggin’ Tales Festival” with music, food, vendors, and a big raffle drawing. Guide dogs provide essential services for so many, and Southeastern leads the way in getting them ready to do so. Be a part of that.
March 11th @9am-12pm More information here.
Women in Art History: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Creative Clay, St. Pete
The member artists at Creative Clay have been busily creating beautiful pieces featuring historic women in the arts for exhibition – beginning this weekend at the Second Saturday ArtWalk for March, which of course, is women’s history month. You can also visit Creative Clay’s Good Folk gallery to see this collection, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Add to your Creative Clay Collection and support their mission of offering arts education to the multi-challenged population throughout our area.
March 11th @5-9pm during Second Saturday ArtWalk More information here.
Opening – MythCon Dunedin – Monsters, Myths, & Magic
Dunedin History Museum, Dunedin
Dunedin’s beautiful history museum opens this fascinating exhibition that explores the monsters, myths, and magic of Florida. Bring the family to experience a day of stories, tales, and legends with food & drink, vendors, special guests. There will also be a fun cosplay contest (@2pm), so go the extra mile and dress up! It’ll be a blast.
March 11th @11am-5pm More information here.
Sunday
Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival
Gulfport Historic Casino & Beach, Gulfport
The name of this festival tells you everything you need to know about Gulfport – there’s just a great vibe here and lots of very talented home-grown bands and musicians to celebrate it. This Sunday, a grand lineup comes down to the waterfront stage to play all afternoon long for your listening and dancing enjoyment. Dozens of vendors will be on hand both inside and outside of the Casino. Girls Rock St. Pete will be the beneficiary of proceeds from food and drink sales.
March 12th 12noon – Sunset (rain or shine) Free to the public. Music schedules and more information here.
Skyway 10k– Saluting Military Families Tropicana Field, St. Pete
Tampa Bay runners cross three counties across Tampa Bay on foot 2oo feet above sea level. The race starts at Tropicana Field and moves south. When you run or walk the 6.2 mile course, you are supporting The Armed Forces Families Foundation, with 100% of the profit going to infrastructure projects vital to these families. There is also a race expo with live music, vendors, food, and drink all weekend long. It’s a great time to cheer the runners on, and it’s a great way to spend a Sunday for a very good cause.
March 12th @5:30am starting time. More information here.
Have fun and stay safe out there.
Cindy
Send your events to cstovall5@gmail.com
