There’s a definite theme in the air this weekend – cars, cars, cars. But there are also many fun choices for all, as you’ll see in this loaded Top 10 list – new theater, Mardi Gras doings, Gasparilla arts festival, and great concerts for a start. Make your plans today and let Registry Tampa Bay be your guide!
Friday
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Downtown & Multiple Venues, St. Pete
Start Your Engines! It’s the national spotlight for St. Pete this weekend as the Indy Cars come to town once again! The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary circuit that uses the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts (Mahaffey Theater), The Dalí Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. There are many associated events with the race (Sunday) all weekend, so check them out and plan your itinerary.
Friday, February 28th through Sunday, March 2nd
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
Limited Run: Disenchanted
Straz Center, Morsani Hall, Tampa
Sometimes “Happily Ever After” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. This musical comedy lifts the curtain on the happy endings of storybook princesses and, I can tell you, you’ll never hear the song, So This is Love, without rolling your eyes again. The musical Disenchanted goes behind the magic to ask the question, “Did I eat a poisoned apple for THIS?” See how the princesses deal with their disappointment when Disenchanted! returns to the Straz.
Friday, February 28th through Sunday, March 2nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Saturday
**Registry Spotlight Event**
Few arts festivals in Tampa Bay can boast the size, scope, and attendance of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. It’s got everything yet, on the beautiful waterfront, there’s lots of room to move about. The spotlight shines on one of the final Gasparilla events this year.
Family Friendly: 55th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa
For more than half a century, artists and art lovers from all over the country find their way to Tampa Bay to enjoy this massive arts festival.
It’s where the country’s most accomplished artists and rising stars vie for the $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award and an additional $77,000 in prize money. The March 2025 Festival is FREE to the public and will showcase artists and their work to include ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. This event will also feature the works of local young artists and a weekend full of live entertainment. Event is FREE. VIP available.
Saturday & Sunday, March 1st & 2nd
Find event schedules, and more information HERE.
Family Friendly: Annual Auto Show
Imagine Museum, St. Pete
This isn’t just a car show—it’s a celebration of design, innovation, and community fun. Bring the whole family for a day of fun.
Honoring the Firestone Grand Prix down the street, come to Imagine and admire an incredible lineup of vehicles—from vintage classics to modern marvels and experimental designs—and help decide which car takes home the coveted Best in Show Award!
Enjoy exciting activities including: Kids’ Art Station – Create your own mini car design. Coloring & Craft Booths – Experience fun hands-on activities for young auto enthusiasts. Photo Ops with Classic Cars – Capture the memories with stunning vehicles. Live Face Painting – Get a fun, artistic design to match the excitement of the day. It’s a weekend devoted to the mighty automobile, so enjoy!
Saturday, March 1st @10am – 4pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
2025 Florida Craft Brewers
River Tower Park, Tampa
Every year the Florida Brewers Guild kicks off Tampa Bay Beer Week by organizing the biggest beer festival in Tampa Bay–bringing over 70 of your favorite Florida craft breweries together, over 200 different beer samples and welcomes over 500 attendees. Come and enjoy beers from all over the state, meet Florida brewers, local vendors, food trucks, and a local DJ with music all day! Parking is free on site.
Saturday, March 1st @1pm – 5pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
FuelFest
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
It certainly is a weekend devoted to cars and racing all over Tampa Bay! FuelFest brings the most exciting elements of music festivals, car shows, auto racing, and auto expos together to bring you one giant comprehensive mega-event that also features movie cars and interactive sponsor exhibits. The result is a world-class experience with something for the whole family!
Saturday, March 1st At 1pm -8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Mardi Gras in Grand Central
2900 Block Central Avenue, St. Pete
Get ready to kick off a new tradition! Join in for a multi-business Mardi Gras celebration paired with the beloved
Annual Chili Cook-Off benefiting Come Out St. Pete.
Line up of festivities include:
Live music and entertainment
Local vendors and unique finds
A fun-filled puppy costume contest
Delicious chili tastings and competition
Saturday, March 1st @1pm – 6pm
Find more information HERE.
Think Tank Theatre Presents: Spring Cabaret
Deviant Libation, Tampa
If you love Broadway tunes and top shelf liquid refreshment, this evening is definitely for you. ThinkTank is teaming up with once again Deviant Libation to present an evening of Broadway favorites coupled with some Beers and Booze. Hang out on Deviant Libation’s spacious patio, under an enchanting tent, so bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and make yourself comfortable. A food truck will be available for you to purchase dinner or bring your own snacks. Get the family together and make your plans for Saturday, March 1st or Sunday, March 2nd, heck both nights if you want! Seating is limited and our cabarets do sell out, so don’t hesitate. It’s sure to be an evening everyone can enjoy, with some beer and booze if you’re old enough!
Saturday & Sunday, March 1st & 2nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Fat Tuesday
Family Friendly: Dunedin Mardi Gras Festival & Parade
Main Street/Douglas Avenue, Dunedin
Returning the festival and parade to Fat Tuesday, this marvelous Mari Gras celebration provides all the revelry, color, and beads you could want. Get ready for jaw-dropping floats, dazzling costumes, and endless entertainment as the parade winds through Dunedin’s lively streets. If you can’t make it to New Orleans, Dunedin is the place to be! Live music includes Cats Band, Decades, and The Black Honkeys Band. There will be lots of festive food and drink and activities for kids (and grown-ups). It’s a day full of fun, so don’t miss it!
Tuesday, March 4th @3pm (Festival) & 7pm (Parade)
Find concert schedules, activities, and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival
Coachman Park, Clearwater
Friday, February 28th – Sunday, March 2nd
Find tickets, concert schedules, and more information HERE.
They Might Be Giants
Jannus LIVE!, DTSP
Friday, February 28th @8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Free Concert: Vox Nova Chamber Singers at
First Presbyterian Church, St. Pete
Sunday, March 2nd @4pm
Find more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
