March 2018 Events for Pinellas County & Tampa Bay

Thursday, March 1 – Community Associations Day & Trade Show

9 am – 3 pm, Free, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Educational seminars, vendors specializing in Association Services, free coffee and doughnuts. Many giveaways and drawings for great prizes. 727.345.0165  www.suncoastcai.com

Thursday, March 1 – Forever Young: Senior Photography Show Call for Entries

$15 Members/$35 Non-members, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. An opportunity for older photographers both amateur and seasoned alike to get creative and show off their skills. Both digital and physical entries will be accepted. March1 deadline for entries. 831.221.2222 fmopa.org

Friday, March 2 – Dance for Plants Benefit

6:30 – 11 pm, $10 Advance/$12 at door, Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Carolina Shag dance lesson from 7 – 8, then dance the night away with a mix of swing, blues, soul, shag and zydeco. Cash bar, silent auction, expert gardening advice and plant giveaways. Contact George Zarillo 845.242.7452

Friday, March 2 – First Friday St. Pete

5:30 – 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. www.firstfridaystpete.com

Friday, March 2 through Friday, April 13 – Free Tax Help

10 am – 2:30 pm Fridays only, Free, St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. Provided by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. It is necessary that you bring your Social Security Card. 727.363.9238 www.spblibrary.com

Friday, March 2 – Gulfport First Friday Art & Gallery Walk

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. visitgulfportflorida.com

Saturday, March 3 – 13th Annual Grand Central Chili Cook-off

Noon to 4 pm, Free admission, 2400-2500 blocks of Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Over 30 contestants, live music, dozens of vendors and chance drawings. Chili tasting tickets $15 in advance and $20 day of event. www.grandcentraldistrict.org/13th-annual-grand-central-district-chili-cookoff

Saturday, March 3 – Annual Island Festival

9 am, Free, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach. Celebrate the GBHM’s 25th Anniversary. Free live entertainment, beer booth, grilled burgers and hot dogs. Shop a large variety of vendors for unique and special gifts. Buy a raffle ticket or 10 to support the museum and win items from local merchants. 727.552.1610 www.gulfbeachesmuseum.com

Saturday, March 3 through Sunday, March 25 – Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI

10 am – 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays plus Friday, March 23, $13.95 to $89.95, 11315 N 46th St., Tampa. The bay area is transformed into a 16th century village featuring over 12 stages of minstrel, marionette, magic, court jester and dance shows as well as full armor jousting competitions, a live mermaid cove, arts and crafts, roaming musicians and traditional and modern day treats and savory eats. www.bayarearenfest.com

Saturday, March 3 – Cocktails on the Court

6 – 10 pm, $75, St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N, St. Petersburg. Dress in your best shuffleboard chic for an amazing night of live music, dancing, unlimited Florida food & cocktails, and of course shuffleboard. This annual event helps the Museum of History in its mission to share the stories of the Sunshine City. Contact: Rui Farias, St. Petersburg Museum of History 727.894.1052 rui@spmoh.org

Saturday, March 3 – Indian  Shores Women’s Club Annual Fashion Show

11:30 am – 1:30 pm, $30, Salt Rock Grill, 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. Fashion Show and Raffle. Funds raised support community causes. Show by Colette’s Fashions. Purchase tickets at the Indian Shores Library during normal Library hours.

Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 – All Day City-Wide Garage Sale

Sunrise – Sunset, Free, Madeira Beach. Once a year City-Wide Garage Sale Weekend. All residents are invited to participate. Drive through the town to see all the sales. www.facebook.com/events/337753103371644

Saturday, March 3 – Senior Excursion: Florida Strawberry Festival

$15 plus admission fee and incidentals, Departs from St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Reservations required. 727.363.9245 www.spbrec.com

Saturday, March 3 – Taste of Pride

7 – 10 pm, $40, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. An event for the foodie, the beer connoisseur and the art enthusiast. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment and can get groovy on the dance floor. www.stpetepride.com/en/events/2018tasteofpride

Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 – Awakening Into The Sun

10 am – 5 pm Saturday/9 am – 4 pm Sunday, Free, South Straub Park, 198 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. A combination of health and wellness activities, spiritual connection, vendor booths, food, and fun in the sun. www.awakeningintothesun.org

Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 – Crafty Fest

11 am – 5 pm, Free, Art Pool Galleries, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. This market with an artsy slant includes local arts, Etsy crafters, vintage and retro goods, jewelry and plants.    www.artpoolrules.com

Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 – St. Petersburg Seafood and Music Festival

11 am – 7 pm, $5 Individual/$130 VIP Tent, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. A unique blending of the finest in seafood creations by the top restaurants and food purveyors in St. Petersburg with live musical performances and a marketplace of select arts, crafts and fine products. events.stpete.org

Sunday, March 4 – An Afternoon Wedding Stroll

1 – 4 pm, Free, Tampa Bay Watch Marine and Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Wedding vendors and professionals from all over the Tampa Bay area including florists, caterers, DJs/entertainment specialists and photographers. www.tampabaywatch.org/weddings-open-house.html

Sunday, March 4 – Picnic in the Park

10 am – 3 pm, Henry Plant Museum, 401 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Roll back the clock a century for an old fashioned picnic. Victorian games, crafts and activities Live theater and continuous entertainment. Food available for purchase. Complimentary ice cream and popcorn.  Bring your own picnic basket, chairs, blankets and coolers. 813.254.1891 www.plantmuseum.com

Tuesday, March 6 – Drag Queen Bingo for Friends of Strays

7 pm, Hamburger Mary’s, 2901 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg. Ten rounds of hilariousness, a 50/50 raffle and great food and beverages all to help homeless cats and dog. Call 727.851.9386 to reserve your table. www.friendsofstrays.com/events

Tuesday, March 6 – Memory Mobile: Dementia Education and Support

10 am – 3 pm, Free, St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave, St Pete Beach. A traveling office of the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter that offers education and support to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their caregivers. 727.363.9238 www.spblibrary.com

Tuesday, March 6 – Paper Flower Making Workshop

6 – 8 pm, Free, Main Library, 3745 9th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Create beautiful paper flowers to be used in the Florida CraftArt exhibition “Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of  Life.” splibraries.libcal.com/event/3648787

Wednesday, March 7 – Barbara Rylko-Bauer: A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps

6:30 – 8:30 pm, Free, Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 5th St. S, St. Petersburg. Barbara Rylko-Bauer, author of A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps, is a medical anthropologist whose writing focuses on health care inequalities, applied anthropology, political violence, memory, and the Holocaust. 727.820.0100  www.flholocaustmuseum.org

Wednesday, March 7 – March Madness Concert

7:30 pm, Free, Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. Approximately 40 excellent musicians who volunteer their time and talent provide these free concerts to the community. www.southpasadenaband.com

Wednesday, March 7 through Friday, March 9 – Tampa Bay Watch Harvest & Planting

9 am – noon, Free, Port Manatee, 14495 Harlee Rd., Palmetto. Volunteers needed to harvest marsh grasses on Wednesday and Thursday to help restore Rock Ponds Borrow Pit, 4235 Lavender Rd., Ruskin on Friday. tampabaywatch.org/volunteer.html

Thursday, March 8 – Repotting Orchids

7 pm, Free, Pinellas Co. Extension Service, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. Learn how to repot the 5 most common types of orchids. Sponsored by the Florida West Coast Orchid Society.  813.918.4546

Thursday, March 8 – Still Aging Gracelessly: 50 Shades of Fay

7 pm, $20 Suggested Donation, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Join award-winning humorist Fay Jacobs for an unforgettable night of humor and inspiration. mygulfport.us/calendar/#/?i=3

Friday, March 9 – The United States Army Field Band – Concert Band &Soldiers’ Chorus

7:30 pm, Free, Straz Center, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. As the premier touring musical representatives for the United States Army, this elite 65-member instrumental ensemble travels thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music to enthusiastic audiences throughout the nation and abroad. 813.229.7827 www.strazcenter.org

Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 – Meet Jane Seymour 

6 – 8 pm Friday, 1 – 3 pm Saturday, Chasen Galleries of Sarasota, 1830 S Osprey Ave., Ste. 102, Sarasota. An impressive new collection of original artwork by Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress, Jane Seymour, will be on exhibition and available for acquisition .Meet Ms. Seymour in person. Exhibit previews begin March 3, 2018. RSVPS requested: ellen@chasengalleries.com  941.260.5787 www.chasengalleriessarasota.com

Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 – Suncoast Quilting Circle Quilt Show

10 am – 4 pm, Free, The Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Ave. N, Largo. Bring the entire family to this display of handmade art. Raffles, auctions, quilt contests, and plenty of shopping for gifts and craft supplies. www.suncoastquiltingcircle.org

Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11 – 2018 Firestone Grand Prix

Times vary, $20 to $135, Downtown St. Petersburg.  A weekend long event featuring 3 days jam packed with 13 different races, non-stop action and family fun. Whether you are a racing fan, live entertainment fan or just enjoy having a good time, there is a little something for everyone during this festival. gpstpete.com

Saturday, March 10 – Keith Harkin

9 – 11:30 pm, $35 to $55, The Attic, 1510 E 8th Ave., Tampa. Irish singer/songwriter Keith Harkin (of Celtic Thunder fame) is currently on a stateside tour in support of his new live solo release, In The Round. www.ticketfly.com/event/1607480?utm_medium=459899

Saturday, March 10 – Orchid Auction and Sale

8:30 am, Free, Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church, 8505 113th St., Seminole. Beautiful blooming and starter orchids for great prices.  Bidding begins at 9 am. Sponsored by the Florida West Coast Orchid Society. Instructional materials on how to grow orchids will be available free of charge. jm69mh@msn.com 727.420.4001 www.fwcos.org

Saturday, March 10 – Photography Hike

8:30 – 10:30 am, Free, Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. After a brief classroom session, Center volunteers will guide a hike to highlight the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island. 727.453.6500 www.weedonislandpreserve.org

Saturday, March 10 – Second Saturday ArtWalk

5 – 9 pm, Free, including trolley. Art districts throughout the city of St. Petersburg. An evening of art, opening receptions and galleries galore. Free trolley offers transport between the different districts. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

Saturday, March 10 – Sunset Celebration

6 – 10 pm, Free, Paradise Grille, Upham Beach, 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach, Celebrating the Joy of Island Life! Arts and crafts, food and drink, live entertainment, two bands, a bell ringing ceremony and a bonfire on the beach! www.evensi.us/march-10-2018-sunset-celebration-upham-beach-saint-pete-florida/243448651

Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 – Annual Ikebana Exhibition

Free with donations appreciated, Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. Over 75 floral arrangements on display with daily demonstrations. Arrangements for sale. 727.729.9445 www.ikebanastpetersburg.com

Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 – Gasparilla Music Festival

Times vary, $40 to $200, Curtis Hixon Park, Kiley Gardens, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. Features over 40 bands across 4 stages along Riverwalk with local culinary delights, activities for families, performances by local artisans, aerialists, crafters, dancers, drum circles, elaborate hair-braiders, double Dutch jumpers, pop-up performers and marching bands. gasparillamusic.com

Saturday, March 10 through Friday, April 27 – Fresh Squeezed 2

9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday/Noon – 5 pm Sunday, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. An exhibition of emerging artists currently residing in Florida.  Fresh Squeezed encourages, supports and celebrates artists who fly under the radar, who haven’t had their big break, whose work may not be typical gallery or museum fare. 727.822.7872 www.moreanartscenter.org

Sunday, March 11 – Orchid Festival

Noon – 4:30 pm, Free with regular admission, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Browse thousands of blooms on display in Sunken Gardens’ annual tribute to orchids. Learn all about orchids from growers available to answer questions about this colorful and fragrant plant. Beer and wine available. www.sunkengardens.org

Sunday, March 11 – Painting with a Twist

1 – 3 pm, $35, Painting With a Twist Studio, 2527 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Benefits St. Petersburg Audubon Society’s Project Shorebird. Sip your favorite beverage and enjoy step-by-step instruction with experienced and enthusiastic local artists and go home with a one-of-a-kind painting created by you. www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/stpetersburg/event/1271954

Monday, March 12 – New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert

7 pm, Free, Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport.  Songs include A Tribute to George Gershwin, and highlights from Jersey Boys, Wizard of Oz and Chicago among other popular tunes.  Bring a friend and enjoy the music. newhorizonsbandgulfport.org

Monday, March 12 – Senior Solos Meeting and Pot Luck Lunch

1 pm, $2 plus food dish to share/$5 without a dish, Pinellas Park Senior Center, 7625 59th St. N, Pinellas Park. A social group of senior folks 55+ gather for food and fellowship. Open to all seniors.  Wally 727.544.7183 or loisjolley@aol.com

Tuesday, March 13 – Framing Places: The Fundamentals of Travel and Landscape Photography

6 – 8 pm, $50 Members/$60 Non-members, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. Join fine art photographer Scott Bolendz and embark on a fun, story-filled, interactive presentation-style workshop designed for all camera enthusiasts. 831.221.2222 fmopa.org

Tuesday, March 13 – Tampa Bay Watch Bolts Night

7:30 pm, $40, Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. A portion of the ticket price will benefit Tampa Bay Watch. Ticket includes a pre-game happy hour at Coppertail Brewing  Co., 2601 E 2nd Ave., Tampa. oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/bolts/EN/promotion/home

Thursday, March 15 – Arts Business @The Greenhouse: Grant Writing/Development/Research

8:30 – 10 am, Free, The Greenhouse 440 2nd Avenue North St. Petersburg. Where and how to apply for grants that benefit for-profit and non-profit creative businesses. Registration required.  727.893.7767 stpetegreenhouse.com

Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 18 – Spring Break Waterfront Festival & Carnival

3 – 11 pm Thursday/Noon – 11 pm Friday and Saturday/Noon – 9 pm Sunday, Free admission, 200 Rex Pl., Madeira Beach. A 4-day, fun-filled event with carnival, live entertainment, as well as awesome food and craft vendors. Proceeds from this event benefit local charities and other non-profit organizations. islandneighborschamber.org/event/spring-break-waterfront-festival-carnival

Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 25 – Becky’s New Car

8 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday/2 pm Saturday and Sunday, $18/$20, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport.  An occasionally hilarious screwball comedy that gives way to a disarmingly thoughtful drama about the nature of love, fidelity and second chances. 727.893.1070 www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org/venue—season.html

Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 25 – St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival

8 pm Thursday through Sunday, Pay What You Can ($10 suggested donation), Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Romeo and Juliet directed by Stephen Ray. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach/camping chairs. www.stpeteshakesfest.org

Friday, March 16 – Book Release with Author Bill DeYoung

7 pm, Free, Studio@620, 620 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Free reading and launch party for Phil Gernhard, Record Man, a biography of Florida’s first-ever music mogul. 727.895.6620 www.thestudioat620.org

Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 – GASP!

6 – 10 pm Friday/7 – 10 pm Saturday, $25 Advance/$30 Door, Tampa Museum of Art

120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. A kaleidoscopic circus of theater, dance, music, spoken word, visual art, soundscapes and cabaret. www.xorbia.com/events/cltampa/gasp

Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 – Winter Book Sale

10 am – 5 pm Friday/10 am – 3 pm Saturday, Gulf Beaches Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach. Books for all ages – adults, children, youth, and young adults –  will be available at very low prices.  Be sure to check-in for some great book bargains. Sponsored by Friends of the Gulf Beaches Public Library. www.gulfbeacheslibrary.org

Saturday, March 17 – 32nd Annual Marine Yard Sale

9 am – noon, Free admission, Eckerd College’s Waterfront Complex, 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg. Good prices on used sailboats, powerboats, electronic equipment and motors. Benefits Eckerd College Search and Rescue (EC-SAR), a student-volunteer maritime search and rescue team. www.eckerd.edu/waterfront/sales

Saturday, March 17 – Indian Shores St. Patrick’s Day Festival

11 am – 4 pm, No cover charge, Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. Food, beer, wine, corned beef & cabbage, arts & crafts, book sale, Irish dancers, music and food pantry drive. myindianshores.com

Saturday, March 17 – Keep Pinellas Beautiful: Beach Cleanup Day

8 – 11 am, Free, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. Each year Keep Pinellas Beautiful partners with volunteers, organizations, and community groups throughout Pinellas County to host the Great American Cleanup. madbeachevents.com

Saturday, March 17 – Spring Fling Family Day

10 am – 2 pm, Free, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some creative take home crafts and sweet treats. 727.822.7872 www.moreanartscenter.org

Saturday, March 17 – Treasure Islettes St. Patrick’s Day Fashion Show

11 am – 2 pm, $25 includes lunch, The Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway,  Treasure Island. Spring/summer fashions courtesy of Dillard’s. Door prizes, super raffle, pot of  gold opportunities and a great silent auction. Limited seating. Tickets: Judy Koepkey 615.556.4977 or BJ Flowers at 863.420.1226

Saturday, March 17 – Third Saturday Art & Gallery Walk

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. visitgulfportflorida.com

Wednesday, March 21 – Better Breathers Support Club

3 – 4 pm, Free, St. Petersburg General Hospital, Auditorium, 6500 38th Ave. N, St Petersburg. For individuals with chronic lung disease including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Learn ways to better cope with your diagnosis. Registration: stpetegeneral.com  or 888.741.5122 stpetegeneral.com/calendar

Wednesday, March 21 – Spring for the Arts

6 – 9 pm, $75, Duncan McClellan Gallery, 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg. A celebration of 23 years of making the arts accessible to all. Food and drink, live music, hot shop demonstration, silent auction. www.creativeclay.org/upcoming-events

Thursday, March 22 – Senior Trip: Spring Training Game Tigers vs Phillies

11:30 am – 5 pm, $35 Members/$37 Residents/$40 Non-residents, Madeira Beach Social Club, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. Bus departs by 11:30 am. Price does not include lunch.

www.madbeachfun.com/senior-trips

Thursday, March 22 and Saturday, March 24 – Great American Grunt Hunt Fishing Tournament

7 pm Thursday/6 am – 5 pm Saturday, $30 to $65, Madeira Beach Municipal Marina, 503 150th Ave., Madeira Beach. $3,500 total cash and prizes, fishing seminar, community fish fry.

727.399.2631 grunthunt.racehawk.com

Thursday, March 22 through Monday, March 26 – Art in Bloom

Regular museum hours and admission, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. More than 40 floral interpretations of works in the Museum of Fine Arts collection. Designs are created by professional florists, talented hobbyists, and members of The Stuart Society. stuartsociety.donorshops.com/art-in-bloom.php

Friday, March 23 – Great Eggs-Ploration

2 – 4 pm, Activities included in admission, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. Celebrate the start of spring break with eggs-citing science and crafts activities using real eggs to explore air pressure, laws of motion and gravity. Visitors will be able to decorate plastic eggs and participate in a sensory fun marbled paper eggs. 727.821.8992 www.greatex.org

Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25 – South Pasadena 32nd Annual Artspring Exhibition

10 am – 3 pm, Free, City Hall, 7047 Sunset Dr., South Pasadena. Enjoy a showcase of innovation and traditional artwork by local artists. Artwork in clay, fiber, wood, metals, glass, photography, paper or paint and sculptures in clay, wood, metals or glass.  Artists and volunteers needed. To register or for more information: 727.347.4171 or cityhall@mysouthpasadena.com.

Saturday, March 24 – Easy Care Natives & Wildflowers 

10:30 – 11:30 am, Free with admission or membership, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Tom Heitzman, owner of Sweet Bay Nursery, shares which wildflowers and other native plants work best in your yard and patio containers while attracting birds, butterflies, and other pollinators! Plant sale after the program. 727.892.5715 www.sunkengardens.org

Saturday, March 24 – International Coastal Clean-Up

8 am – noon, Free, Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. Join your neighbors and friends helping to make Pinellas County a cleaner, greener and more beautiful place to live. Register: www.myindianshores.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=195

Saturday, March 24 – Race for the Cupcake 5K

8 am, $29 Registration fee, Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach. All registrants will receive a technical running hat or visor, finishers’ medal and a cupcake upon completion of the race. There will be a free 400 meter dash for young kids. Hosted by St Pete Running Company.
www.racersignup.com/race-for-the-cupcake-5k

Saturday, March 24 – Senior Excursion: Bok Tower Gardens

$15 plus admission fee and incidentals, Departs from St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Reservations required. 727.363.9245 www.spbrec.com

Saturday, March 24 – South Pasadena Block Party

11 am – 3 pm, Bay View Park, 7054 Sunset Dr., South Pasadena. Live music, car show, Artspring exhibition, food trucks, drinks, health screenings, fire truck demonstrations, bounce house, face painting. 727-384-0701 pworks@mysouthpasadena.com

Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 – Corey Avenue Art Craft Festival

10 am – 5 pm, Free, 595 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. More than 100 of the nation’s finest contemporary crafters will showcase American handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, pottery and personalized gifts with an expansive green market with plants, exotic flora, and handmade bath and body products. www.artfestival.com/festivals/st-pete-beach-corey-area-craft-festival

Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 – Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

2 pm, $10 General/Free SPC students, faculty and staff, SPC Arts Auditorium, Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. During a blizzard in 1940, a group of theater artists gather in an isolated house to work on their new musical. This comic murder mystery will leave you in stitches. cooper.scott@spcollege.edu 727.791.2548  www.spcollege.edu/x1669.xml

Sunday, March 25 – Festivals of Speed

10 am – 4 pm, $20, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Over 300 exotic cars, motorcycles, watercraft and luxury brands. The Festivals of Speed show field has become known for its unique diversity, showcasing both vintage and contemporary vehicles of all makes and models. //www.festivalsofspeed.com/js_events/st-petersburg

Tuesday, March 27 through Thursday, April 5 – Open Rehearsal – Verdi’s Macbeth

6:30 pm, $10, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Opera aficionados and neophytes alike will enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek into a rehearsal, observing the director and artists working on scenes from the upcoming opera production. www.operatampa.org

Thursday, March 29 – Games at the Dalí: Open Chess

10 am – 4 pm, Free, Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Drop in to observe ranked Tampa Bay area chess players battle it out on the chess board throughout the day. Additional chess boards will be available for visitors to play spontaneous games as well. 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org

Friday, March 30 – Ladies Night at the Hot Shop

6 – 9 pm, $75, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. The evening will begin with an instructional demonstration, after which each participant will have a hands-on experience culminating in 1 piece of glass per person. 727.822.7872 www.moreanartscenter.org

Saturday, March 31 – Florida West Coast Orchid Society Repotting Event

9 am – noon, Tropical Pavilion, Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. FWCOS members will re-pot your orchids and provide you with information on orchid culture. A reasonable fee is charged to cover the cost of the supplies for the repotting the orchids. All proceeds go to FWCOS to offset the cost of the materials. 727.475.0750

Saturday, March 31 – 7th Annual Classic Car & Truck Show

11 am – 3 pm, Free, Downtown Tierra Verde, 1110 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. As many as 100 classic vehicles plus food from local island restaurants and fun activities for children.  tierraverdebusinesspartnership.com/carshow

Saturday, March 31 – Underwater Egg Hunt and Spring Festival

10 am – 2 pm, $5 includes re-entry to pool after event, St. Pete Beach Aquatic Complex & Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Dip and Dive for Easter eggs in the pool. Walk next door to the park for the Spring Festival. www.spbrec.com/special-events

Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 – International Cuban Sandwich Art & Food Festival

Noon – 6 pm Saturday/11 am – 7 pm Sunday, Free, Hillsborough Community College – Ybor Campus, 1320 E Palm Ave., An exciting festival and contest to find the best traditional and non-traditional Cuban sandwiches in the nation. Live music and dance performances with over 100 food, art & cultural exhibitors. www.thecubansandwichfestival.com

Thursday, April 5 – Clothes Matter Fundraising Luncheon

Noon – 1 pm, $50 Individual/$500 Table, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Clothes To Kids provides a week worth of clothing to low-income, school age kids, all free of charge. Sponsoring this luncheon means kids in our community will get a wardrobe from you.  727.441.5050  ext 122 www.clothestokids.org

Friday, April 6 – First Friday St. Pete

5:30 – 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. www.firstfridaystpete.com

Friday, April 6 – Gulfport First Friday Art & Gallery Walk

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. visitgulfportflorida.com

Friday, April 6 – Right Plant, Right Place by Habitat

10:30 – noon, Free, Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. covers the site conditions that must be considered to select proper for the most common sites in Pinellas County. Proper installation and establishment of shrubs and trees will also be covered. 727.453.6500 www.weedonislandpreserve.org

Friday, April 6 through Sunday, April 8 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival

Times vary, $50 to $250, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. One of the world’s preeminent blues concerts and the recipient of the Blues Foundation’s 2011 “Keepin’ the Blues Alive” award for Best U.S. Blues Festival. www.tampabaybluesfest.com/index.php

Saturday, April 7 – AGold Photo Shoot for Friends of Strays

2 – 5 pm, $50 Sitting fee, Dog Bar St. Pete, 2300 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. Book a photo shoot to support Friends of Strays. Spots must be booked in advance. Friends of Strays will be at the Dog Bar until 6 pm with adoptable dogs, fabulous raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle all to help homeless dogs (and cats too).www.friendsofstrays.com/events

Saturday, April 7 – Healthy St. Pete Fit City 5K + 1M Walk

7:30 – 11 am, $7 to $20 Registration fee, North Straub Park , 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly day of wellness. Celebrate wellness with Healthy St. Pete! runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/CityofStPeteFitCityCelebration5K

Saturday, April 7 – Wildlife Safari

9 am – 4 pm, $5, Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs. For children through 12 years old. The children begin with a blank Wildlife Passport and then walk along a one-mile loop of adventure with live owls, snakes, baby raccoons, hawks, and more. As kids visit each Wildlife Station, their Passport gets stamped. Kids get a special prize for completing the journey. fobcp@tampabay.rr.com 727.934.2680

Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 – Crafty Fest

11 am – 5 pm, Free, Art Pool Galleries, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. This market with an artsy slant includes local arts, Etsy crafters, vintage and retro goods, jewelry and plants.    www.artpoolrules.com

Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 – Safety Harbor Song Fest

11 am – 8 pm Saturday/11 am – 7 pm Sunday, $25 – $50, Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln., Safety Harbor. Stunning views of Tampa Bay, incredible live music, colorful art demonstrations and a diverse selection of eats from a variety of food trucks. festivalnet.com/68894/Safety-Harbor-Florida/Music-Festivals/Safety-Harbor-Song-Fest

Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 – Springfest Garden Art & Faerie Festival

10 am – 8 pm Saturday/10 am – 5 pm Sunday, Free, Clymer Park, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Clymer Park transforms into an “enchanted village.” Food and beverage vendors, activities and entertainment for all ages will be offered. sikpromotions.com/applicants/spring/springfest

Sunday, April 8 – Los Vinos de Dali

4 – 7 pm, $75 Members/$90 Non-members, Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. A variety of fine wines plus tastings from top restaurants and live music. Auctions featuring inspiring travel experiences, indulgent health & wellness packages, beautiful jewelry, unique artwork and exclusive dining packages. Proceeds benefit the Museum and its educational programs. 727.823.3767 thedali.org/event/los-vinos-de-dali-2018

Saturday, April 8 – Music Jamboree

2 – 4 pm, Free, Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs. Musicians are encouraged to bring their guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass or other acoustic instrument to the outdoor pavilion for a jam session. Participants will be able to meet other musicians, perform and learn new songs. All ages welcome. www.brookercreekpreserve.org

Sunday, April 8 – Tour de Cure

7:30 am – 12:30 pm, $25 – $35 registration fee, Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. A cycling event packed with excitement, energy and support where riders of all levels join forces to celebrate the critical funds they have raised for diabetes research, education and advocacy.  main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=12225

Monday, April 9 – Tampa Bay Job & Career Fair

10 am – 2 pm, Free, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. A great day to meet over 50 local employers. Several of the area’s top higher education schools/universities and vocational/technical institutes will also be on hand. No pre-registration required. www.tampabay.com/expos/job-fair

Tuesday, April 10 – Permaculture Day Tour

10 am – 3 pm, $35. Tour three different regenerative sites in Pinellas County to get a good overview of what is being done in the area to create sustainable landscapes and human systems.  See the elements of permaculture in action while having them explained and getting your questions answered about them. growpermaculture.com

Wednesday, April 11 through Saturday, April 14 – Failure: A Love Story

8 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday/2 pm Saturday, $10 General public/$5 Eckerd College Community/$1 Student, Biniger Theater,  Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. A magical, musical fable where, in the end, the power of love is far greater than any individual’s successes or failures. 727.867.1166 www.eckerd.edu/theatre

Thursday, April 12 – The Longest Table

5:30, Prices vary, Bayshore Drive NE from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Vinoy, St. Petersburg. Prix fixe menus paired with custom adult beverages from the area’s finest restaurants. Diners enjoy an epicurean experience at beautifully set tables right down the middle of Bayshore Drive. Benefits WUSF Public Media. 800.661.0823 www.wusf.usf.edu/wordpress/longest

Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 22 – Sugar Sand Festival

$10 Adults/$6 Students ages 6 to 17/$8 55 and older, military personnel, police officers, firefighters and teachers, Clearwater Beach. A ten-day beach-wide celebration. Free activities for all ages including a children’s play area, street performers, artisan and crafters, live entertainment, fireworks, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand sculpting competition. sugarsandfestival.com

Saturday, April 14 – Salute to the Military

10 am – 4 pm, Free, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Features military vehicles and exhibits, kids’ fishing tournament, live music, silent auction, food, beer and wine vendors and the One Blood blood mobile. www.spbrec.com/special-events

 

Saturday, April 14 – Second Saturday ArtWalk

5 – 9 pm, Free, including trolley. Art districts throughout the city of St. Petersburg. An evening of art, opening receptions and galleries galore. Free trolley offers transport between the different districts. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

 

Wednesday, April 18 – Hurricanes and Boats

7 – 9 pm, $30 per family, St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. This two hour seminar covers how to select a location and prepare your boat to survive a hurricane. The program includes student notes and copies of the presentation. Pre-registration is required at http://boating-stpete.org/spsps.

Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 – Florida Antiquarian Book Fair

5 – 9 pm Friday/10 am – 5 pm Saturday/11 am – 4 pm Sunday, $6 Daily/$10 Weekend. The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Features dealers specializing in books of every age and subject matter, antique maps, ephemera and other paper collectibles.  www.floridaantiquarianbookfair.com

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