RECURRING EVENTS
First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole
Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach
1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park,15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach.
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk
3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals.
4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.
4th Sunday • Lealman Farmers Market 10am-2pm, Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg
ONGOING
Through 4/12 – Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival
Prices vary per venue. The Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival celebrates the culinary talents of the incredible chefs and gastronomic masters in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and its surrounding areas. The event will feature a variety of national wine and spirits producers and brands curated to highlight and celebrate the remarkable culinary abilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. The event will support and benefit local charitable initiatives in the Tampa Bay area with Community Initiatives Foundation’s EAT SMART campaign. More information at https://tampabaywff.com
Through 4/20 – Disney’s The Lion King
$59-$188, times vary by date, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInness Place, Tampa. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. www.strazcenter.org
UPCOMING
4/11 – St. Pete Beach Spring Concert Series
Free, 7pm, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. Bring friends, family and chairs and enjoy a night of live entertainment by U2.0, A Tribute to U2. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.
4/11 – Young Directors’ Film Festival
Free, 5-8pm, Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. This seventh Young Director’s Film Festival highlights the creative talents of high school students from across the Tampa Bay area, providing them with a unique platform to showcase their films. The festival features a variety of genres, including but not limited to documentaries, short films, and animations.
4/11-13 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival
General admission $75/day; $180 3-day pass, VIP tickets available. Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Winner of the International Blues Foundation’s “Keeping The Blues Alive” award as the nation’s top blues festival. This year’s artists include Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Tab Benoit, JJ Grey & Mofro, Walter Trout, Taj Farrant, Ana Popovic, Curtis Salgado, Ruthie Foster, North Mississippi Allstars, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Selwyn Birchwood, Mathias Lattin, Tad Robinson, DK Harrell, Sierra Green & The Giants. https://tinyurl.com/3cn32acw
4/11-27 – Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
$14, under 12 free, Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm/Fri-Sat 10am-10pm. One Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. An expansive 24,000-square-foot structure encompasses the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. Some 17 professional sand sculptors, from all corners of the globe, will work their magic to transform Clearwater Beach’s famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures. The festival offers free sand sculpting classes, live music, fireworks, artisans, food vendors and more! Additionally, Pier 60 Park features a Ferris Wheel and amusements for added thrills. A cashless event. https://www.sugarsandfestival.com/p/tickets
4/12 – SVdP CARES Empty Bowls
$25, 11:30am-2pm, Coastal Creative, 2201 First Ave. S, St. Pete. Presented by Dick and Joyce Funk and benefitting St. Vincent de Paul CARES, this year’s event features custom handcrafted bowls, a silent auction, live music, and family fun. Diners can fill their bowls with their choice of 12 soups from local restaurants. All proceeds go to ending hunger and homelessness. Tickets: https://www.svdpsp.org/annual-events/empty-bowls/
4/12 – MAACM Gala: Framing the Future
$275, 6pm, Museum of the American Arts and Craft Movement, 355 Fourth St. N, St. Pete. Musicians from the Florida Orchestra will set the mood while you sip on cocktails and enjoy an antipasto spread during an exclusive preview of the newest exhibition, Masterpieces of American Frame Design, featuring more than two dozen examples of early 20th Century hand-crafted frames. Dinner will be followed by a live auction hosted by David Rago, star of Antiques Road Show. The night ends with dessert provided by Nothing Bunt Cakes, The Artistic Wisk, and Salty Sisters Gourmet Popcorn and a performance by the French-inspired Gypsy Jazz ensemble Hot Club SQR. Tickets: https://my.museumaacm.org/2492/3100?ver=81868523
4/12 – 5K by the Bay
$32.50 (early registration), 8am start, Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane. The race is chip timed. Cost of registration also includes T-shirt and medal. All proceeds benefit the Gramatica Family Foundation and its mission to provide housing for our veterans. https://tinyurl.com/5cw7nnm4
4/12 – Tampa Bay Caribbean Festival
$40, ages 6-12 $15, under 6 free, noon-10pm, Perry Harvey Park, 1000 E Harrison St., Tampa. The 20th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival is bigger and better than ever. with great music, great food vendors, a carnival parade, and more! Performing on stage will be Alison Hinds, Mical Teja, Lyrikal, I-Land Rebels Band, J’Nelle, Es Synce Star, Krazy K, and As:A! Catch the parade with masqueraders dancing on the street enroute to the park! www.eventbrite.com
4/12-19 – Gulfport Plein Air Days: A Celebration of Live Art
Free admission, 9:15am-noon most days, some night events, various locations around the town. This immersive art experience showcases local artists as they capture the charm and vibrancy of Gulfport in real time. The event invites the community to witness the artistic process firsthand, culminating in a special Saturday Night Market where attendees can engage with artists and vote for their favorite painting. Presented by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber. https://visitgulfportflorida.com/plein-air-days
4/15 – Jess Cramp: Untold Story of Sharks
$25, 7pm, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks. https://tinyurl.com/mv6esw9x
4/17-5/11 – Clue: A Walking Mystery
$39 and up, walks start every 20 minutes on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 7pm. The walking tour begins at the Straz Center and ends at Armature Works, a distance of about 1.3 miles, with stops at sites and shops along the Riverwalk. In this new spin on everyone’s favorite mystery game, guests step into the roles of the beloved characters as detectives to solve the mystery of who murdered the elusive Mr. Boddy.. http://www.strazcenter.org/ or 813-229-7827
4/18-20 – Easter at the Farm
$16, 10am-3pm, DK Farms and Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. Tickets are for a specific date, time and age group. Must be purchased in advance. Tickets will include full access to explore the Petting Zoo, bounce houses, games and activities. Meet the Big Easter Bunny and take photos with him. Add to your experience with great food and festival goodies; grab some fresh eggs, Find a unique gift in the Vendor Market. Tickets and more information: https://www.dkfarmsandgardens.com/easter
4/19 – The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark
$18.63-$122, 2pm, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInness Place, Tampa. Two of the most acclaimed creative forces in modern dance, producer Robert Lepage and choreographer Guillaume Côté, bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the dance stage. This timeless tale of revenge, treachery and madness will be told through movement, music and set design. Shakespeare with no dialogue? Shakespeare with no words?! Don’t miss this innovative retelling of this classic. http://www.strazcenter.org/. 813-229-7827
4/25-27 – Ink Mania Fest
$60, 10am-11pm, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa. Get ready for a tattoo extravaganza like no other, featuring talented artists from all over the country. Whether you’re looking to get your first tattoo, add to your existing collection, or simply admire the incredible artwork on display, this event is not to be missed. From traditional designs to avant-garde creations, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the live music, food vendors, and other entertainment options throughout the weekend. www.eventbrite.com
4/26 – Tarpon Springs Book Festival
Free admission, 10am-4pm, East Court Street, downtown Tarpon Springs. This annual street fair brings authors, artists, organizations, and vendors from the Tampa Bay area and beyond together for a day of literacy celebration. Sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association and The Gilded Page bookstore.
4/26 – Night Blow: Performance Art Glass Blowing
$50 Morean members, $60 non-members; 7-9:30pm, Morean Glass Studio, 714 First Ave. N, St. Pete. Backlit by nothing more than a fiery hot kiln and performers’ molten glass creations, Night Blow creates a spotlight on the heartbeat of glassblowing, backed with synchronized music choreographed by the evening’s DJ. This event is a performance experience and not a hands-on workshop. Included in admission: glowstick accessories, light appetizers, open bar. The Hot Shop is a hot space, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Bright lights and fast movements can be disorienting to some attendees. Limited capacity. Doors open at 6:30pm. https://tinyurl.com/47ppsxwt
4/26-27 – 32nd Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, 271 Main St., Dunedin. Stroll along Main Street and explore an incredible selection of handcrafted treasures from some of the country’s finest crafters. Whether you’re looking for ceramic planters, functional pottery, stylish hair accessories, or unique handmade jewelry, you’ll find something special to take home. Be sure to stop by the green market to browse an amazing selection of artisanal soaps, specialty dips/spices and more.
4/26-27 – Green Thumb Festival
Free admission, 9am-4pm, Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N. St. Petersburg’s 39th annual Arbor Day Celebration, the Green Thumb Festival, brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. With more than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors, festival activities include “Ask An Arborist,” tool sharpening, environmental resources and educational programs, children’s crafts and workshops. To learn more about the festival, visit: greenthumbfestival.com
4/29-5/4 – Back to The Future: The Musical
$88-158, times vary by date, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel” and “Back in Time.” www.strazcenter.org
5/2-3 – Cynthia Erivo with The Florida Orchestra
$275-$500 (Mahaffey) / $225-$400 (Ruth Eckerd), both performances 8pm. Known for her gravity-defying performances, Cynthia Erivo is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning British actor, singer, author and producer, as well as a Golden Globe®, SAG, and three-time Academy Award® nominee. She’s starred in record-breaking blockbuster films including Wicked as Elphaba. Her appearance, joined by The Florida Orchestra, promises an evening of unparalleled artistry as she gives voice to music made famous by the greatest female singers of all time. See https://floridaorchestra.org/event/2425-cynthia-erivo/ for ticket information.
5/2-3 – Riverfest
Free admission, hours vary by venue, at Curtis Hixon Park (5/2) and Water Works Park (5/3), Tampa. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events. The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of regional and local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights. Other activities include a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade, yoga, a water ski show and a paddle invasion. More information and tickets for special events at https://ticketing.roninpos.app/events/tampariverfest
5/3 – Party Under the Lights: Pass-a-Grille Kentucky Derby
Free admission, 4-10pm, restaurants and shops along Eighth Avenue in Pass-a-Grille. Watch the Derby on the big screen while enjoying food, live music, and sipping a mint julep. Vendors will be on hand.
5/7-6/1 – The Butterfly’s Evil Spell
$35-$65, times vary by date, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. This English-language adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s first play fuses live music, visual art, puppetry, theater magic and aerial and circus arts into a thrilling theatrical experience. Lorca’s mystically poetic world of beetles, fireflies and other magical creatures is disrupted when a hypnotic, wounded butterfly enters their dewdrop paradise. A young beetle is cast under a love spell, but a hungry scorpion is sure to shake things up in this timeless tale of beauty and desire. Presented by Jobsite Theater. https://www.strazcenter.org/
5/9-10 – St. Pete Tacos and Tequila Festival
$7 general admission, $10 day-of, kids 13 and under free; 4-10pm Friday, noon-8pm Saturday, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Drive, St. Pete. The festival is a waterfront celebration of food, drinks, and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy 100+ taco options from 25+ vendors, craft margaritas, palomas, and cocktails, lucha libre wrestling, live music, mariachi bands, mural artists, and more. The festival also features a taco-eating contest and the People’s Choice Taco Competition. https://www.stpetetacos.com/info.html