Here’s what’s happening around Tampa Bay….The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is all weekend. The 53rd annual “Oldsmar Days and Nights” is at RE Olds Park and features music, arts and crafts, carnival, car show, parade and more. You can meet the actress who plays Hazel in the movie “Dolphin Tale” at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The band Firefall performs downtown Clearwater. American Idol’s season 10 winner, Scotty McCreery, is at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The 15th Annual Tattoofest is at the Bradenton Convention Center. Chasco Fiesta is at Sims park in New Port Richey all weekend. AND The Yankees play the Miami Marlins at Steinbrenner Field. On SATURDAY: The Renaissance festival is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. The World’s Largest food truck festival part 2 is at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Comedian Jay Leno is at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre. Winter fest is at Lakewood Ranch. Rib Jam is at Crystal River Mall. And Blues, Brews and Barbecue is at Bradenton Beach.
Here’s more of a complete list:
On Friday, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg : Albert Whitted Airport to First Street SE, St. Petersburg, 33701
Get ready to rev it up at this annual race featuring Indy cars, Mazdas, Acuras and other fast cars whipping through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg. The waterfront course is 1.8 miles long and contains 14 turns. Mayor Rick Kriseman serves as Grand Marshal for the event’s 10th anniversary …
Price: $30-$55 general, $70-$135 reserved.
Downtown Tampa : 333 S Franklin St., Tampa, 33602
This is a replica of the Spanish sailing ship Victoria, the first ship that successfully circumnavigated the world between 1519 and 1522. The Nao Victoria was built in 1992 for Sevilla’s World Expo, and after a few years of working as a stationed cultural attraction, the floating museum was made …
Price: $8, $5.50 children (advance); $10, $7 children (at the dock).
Oldsmar : 107 Shore Drive W, Oldsmar, 34677
The 53rd annual community wide family event with classic rock and blues, arts and crafts and a carnival with midway. Special events include a car show, parade and a wing contest.
Price: Free; Ride wristbands $18 per day, $50 all weekend.
Clearwater : 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, 33767
Meet the actress who not only plays Hazel in Dolphin Tale and the upcoming Dolphin Tale 2, but also stars as a regular on the Disney XD show Mighty Med. There will be Q & A sessions, followed by photo and autograph opportunities at both the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and it’s sister location …
Price: Cost of admission.
Downtown Clearwater : Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street, Clearwater, 33755
The family-friendly celebration features unique vendors, fun foods, family activities, contests and entertainment — including a free concert.
Price: Free.
Clearwater : 1111 N McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 33759
American Idol’s season 10 winner will take the stage to perform his country hits including, I Love You This Big and The Trouble With Girls.
Price: $39.50-$62.50.
Downtown St. Petersburg : 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 33701
The world-class violinist got his start at age 10 with the Hamburg Philharmonics. Now, you can hear the record breaking German pop, crossover violinist play everything from Bach to Nirvana during the, A Gala Night tour which stops at the St. Petersburg venue.
Price: $30-$40.
Tampa : 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa, 33610
The Florida Dental Association brings needy Floridians two days of free dental care including cleanings, extractions and fillings. Assistance will be offered to 800 patients each day on a first-come-first-served basis beginning at 5:30 a.m. Come early, the quota is expected to be met by as early …
Price: Free.
Downtown Tampa : 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 33602
Creative kids can make mosaics, throw pottery or carve wood to make their own pieces of art. Or, if destroying things is more their bag, they can tear apart gadgets and household electronics to see what’s inside them. Included with museum admission.
Price:
Bradenton : One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, 34221
The 15th annual event with more than 150 exhibitors features a bike and car show, pin-up contest, tattoo contest, seminars and special guests including Jime Litwalk, Carolyn Cadaver, Bowery Stan, Crazy Philadelphia Eddie, Doc Dogg and others.
Price: $5 Thur., $20 one day Fri.-Sun., $45 Fri.-Sun, $35 Sat.-Sun.
West Pasco : 6341 Bank St., New Port Richey, 34652
This year’s nine-day festival carnival has a midway with a special area for younger children offering them more minimally frightening rides.
The West Pasco Sertoma Club serves up barbecued food until 10 p.m.
Price: Free to attend. Wristband for carnival rides is $15 Monday-Thursday, $20 Friday-Sunday.
Clearwater Beach : 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach, 33767
A Key West Mallory Square style nightly party celebrating sunset with arts and crafts vendors, street performers and live music.
Tonight features a concert by Jimmy and Roy.
Price: Free.
Sarasota : 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 34243
Take a self-guided tour of the Ringling grounds while stopping to sample wine and food pairings along the way. Wines grouped by region, from Australia to Italy, Chile to California, and guests can bid on silent auction items like a trip for two to a 15th century Tuscan castle. Includes commemora …
Price: $125, $110 members, $185 for VIP.
Stadium Area : One Steinbrenner Drive , Tampa, 33614
Price: $17-$33
Saturday:
University Area : 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33617
Say huzzah to the wizards, warriors and commoners who populate this replica of a 16th century village with entertainment, street theater, live armored contact jousting, human chess matches, a “Wheel of Death,” art, craft and other vendors, fire-eaters and more. Enjoy fresh brews, wines …
Once again, pirates dock at the festival for a weekend of free wine tastings, a tattoo expo and contest, best beard competition, a trader’s port, swab the deck, press-a-wench, perfect pirate contest and a pickle pie eating contest.
Price: $16.95, $8.95 ages 5-12 (advance); $19.95, $15.95 seniors/students, $11.95 ages 5-12 (at the gate); $10 dogs.
Oldsmar : 107 Shore Drive W, Oldsmar, 34677
The 53rd annual community wide family event with classic rock and blues, arts and crafts and a carnival with midway. Special events include a car show, parade and a wing contest.
Price: Free; Ride wristbands $18 per day, $50 all weekend.
Tampa : 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa, 33610
Food Trucks on parade with a dizzying array of delicacies to enjoy, from ceviche to shaved ice, jerk chicken to gelato, as this year’s expanded two-day festival seeks to break the Guinness World Record for food truck parade; with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announcing the start of the 200-truck pro …
Price: Free admission, $6 parking per vehicle, menu prices vary; rides, games additional cost.
West Pasco : 6341 Bank St., New Port Richey, 34652
Up to 50 wildly decorated boats will parade down the Pithlachascotee River. This year’s theme is “Proud to be an American.” Boats will be decorated to reflect the boat captain’s patriotism. All decorations must be environmentally friendly. Prizes range from $75-$2,500. Protect the wild …
Price: Spectators free. $25 to enter a boat.
Downtown Clearwater : 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 33755
If you were too late purchasing tickets to the sold out show in February, here’s your second chance to see the comedian at the Clearwater venue.
Price: $85-$195.
Tampa : 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa, 33610
The Florida Dental Association brings needy Floridians two days of free dental care including cleanings, extractions and fillings. Assistance will be offered to 800 patients each day on a first-come-first-served basis beginning at 5:30 a.m. Come early, the quota is expected to be met by as early …
Price: Free.
Tarpon Springs : 39934 U.S. 19 N, Tarpon Springs, 34689
For the second annual event many animal rescue groups from around the Tampa Bay Area will be attendance, as well as some premium pet food suppliers with information and samples of their products. A tent will be set up for donations, a wish list will be available for the pet rescues, food trucks …
Price: Cost of items.
Lakewood Ranch : 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch , 34211
The day-long celebration includes Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, Kansas, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rick Derringer, Jeff Cook and the Allstar Goodtime Band, Marty Balin, Ty Herndon, Billy Dean, Les Sabler, Bertie Higgins and Hotel California. Upgrade to VIP for private bathrooms, catered foo …
Price: $25 advance, $40 at the gate, 4 and younger free; $100 VIP.
Tarpon Springs : 39934 U.S. 19 N, Tarpon Springs, 34689
Join Royal Animal Rescue and 15 other rescues bringing in puppies and all size and breeds of dogs for adoption.
Price: Free.
Citrus County : 1801 NW U.S. 19, Crystal River, 34428
Rib cookers throughout the area will gather for a cook-off. With children’s activities and live music by Molly Hatchet, Jimmy Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute, Swampdawamp, Moccasin Creek and Nightrain – Guns N Roses Tribute (Saturday); and Shawn Gershard’s Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute, Benton …
Price: $7 advance, $15 at the gate; 12 and younger free.
Manatee beaches : adjacent to 2650 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, 34217
Hop on the trolley for a free ride to this festival in which area restaurants compete for best barbecue. Includes arts and crafts vendors and live music by Lauren Mitchell Band, Kettle of Fish, RJ Howson and Friends, Kara Nally Band and AJ and the Automatics.
Price: Free (food/drink additional).
Tarpon Springs : 20 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 34689
This event showcases gulf coast maritime folklife from Cortez to Apalachicola — with a special emphasis on the local sponge industry. Demonstrations include sponge diving and processing, cast netting; fishing, shrimp netting, mullet smoking and boat building. Also includes discussions with mari …
Price: Free.
Stadium Area : One Steinbrenner Drive , Tampa, 33614
Price: $17-$33
Ybor City : 1915 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 33605
The pop, rock band who formed in 2001, will embark on their Spring Tour with Air Stereo and Man on Earth.
Price: $12-$15.
Carrollwood : 11921 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33618
It’s the “freakin weekend” and if you’re ready to have some fun, the rapper will make an appearance at the Carrollwood club, with a possible performance.
Price: $35-$50.
SUNDAY:
St. Petersburg : Albert Whitted Airport to First Street SE, St. Petersburg, 33701
Get ready to rev it up at this annual race featuring Indy cars, Mazdas, Acuras and other fast cars whipping through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg. The waterfront course is 1.8 miles long and contains 14 turns. Mayor Rick Kriseman serves as Grand Marshal for the event’s 10th anniversary …
Price: $30-$55 general, $70-$135 reserved.
Dunedin : 1240 San Christopher Drive, Dunedin, 34698
The Elks Lodge will host it’s first annual Antique Car and Truck Show with food, music and trophies for Best of Show and Elks Choice.
Price: $20 registration fee.
Downtown Tampa : 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, 33602
A nostalgic-retro-surf rock festival featuring seasonal spring beers and drinks, a lineup of surf-rock bands headlined by Surfer Blood and a ball drop spectacular where more than 1,000 LED-powered, multicolored lighted beach balls will be dropped onto the crowd.
Rescheduled to Sunday because of expected bad weather conditions.
Price: $10 advance, $20 day of; $75 advance, $100 day of (VIP)
Tampa : 700 Harbour Post Drive, Tampa, 33602
Browse local artists’ work, food, drinks, fashion, jewelry and more.
Get a tropical feel with an "Escape to an Island" theme.
Price: Free.
Tyrone : 1600 72nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 33710
This practice match show is open to all AKC registered dogs and is the perfect opportunity to find out if dog shows are for you and your dog. Classes include puppies, adult dogs and junior handlers.
Price: Spectators free; $8 handlers, $5 junior handlers.