Weekend Events in Tampa Bay

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here are a few events from around the Tampa Bay area to consider:

$6 Saturdays at Mote Aquarium

Florida residents can check out the 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway aquarium for just $6 at the door each Saturday in September. Proof of residency is required for at least one party member, but not all. The offer is only good at the door. To find out more, visit Sarasota’s Mote Aquarium online.

Safety Harbor Third Friday

This monthly free street festival takes place on Main Street in Safety Harbor from 6 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 18. Featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts, the event spans from Bayshore Boulevard to 6th Avenue. Downtown restaurants and shops stay open to serve. For more details, visit the event’s website.

Clearwater Art in the Park

Set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event takes place at Station Square Park, 612 Cleveland St. The event features an array of local artists and their works.

St. Pete Central District Oktoberfest

This all-day event is designed for the whole family. Free to enter, it features authentic German food and beer, live entertainment, games and more. It runs from 1 to 11 p.m. in St. Petersburg’s Central District, near 2227 Central Ave.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

The Anna Maria Island Privateers play host to this event featuring bilge rat races and rum tastings from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday along Old Main Street in Bradenton. Participants are encouraged to dress like a pairate. Proceeds benefit the club’s efforts to help the community. Festivities will center on Pub 88 and Cork’s in downtown. Guests must be 21 or older. For more details, visit the privateers online.

Lightning Launch Weekend

Three days of fun are planned in advance of the Lightnings’ first pre-season game. The fun starts in Tampa Friday with a free concert, moves to Clearwater Saturday for some street hockey and back to Amalie Arena Sunday for Fan Fest. Find out more by visiting the Lightning online.

Loomis Bros. Circus

The circus is coming to New Port Richey Friday and Saturday. The fun takes place at All Sports Arena, 7716 Rutilio Court at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Featuring human and animal acts, the show costs $20 for adults and $8 for kids ages 2 to 12. For more information, visit the circus on Facebook.

A Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival

The fundraiser for the Sarasota Youth Opera takes place Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. It features food, wine and beer from such participating restaurants as Bijou Café, Currents, Jack Dusty and more. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the door. For more information, visit the Sarasota Opera online.

Editor’s note: This is just a sampling of events from around the Tampa Bay area. If you have one to share, be sure to comment below with the details!

Photo courtesy of the Loomis Bros. Circus