Children’s Gasparilla, Boat Show, County Fair: FL Weekend Events

TAMPA BAY, FL — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There’s something for every interest — foodies will love the Dishes & Wishes fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, Embracing Our Differences exhibit in Sarasota hosts its grand opening event and pirates of all ages will convene in Tampa for Children’s Gasparilla.

St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show

The Gulf Coast’s largest boat show offers the sale of vessels, marine equipment, and accessories, as well as seminars and clinics through Sunday at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg.

Manatee County Fair

The annual Manatee County Fair, taking place at the Fairgrounds in Palmetto, kicked off Thursday night and runs through Jan. 26. The fair offers attendees live entertainment, arts and crafts, pageants, livestock, contests, food and drinks, and a carnival.

Dishes & Wishes: A Taste of Tampa Bay

This Make-A-Wish fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, 7 to 11 p.m., at The Gathering at Armature Works in Tampa. Enjoy open bars, live music and food from the Tampa Bay-area’s finest restaurants.

Spirit Fest Metaphysical & Crystal Expo

The largest metaphysical expo on the Suncoast takes place Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. There will be more than 90 vendors, including sellers, readers, practitioners, artists and authors. Admission is $12 per day for those 13 and older.

Children’s Gasparilla Parade

This alcohol-free event offers a family-friendly space to celebrate Gasparilla season. This event invites pirates of all ages to witness a series of expertly designed parade floats, krewes, marching bands, dance units and more Saturday, starting at noon, along West Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. There will also be plenty of kid-friendly activities and the day ends with a fireworks display.

Midnight in the Garden

Presented by Balance Tampa Bay, this eighth annual masquerade ball raises funds for Empath Partners and its HIV initiative, EPIC. The event takes place Saturday, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Ybor City Museum.

Writers in Paradise Reading Series

This annual writing conference at St. Pete’s Eckerd College offers a nightly public reading series featuring best-selling and award-winning authors. The series kicks off Saturday with a reading by Karen Russell (“Swamplandia!”) and closes Jan. 25 with a presentation by Lauren Groff (“The Vaster Wilds”).

Embracing Our Differences

The grand opening for this annual waterfront exhibit in Sarasota is set for Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., at Bayfront Park. The event offers an exciting day of art, music and family friend, including live music, interactive activities, food trucks, and an awards ceremony. Embracing Our Differences, which pairs artists and writers from around the world for stunning and meaningful displays, is on display at the park through April 13.

Murder Mystery Show

Progressive Arts Theater presents Murderous Night at the Museum,a murder mystery show, on Sunday, 4, p.m. at Hale Center Dunedin.