Watermelon Festival, Hammock Fest, Tackle Show: FL Weekend Events

TAMPA BAY, FL — Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Tampa Bay area? There’s something for every interest — Big Gay Beach Day, Hammock Fest, Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival, Watermelon Festival.

Florida Antique Tackle Collectors Show

Check vintage fishing tackle, including lures, reels and rods, at theFlorida Antique Tackle Collectors Show, Friday through Sunday, at the Dolphin Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach. Friday is only open to the group’s members, while Saturday and Sunday are open to the public.

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical”

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” opens Friday at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa. The show, which centers on the characters of Stark, Florida’s Armadillo Acres, runs through June 25.

"Hot Box" LGBTQ+ Art Show

Artist and curator Chad Mize hosts his annual LGBTQ+ pride art showat his new venue, Space, in St. Petersburg this weekend. The opening of the show, “Hot Box,”featuring the work of 40 artists, takes place Friday night, 7 to 11 p.m. It includes performances by Dirty John’s, literary readings hosted by Tyler Gillespie and featuring Gloria Muñoz, Ripp Lee and Patrick Arthur Jackson, food trucks and vendors, and more. Space will also be open to the public Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m., during Second Saturday Artwalk, and again Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Market in the Mall

Beat the heat and enjoy the newest market offering, Market in the Mall, at the Countryside Mall in Clearwater. This market will be held every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting this month.

LGBTQ+ Youth Pride & Family Day

This joy-filled event, hosted by St. Pete Pride, will bring thousands of LGBTQ+ youth, queer families and allies to North Straub Park on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for this one-of-a-kind Pride event. Last year’s event was a remarkable reflection of St. Pete’s diverse and open-minded community, with many of the attendees being ally families. Guests will enjoy family-focused activities, vendors, and main stage performances.

Big Gay Beach Party

The Big Gay Beach Party, launched in 2018, once again takes over Sarasota’s North Lido Beach Park Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. This day at the beach draws people from across Florida.

Watermelon Festival

The annual Watermelon Festivaltakes place Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in historic downtown Brooksville. This family-friendly event celebrates the local agriculture industry, particularly the area's renowned watermelon harvest from Batten Family Farms. The festival features a variety of activities and attractions, including a watermelon eating contest for kids and adults, live music performances, a Lil Miss and Sir Watermelon outfit contest, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and an epic kids zone!

12th annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival

The University Area CDC in Tampa is celebrating its 12th annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment from international and local artists, arts and crafts, Caribbean food and activities.

Hammock Fest

Coast to Coast Hammock Co. (the holder of The World's Largest Hammock Hangout) has partnered with Coastal Creative, 3 Daughters Brewing and Tidal Ginger Beer to bring Hammock Fest to the St. Pete Pier, Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a killer hammock hangout, live music, local vendors, local breweries, food trucks and more.

Stop the Violence Cookout

The 8th annual Stop the Violence Cookout, hosted by Streets of Paradise at Love~Art~Repeat Gallery in Sarasota, takes place Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. This free event is a response to the high cost of fairs and amusement parks while focusing on child-safety and well-being. Activities will include face painting, kids games, dunk tank, rock painting and a non violence pledge, as well as a live band, DJs, poets, dancers, singers and other performers.

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Post Your Event On Patch

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2. Make a Calendar Event and fill it with all the awesome info that people need to add it to their list of things to do in their neighborhood. Choose a fun image to upload and most importantly - have fun with it! It's your event, and the possibilities are endless.
3. Post it on Patch! That's it. Get ready for RSVPs.

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