Chalk Festival, Mayfaire 5K, Equality FL Gala: 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 – the Tampa Bay Chalk Festival, the Equality Florida gala, Mayfaire 5K and the Tampa International Fringe Festival.

Tampa International Fringe Festival

This indie performing arts fest in Ybor City is like no other, and this year is more exciting than ever! With 32 acts performing over five days, from all over the Tampa Bay area and the world, there’s storytelling, comedy, theatre, dance, stand-up, surreal lectures, sketch comedy, Kids Fringe and everything in between! The festival runs through Sunday.

Tampa Bay Chalk Festival

The inaugural Tampa Bay Chalk Festival, presented by the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project, will bring colorful chalk art to the sidewalks of the Deuces, an historic Black neighborhood in St. Petersburg, on Saturday. A mix of professional, amateur and beginning artists, including local youth, will take over 22nd Street South between Seventh Avenue South and Ninth Avenue South with their designs, transforming the streets from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunshine City Scare

This brand-new horror con runs Saturday and Sunday at The Coliseum and focuses covers the gamut of all things scary — anime, video games, TV, movies and more. The con runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Celebrity guests include Garret Sander (the creator of Monster High), actors Casper Van Dien and Jodelle Ferland, various video game and anime voice actors, and others.

Tampa Train Day

Stop by Tampa Union Station on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m., for a day of live music, model trains, history exhibits and fun! This is a family-friendly free event. Celebrate 25 years since the station reopened, as well as the building's upcoming restoration.

Arts Unite Us

The Unitarian Universalists in Clearwater host Arts Unite Us Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Performing and visual arts will represent several cultural traditions in the Bay Area with performances and commentary by the artists. After an opening "story for all cultures," children will accompany the narrator to a classroom to engage in related creative activities.

Puppy Love Benefit

This annual event, which takes place Saturday, 6 p.m., at Kapok Special Events in Clearwater, is PetPal’s largest fundraiser.

PRIDE | Be Fabulous Music & Arts Fest

This pride event hosted by the Fabulous Arts Foundation in Sarasota takes place Saturday, 3 to 10 p.m., at Fogartyville. The festival offers live LGBTQ+ musical acts from Florida, keynote speakers, artists and vendors.

Festival Polonaise

Celebrate Polish American Heritage Day Saturday, 3:30 to 9 p.m., at J.D. Hamel Park in Sarasota. Experience Polish American culture through food trucks, live music, dance, celebrity appearances and more. Entry is free though advance registration is required.

Equality Florida Gala

This LGBTQ+ advocacy group hosts its annual gala fundraiser Saturday, 7 to 11 p.m., at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

44th Mayfaire 5K

The Lakeland Runners Club hosts its annual Mayfaire 5K on Saturday, 7 p.m., at Lake Mirror. Though online registration has closed, walk-up registration opens at 4 p.m.

Whatta Mom Comedy Show: Magically Funny

Make Mother's Day Eve magical for yourself or anyone else with a stellar line up of broad appeal gals who’ll leave you laughing and amazed. This show features the comedic magic of Star Newman, seen on "Penn and Teller's Fool Us," Visani's Got Talent and McCurdy's open mic challenge winner, Lynn Lane; actress and stand-up Wendi Scianna; comedy tightrope walker C. P. Post, and fashionably old-fashioned “Miss Ruth.” This is a Florida Comedy Network show hosted by Kathy McSteen. This show takes place Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Common Ground Meeting Hall in Sarasota.