Harry Potter’s Birthday, Beer Festivals, Comic Con: 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 – beer festival fundraisers, a comic convention, back-to-school events and Harry Potter’s birthday.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention

This celebration of comics, movies, TV shows and pop culture runs Friday through Sunday at the Tampa Convention Center. Special guests include Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Giancarlo Esposito, Pauly Shore and Manu Bennett.

Lips Speak Pop-Up Farmers Market

Check out this community farmers marketfeaturing produce, vintage clothing vendors, coffee vendors, crafts, bakery items and more Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Lake Eva Community Park in Haines City.

Maverick’s Backpacks & Brunch

The first annual Maverick's Backpacks & Brunch will be held on the State College of Florida’s Bradenton campus on Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.

Students in kindergarten through college, and their families, can come to campus, get an SCF backpack and school supplies, dance to the DJ, and have a delicious brunch. The first 500 people to register are guaranteed a backpack and brunch.

Harry Potter Birthday Celebration

Get ready to be transported to a world of magic and wonder as Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Drive in Lakeland, and Books-A-Million collaborate for Harry Potter’s birthday and Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Week Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at The Lawn.

Start your adventure by visiting The Lawn, where you’ll receive a map highlighting the various activity stations with a series of challenges and interactive Harry Potter games from wand-waving to potion-mixing.

• Hogwarts Student Characters
• Activity Stations
• Beats by DJ Cubis
• Games
• Books-A-Million Gift Card Raffles
• Train Rides

Costumes are encouraged, though masks aren’t allowed.

Hillsborough County Back-to-School Fair

Hillsborough County Public Schools will present its 16th annual Back to School Fair Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

The free Back to School Fair takes place during Florida's 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which means parents won’t have to pay sales tax on qualifying school-related purchases.

The fair will feature local businesses and organizations that cater to families offering giveaways including backpacks to the first 500 Kids in line.

Beers on the Pier

This craft beer festival, taking place Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m., on the St. Pete Pier, benefits the St. Petersburg Museum of History. More than 20 brewers across the country will offer samples of their beers. There will also be live music and food trucks.

Tampa Theatre Beerasic Park

This signature fundraiser for the Tampa Theatre takes place Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m. This BeerFest event features beers and local brewers, as well as local restaurants. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite “Jurassic Park” character.

Jazz Club of Sarasota Scholarship Presentation & Concert

The Jazz Club of Sarasota hosts its 2023 scholarship award winners and celebrates the students in a special concert Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m., at Fogartyville Media & Arts Center in Sarasota. A concert follows the presentation of awards. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for students.

Evolution of Drag Show

This Sunday night, 7 to 9 p.m., at The Palladium in St. Petersburg, drag performer and producer Daphne Ferraro showcases the evolution of drag through the decades. The show is a unique mix of comedy, dance productions, history lesson and dazzling drag costuming.