MEGACON Orlando, Tall Ships St. Pete, Pepper Fest: 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 — MEGACON Orlando, Pinellas Pepper Fest, Old Seminole Heights Home Tour and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.

Tall Ships St. Pete

Starting Thursday, Port St. Pete became an official host port of the maritime celebration Tall Ships Challenge Gulf Coast Series. Don’t miss this rare chance to catch a glimpse, step aboard and even set sail on the 2023 fleet of tall ships.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest and most successful aviation events in the world, got underway Tuesday for the 49th year. As the first major air show of the year, the expo will attract more than 200,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world through April 2 in Lakeland.

Barbara Eden

Known for her iconic “I Dream of Jeannie” television series, Barbara Eden takes the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Sunday afternoon.

MEGACON Orlando

The largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in the Southeast, MEGACON Orlando runs through Sunday at the Orange County Convention Center and attracts more than 100,000 fans. This year’s celebrity guests includes Chevy Chase, John Cleese, Christina Ricci, Neve Campbell and other actors from the original “Scream” movie, Ralph Macchio, and more.

Empty Bowls 2023

This family-friendly event on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Clay Center of St. Petersburg, 2010 1st Ave. S., acts as a reminder that no one should be hungry or homeless. Delicious local soups will be served in beautifully handcrafted bowls by passionate artists for guests. The event also includes live music and a silent auction. Proceeds go toward ending hunger and homelessness in the community.

Kids 2 Kamp Golf Tournament

IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton hosts the third annual Kids 2 Kamp Golf Tournament on Saturday. Funds from the event will be used to maintain low costs for the families who send their children to the Salvation Army of Manatee County’s day camp and full scholarships for the families with the greatest need.

Pinellas Pepper Fest

This hot n’ spicy food show runs Saturday and Sunday at 5010 81st Ave. N. in Pinellas Park. Specialty exhibitors will tickle your tastebuds as they bring on distinctive, breathtaking and dynamite offerings in the form of sauces, salsas, seasonings, rubs, plants, food products, gadgets, kitchenware, hundreds of mild to wild samples and more. The event also features live music and traditional hot stuff contests, like the Extreme Lolli Lick-A-Thon and the Jalapeno Pepper Eating Contest.

Sarasota Film Festival

The 25th annual Sarasota Film Festival, which kicked off Friday, runs through April 2 with movie screenings and special events in Sarasota. Movies are also available for streaming.

Dunedin Highland Games & Festival

Celebrate the heritage and culture of Scotland with great music, dancing, athletics, good food, drink, and friends on Saturday in Dunedin. The flags are flying, the Celts are gathering and everyone is a Celt for the weekend!

Old Seminole Heights Home Tour

This tour through the tree-lined streets of Seminole Heights is the oldest home tour in the Tampa Bay area. The tour kicks off Sunday at 11:30 a.m., beginning at McDugald Park in Tampa, and includes several homes and businesses, as well as two pocket parks.