Oktoberfest, Anime St. Pete, Blessing Of Animals: 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 — Oktoberfest events, the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Birthday Bash, Anime St. Pete, “The Velveteen Rabbit” play.

German American Society’s Oktoberfest

The German American Society Oktoberfest takes place in Pinellas Park on Friday through Sunday. Enjoy traditional German food, beverages, dances and entertainment. Made-from-scratch German foods are available, such as Wienerschnitzel, bratwurst, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and more, as well as imported Bavarian beers.

Fire & Iron 18th Annual Poker Run

This fundraising poker run, which kicks off at Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Pinellas Park, takes place Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and benefits the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida.

Tampa Bay Kids Expo

Learn about family-friendly services and resources and fun after-school and year-round programs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Tampa’s WestShore Plaza. Free fun includes face painting, balloon animals, video game zone, character meet and greets, arts and crafts, and many hands-on activities and giveaways!

Blessing of the Animals

Blessing of the Animals is a spiritual celebration honoring our loyal companions who love us unconditionally and are cherished members of our families. Blessings will be performed by Suncoast Hospice spiritual care coordinators at Empath Health’s Gathering Place in St. Petersburg. This event is free and open to the community.

The Bishop Day of Play

Join Bradenton’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Saturday, 10 a.m., for “Our World: Worldwide Day of Play.” As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this event focuses on getting kids and their families up, out, and playing around.

Glazer Museum’s 13th Birthday Bash

Add to the colorful mobiles during this month's Family Play Project. Work together as a family to create yarn strands to add to the mobiles and learn cognitive, creative expression, social-emotional skills on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa. This event celebrates the Glazer Children's Museum’s 13th birthday.

Anime St. Pete

• If you’re looking for other nerdy things to do this weekend, check out the free Nerdier Than Thou literary con at Emerald City Comics.

Arts Unite Us

Enjoy a family-friendly, multicultural experience of visual and performing arts representing diverse traditions Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater. Beginning with a "story for all ages and cultures," children and parents will enjoy visual and musical artists' presentations in the Octagon Arts Center. After a break, everyone enters the Social Hall for refreshments and interactive artist conversations, and some music and dancing.

“The Velveteen Rabbit”

In this brand-new adaptation of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Margery Williams’ classic story springs to magical life Sunday, 10 a.m., at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre in Sarasota.

Mactoberfest

Tampa’s MacDinton’s Irish Pub hosts its third annual Mactoberfest on Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. The event features Oktoberfest-themed food and drink specials, and a stein hoisting competition.