Right To Read Fest, Pasco Pride, Localtopia: 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 — reading festival, Get Rescued animal rescue event, Localtopia, Gasparilla Distance Classic, Pasco Pride.

SunWest Crab & Shrimp Festival

The ninth annual SunWest Crab & Shrimp Festival returns Friday through Sunday at Hudson’s SunWest Park with live bands, rum and spirits bar, seafood vendors, crab races, games and tournaments, and more.

Cirque Ma’Ceo

Enjoy three days of dazzling performances under the big top at Pinellas Park’s England Brothers Park. Prepare to be captivated by mesmerizing acrobatic feats, breathtaking aerial artistry, and the enchanting grace of exotic horses Friday through Sunday.

Right to Read Festival

Co-hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice and the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast, the Right to Read Festival takes place Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the UU church. The event creates a safe space for all people to celebrate authors, speakers, books and reading.

Gulfport’s Get Rescued

This animal rescue festival and fundraiser returns for its 20th year on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along Beach Boulevard in Gulfport. The festival features about 50 animal rescue groups, pet-friendly vendors, pet care education, a pet food and supplies drive, animal training demos, the Florida Weiner Dog Derby, and fundraising raffles.

Gasparilla Distance Classic

This weekend run through the streets of Tampa features 15K, 8K and 5K races Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a two-day expo - Friday and Saturday - at the Tampa Convention Center that features more than 100 health and wellness professionals and vendors.

Localtopia

Celebrate all things local to St. Petersburg Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Williams Park. The event features markers and merchants, food and drink vendors, live music, street performances, and engaging family-friendly activities.

Lunar New Year

Armature Works in Tampa celebrates the Lunar New Year Saturday starting at noon. Enjoy authentic cultural performances starting on the west lawn as they venture around the property, getting into the Lunar New Year spirit. The event will feature the Dragon Dance, Lion Dance and Taiko Drums on the Armature Works south lawn. Zukku Sushi, Ling's Dumplings, and Han Hand Roll Bar will pass out red envelopes with a chance to win gift cards and coupons.

Art & Seafood on the Waterfront

This showcase of juried art and great local seafood takes place Saturday, noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., at Waterfront Park in Safety Harbor. The art includes mixed media, paintings, 3-D artwork, photography, wood, metal, fiber and jewelry. Cash prize awards to the top judged entries will be presented on Saturday.

Pasco Pride Festival

This LGBTQ+ community festival takes place Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Land O’Lakes Heritage Park. The day includes food trucks, live performances and vendors.

Throw Back Pinewood Derby

The Throw Back Pinewood Derby at Infusion Brewery in New Port Richey, Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., is open to everyone, young and old. There are two age groups, under 18 and over 18 with categories of Fastest Car, Best in Show and My Favorite and Most Patriotic. This is a fundraiser to send care packages to our deployed troops around the world.

Party Under the Stars

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation's signature event is a festive evening “under the stars” and features entertainment, dancing, dining, and silent and live auctions with fabulous items. It takes place Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m., at Sarasota’s Sailor Circus Arena. All event proceeds provide non–medical financial assistance to cancer patients.