Kids can cool off in this 2-acre outdoor water adventure zone while Mom and Dad relax nearby at the Tampa Tribune Caribbean Cantina when Explore a Shore re-opens this month at the aquarium located at 701 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa. Attractions include watery waves, slippery slides, gushing geysers and more. Toddler player area also available. www.flaquarium.org. Everyone

 

Check out the merchant marketplace, enjoy fair food and live entertainment including great musical acts and competitions at this year’s festival held on the MOSI grounds off Fowler Avenue & 46th Street. At the gate: adults, $17.95, kids 5-12, $9.95. Discount tickets available at MOSI, Walgreen’s and participating Circle K stores. Check www.bayarearenaissancefest.com for each weekend’s theme and featured entertainment! Everyone 

Support Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation (www.makingmemories.org) which grants final wishes for terminally ill breast cancer patients by browsing through hundreds of exquisite wedding gowns or bringing along your bride-to-be friend to this special bridal gown sale and fundraiser at the Howard Johnson Plaza-Downtown Tampa, 111 W. Fortune St. Thursday, March 4 is VIP night from 6-9 p.m., $50 for bride and one guest. Friday, March 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m with free admission both days. www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. Moms

Get ready for the rides, exhibits, festival food and music at this year’s festival which includes concerts by REO Speedwagon, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and Patty Loveless, among others. Discount admission tickets available at participating Tampa Bay area Sweetbay Supermarkets. Go to www.flstrawberryfestival.com for a complete festival schedule and ticket info. Everyone

 

Explore a new Henry B. Plant Museum exhibition that highlights noted Victorians through portraits including notable writers, artists and thought leaders, such as Oscar Wilde, Robert Louis Stevenson, W.B. Yeats, H.G. Wells and others. Museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, University of Tampa campus. Suggested donation, $5, adults and $2 children under 12. www.plantmuseum.com. Everyone

 

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the fifth annual ZOOZoom, a 5K run along the scenic Hillsborough River and winding through the Zoo, located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Seminole Heights. Registration includes zoo admission for the entrant only, tee-shirt and post-race refreshments. Check-in, 6:30 a.m. $27. www.lowryparkzoo.com. Everyone

 

Pack up the pooch for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s annual Walk for the Animals taking place at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes in Tampa. Raise funds for homeless pets and bring along your donations. Hit the trail as a pack or as an individual walker. Register at www.humanesocietytampa.org. Everyone

Join presenting sponsor Gulfcoast Oncology Associates for the fashion show, boutique and luncheon being hosted by Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, 35750 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Fashions provided by The Hospice Resale Shoppes with a boutique set up to purchase runway fashions and other items from the items. $50. For sponsorship or volunteer info, call Niki Pasek at (727) 586-4432. www.thehospice.org. Moms

Get helpful lifestyle tips and wellness information at this health expo being held at The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., downtown St. Pete. Free parking and admission. www.tampabaywomensexpo.com. Moms

Take part in the longest-running one-night wine tasting in the Bay area at the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field in St. Pete. Sample food from local gourmet restaurants, sip from an array of wines, listen to live music and bid on auction items. Free valet parking. Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation. VIP reception, 6-7 p.m., followed by Grand Tasting & Silent Auction, 7-9 p.m. $100, VIP; $50, general admission. www.abilitiesfoundation.com. Moms, Dads, Date Night

Busch Gardens presents this multi-weekend celebration of Hispanic heritage, complete with live concerts and delicious Latin food being held at Busch Gardens every Sunday in March. Concerts are included with park admission and will feature such artists as Luis Enrique, Zion & Lennox, India, and Milly Quezada. Concerts start at 4 p.m. www.buschgardens.com. Everyone

 

Dust off your bike and take a ride to benefit the American Diabetes Association at Ft. Desoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. Event offers fun for novice and experienced cyclists, with 5-mile, 10-mile, 35-mile, 62-mile and 103-mile ride routes available throughout the day. www.diabetes.org/tour. Everyone

 

Experience the Academy Awards® festivities firsthand at Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. Get glamorous and arrive at the theatre at 6:30 p.m. for the Red Carpet Reception and enjoy the live telecast inside at 8 p.m. Free popcorn, soda and coffee throughout the show. Proceeds benefit the theatre’s artistic and educational programs. $30 general admission, $40 includes official program; $15 students. $5 discount for theatre members. www.tampatheatre.org. Moms, Date Night

Join the Network of Executive Women at their annual fundraiser as they announce this year’s Woman of the Year at Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. Keynote speaker is Polly Bauer, former CEO and President of Home Shopping Network Credit Corporation. Funds raised from the event go toward scholarships for local women. $50. www.networkexecwomen.com. Moms

Attend this annual professional fashion show that benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation being held at Saks Fifth Avenue at Westshore Plaza. The show features local girls who are currently battling cancer modeling some of their favorite fashions while escorted by local celebrities. This year's celebrity guest host is Carson Kressley of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "How to Look Good Naked.” Silent auction, hors d’ oeuvres and shopping at 6pm; runway show at 7pm. $100. www.fastercure.org. Moms

Join Mayor Pam Iorio for a refreshing fitness walk around Al Lopez Park in Tampa. She and other elected officials, department heads and community leaders will be hitting the sidewalk as part of the city’s efforts to foster physical fitness and interaction with the community. Free to participate, but registration is required. First 200 registered that morning receive an event t-shirt. Registration opens 6:30 a.m. at Hunt Community Center, inside the park. (813) 274-8615. Everyone

 

Check out several free activities open to the public during this nine-day celebration of the various roles performed by the men and women of the U.S. Navy. All events are family friendly and take place in various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area and include ship and crew visits as well as appearances by the Blue Angels, Navy “Leap Frog” Parachute Team, Navy Band, Navy Tactical Air Demonstrations and Flyovers and much more. Visit www.navyweek.org/tampa2010 for a complete schedule. Everyone

 

Bring your little one to the The Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. in downtown Tampa for its regularly scheduled monthly children’s program, A Little History Preschoolers Club. This month’s theme is Strawberries and will include stories, songs, crafts and other age-appropriate activities related to the museum’s exhibits. Open to kids ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Children, $10; Adults, $6. Museum members receive $2 discount. Pre-registration required. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org. 3-5

Get ready for information about parenting, health and fitness, going green, arts and crafts and more at this family expo being held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Vendors will be there to help you find the ideal summer camp or plan the perfect birthday party. Kids will have plenty to do with a sports fun zone, bounce house and inflatables, face painting, climbing wall, and more. Admission, $5. Children under 2, free. $5 parking per car. First 500 kids get a free goodie bag. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (813) 436-0478. Everyone

Celebrate the SPCA Tampa Bay’s 70^th Anniversary at this annual black-tie optional fundraiser being held at the historic Rutland/Farley Mansion, 5030 Sunset Drive S., St. Pete. Evening includes gourmet meal, open bar, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. $175. www.spcatampabay.org. Date Night

Pack up a basket of goodies and stop by Plant Park at the Henry B. Plant Museum for a springtime tradition on the banks of the Hillsborough River. Take part in the many activities: listen to live music, test your skills at horseshoes or badminton or enjoy live theater in the bamboo garden. Table and chair rentals, and box lunches available but must be reserved beforehand. For more info and the complete event schedule, go towww.plantmuseum.com. Everyone

 

Tampa Bay’s most prominent chefs compete for the title of Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay to raise funds and awareness for the Child Abuse Council at the Hyatt Regency, 211 N. Tampa St., downtown Tampa. Chefs design their own menus and prepare tableside a five- course meal with accompanying wine or libations for a table of ten. Seats are limited. $250 per person. www.childabusecouncil.com. Date Night

Network with other new moms at this luncheon presented by Bayfront Baby Place and Divine Events and held at the Sheen Conference Center at Bayfront Medical Center, 701 Sixth St. S., downtown St. Pete. Hear from speaker and lactation specialist Kim Ramer and take a tour of Bayfront Baby Place following the program. $12. RSVP to info@divinetampa.com by March 14. Moms

 

Featuring the Blue Angels; at MacDill Air Force Base. Open to the public. Free admission and parking. Gates open 8 a.m.; show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See www.macdill-airfest.com for daily schedules. Everyone

Take the stairs – all 914 of them – at this American Lung Association fundraiser being held at the Bank of America Plaza, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. Help support research to find a cure for the number one chronic disease of children, asthma.

$25 registration fee plus $100 fundraising minimum required. Register online or by phone. (727) 347-6133. www.lungfla.org. Moms, Dads

Learn about a variety of summer day camp and sleepover camps in the Tampa Bay area, meet their coordinators in person and begin making summer plans. Event will be held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa and includes live entertainment all day, free fun activities for the kids and giveaways every half hour, including free weeks of camp. Free admission. www.summersplashtampabay.com. Everyone

 

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with weekend celebration at Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth Street N. in St. Pete. Weekend includes the Celebrate Seuss party at the museum Saturday, March 20 celebrating his many works with The Cat in the Hat and Grinch hosting crafts, games and storytime. Then, the museum hosts a Seuss-tacular Sleeopver overnight, followed by a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on March 21. Go to www.greatex.org for schedule and cost. 5-12

 

Get ready for an exciting evening of casino style gaming fun with special host David Irvine, leader of the MIT Blackjack team. This kick-off gala raises funds for the Energy Center at MOSI, a new innovative exhibition of alternative, renewable and sustainable energy. $60 museum members; $75 non-members. www.mosi.org. 813.987.6000. Moms, Dads

Get ready for a celebrity-packed tennis lineup featuring Andy Roddick, James Blake, Jim Courier, Vera Zvonareva and Rennae Stubbs at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa with 100% of proceeds to benefit Raymond James Courier’s Kids, an inner-city youth tennis program founded by Jim Courier that supports First Serve tennis programs. Tickets start at $20. www.firstserve.org. Everyone

Celebrate women who have achieved success in their chosen fields and serve as role models for girls and young women at this annual luncheon being held at A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Dr., Tampa. Proceeds from event benefit Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. $75 per person, $125 per Patron. Available online at www.gswcf.org. Moms

Catch exciting Grand Prix racing action through the city streets of downtown St. Petersburg. For tickets, route info and race details, www.gpstpete.com. Dads, Everyone

Hit the lanes for Big Brothers, Big Sisters at this annual fundraiser being held at Pin Chasers Veterans, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa. Sign up to be a captain and form a team or join an existing one. Teams are asked to collectively raise $1,000 in pledges. For registration details, go to www.bbbsfl.org. Moms, Dads

 

Hop on the bike for a cause and support Sydney’s School for Autism, located at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa. Registration is 10-11 a.m. at Jim’s Harley-Davidson, 2805 54th Ave. N., St. Pete. Ride starts at 11 a.m. $15 rider. BBQ to follow. www.sydneysschoolhouse.com. Moms, Dads

 

March 27, 6-10pm
Celebrate the work of local philanthropic leaders, donors and volunteers to save lives at this American Heart Association fundraiser being held at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. Enjoy an engaging evening of good food, music and bidding on this year’s auction items. $1000 for two tickets. For more info, (727) 563-8112. Date Night

An all-new family waterslide debuts this month at Aquatica, Sea World’s Waterpark in Orlando. On Omaka Rocka, riders speed down flumes into massive funnels, sliding from one side to another and rocking back and forth, and as they exit the funnel, skim into a drenching splashdown. See www.AquaticaBySeaWorld.com for park hours and ticket prices. Everyone

 

 

Kids can cool off in this 2-acre outdoor water adventure zone while Mom and Dad relax nearby at the Tampa Tribune Caribbean Cantina when Explore a Shore re-opens this month at the aquarium located at 701 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa. Attractions include watery waves, slippery slides, gushing geysers and more. Toddler player area also available. www.flaquarium.org. Everyone

 

Check out the merchant marketplace, enjoy fair food and live entertainment including great musical acts and competitions at this year’s festival held on the MOSI grounds off Fowler Avenue & 46th Street. At the gate: adults, $17.95, kids 5-12, $9.95. Discount tickets available at MOSI, Walgreen’s and participating Circle K stores. Check www.bayarearenaissancefest.com for each weekend’s theme and featured entertainment! Everyone 

Support Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation (www.makingmemories.org) which grants final wishes for terminally ill breast cancer patients by browsing through hundreds of exquisite wedding gowns or bringing along your bride-to-be friend to this special bridal gown sale and fundraiser at the Howard Johnson Plaza-Downtown Tampa, 111 W. Fortune St. Thursday, March 4 is VIP night from 6-9 p.m., $50 for bride and one guest. Friday, March 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m with free admission both days. www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. Moms

Get ready for the rides, exhibits, festival food and music at this year’s festival which includes concerts by REO Speedwagon, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and Patty Loveless, among others. Discount admission tickets available at participating Tampa Bay area Sweetbay Supermarkets. Go to www.flstrawberryfestival.com for a complete festival schedule and ticket info. Everyone

 

Explore a new Henry B. Plant Museum exhibition that highlights noted Victorians through portraits including notable writers, artists and thought leaders, such as Oscar Wilde, Robert Louis Stevenson, W.B. Yeats, H.G. Wells and others. Museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, University of Tampa campus. Suggested donation, $5, adults and $2 children under 12. www.plantmuseum.com. Everyone

 

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the fifth annual ZOOZoom, a 5K run along the scenic Hillsborough River and winding through the Zoo, located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Seminole Heights. Registration includes zoo admission for the entrant only, tee-shirt and post-race refreshments. Check-in, 6:30 a.m. $27. www.lowryparkzoo.com. Everyone

 

Pack up the pooch for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s annual Walk for the Animals taking place at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes in Tampa. Raise funds for homeless pets and bring along your donations. Hit the trail as a pack or as an individual walker. Register at www.humanesocietytampa.org. Everyone

Join presenting sponsor Gulfcoast Oncology Associates for the fashion show, boutique and luncheon being hosted by Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, 35750 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Fashions provided by The Hospice Resale Shoppes with a boutique set up to purchase runway fashions and other items from the items. $50. For sponsorship or volunteer info, call Niki Pasek at (727) 586-4432. www.thehospice.org. Moms

Get helpful lifestyle tips and wellness information at this health expo being held at The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., downtown St. Pete. Free parking and admission. www.tampabaywomensexpo.com. Moms

Take part in the longest-running one-night wine tasting in the Bay area at the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field in St. Pete. Sample food from local gourmet restaurants, sip from an array of wines, listen to live music and bid on auction items. Free valet parking. Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation. VIP reception, 6-7 p.m., followed by Grand Tasting & Silent Auction, 7-9 p.m. $100, VIP; $50, general admission. www.abilitiesfoundation.com. Moms, Dads, Date Night

Busch Gardens presents this multi-weekend celebration of Hispanic heritage, complete with live concerts and delicious Latin food being held at Busch Gardens every Sunday in March. Concerts are included with park admission and will feature such artists as Luis Enrique, Zion & Lennox, India, and Milly Quezada. Concerts start at 4 p.m. www.buschgardens.com. Everyone

 

Dust off your bike and take a ride to benefit the American Diabetes Association at Ft. Desoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. Event offers fun for novice and experienced cyclists, with 5-mile, 10-mile, 35-mile, 62-mile and 103-mile ride routes available throughout the day. www.diabetes.org/tour. Everyone

 

Experience the Academy Awards® festivities firsthand at Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. Get glamorous and arrive at the theatre at 6:30 p.m. for the Red Carpet Reception and enjoy the live telecast inside at 8 p.m. Free popcorn, soda and coffee throughout the show. Proceeds benefit the theatre’s artistic and educational programs. $30 general admission, $40 includes official program; $15 students. $5 discount for theatre members. www.tampatheatre.org. Moms, Date Night

Join the Network of Executive Women at their annual fundraiser as they announce this year’s Woman of the Year at Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. Keynote speaker is Polly Bauer, former CEO and President of Home Shopping Network Credit Corporation. Funds raised from the event go toward scholarships for local women. $50. www.networkexecwomen.com. Moms

Attend this annual professional fashion show that benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation being held at Saks Fifth Avenue at Westshore Plaza. The show features local girls who are currently battling cancer modeling some of their favorite fashions while escorted by local celebrities. This year's celebrity guest host is Carson Kressley of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "How to Look Good Naked.” Silent auction, hors d’ oeuvres and shopping at 6pm; runway show at 7pm. $100. www.fastercure.org. Moms

Join Mayor Pam Iorio for a refreshing fitness walk around Al Lopez Park in Tampa. She and other elected officials, department heads and community leaders will be hitting the sidewalk as part of the city’s efforts to foster physical fitness and interaction with the community. Free to participate, but registration is required. First 200 registered that morning receive an event t-shirt. Registration opens 6:30 a.m. at Hunt Community Center, inside the park. (813) 274-8615. Everyone

 

Check out several free activities open to the public during this nine-day celebration of the various roles performed by the men and women of the U.S. Navy. All events are family friendly and take place in various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area and include ship and crew visits as well as appearances by the Blue Angels, Navy “Leap Frog” Parachute Team, Navy Band, Navy Tactical Air Demonstrations and Flyovers and much more. Visit www.navyweek.org/tampa2010 for a complete schedule. Everyone

 

Bring your little one to the The Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. in downtown Tampa for its regularly scheduled monthly children’s program, A Little History Preschoolers Club. This month’s theme is Strawberries and will include stories, songs, crafts and other age-appropriate activities related to the museum’s exhibits. Open to kids ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Children, $10; Adults, $6. Museum members receive $2 discount. Pre-registration required. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org. 3-5

Get ready for information about parenting, health and fitness, going green, arts and crafts and more at this family expo being held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Vendors will be there to help you find the ideal summer camp or plan the perfect birthday party. Kids will have plenty to do with a sports fun zone, bounce house and inflatables, face painting, climbing wall, and more. Admission, $5. Children under 2, free. $5 parking per car. First 500 kids get a free goodie bag. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (813) 436-0478. Everyone

Celebrate the SPCA Tampa Bay’s 70^th Anniversary at this annual black-tie optional fundraiser being held at the historic Rutland/Farley Mansion, 5030 Sunset Drive S., St. Pete. Evening includes gourmet meal, open bar, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. $175. www.spcatampabay.org. Date Night

Pack up a basket of goodies and stop by Plant Park at the Henry B. Plant Museum for a springtime tradition on the banks of the Hillsborough River. Take part in the many activities: listen to live music, test your skills at horseshoes or badminton or enjoy live theater in the bamboo garden. Table and chair rentals, and box lunches available but must be reserved beforehand. For more info and the complete event schedule, go towww.plantmuseum.com. Everyone

 

Tampa Bay’s most prominent chefs compete for the title of Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay to raise funds and awareness for the Child Abuse Council at the Hyatt Regency, 211 N. Tampa St., downtown Tampa. Chefs design their own menus and prepare tableside a five- course meal with accompanying wine or libations for a table of ten. Seats are limited. $250 per person. www.childabusecouncil.com. Date Night

Network with other new moms at this luncheon presented by Bayfront Baby Place and Divine Events and held at the Sheen Conference Center at Bayfront Medical Center, 701 Sixth St. S., downtown St. Pete. Hear from speaker and lactation specialist Kim Ramer and take a tour of Bayfront Baby Place following the program. $12. RSVP to info@divinetampa.com by March 14. Moms

 

Featuring the Blue Angels; at MacDill Air Force Base. Open to the public. Free admission and parking. Gates open 8 a.m.; show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See www.macdill-airfest.com for daily schedules. Everyone

Take the stairs – all 914 of them – at this American Lung Association fundraiser being held at the Bank of America Plaza, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. Help support research to find a cure for the number one chronic disease of children, asthma.

$25 registration fee plus $100 fundraising minimum required. Register online or by phone. (727) 347-6133. www.lungfla.org. Moms, Dads

Learn about a variety of summer day camp and sleepover camps in the Tampa Bay area, meet their coordinators in person and begin making summer plans. Event will be held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa and includes live entertainment all day, free fun activities for the kids and giveaways every half hour, including free weeks of camp. Free admission. www.summersplashtampabay.com. Everyone

 

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with weekend celebration at Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth Street N. in St. Pete. Weekend includes the Celebrate Seuss party at the museum Saturday, March 20 celebrating his many works with The Cat in the Hat and Grinch hosting crafts, games and storytime. Then, the museum hosts a Seuss-tacular Sleeopver overnight, followed by a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on March 21. Go to www.greatex.org for schedule and cost. 5-12

 

Get ready for an exciting evening of casino style gaming fun with special host David Irvine, leader of the MIT Blackjack team. This kick-off gala raises funds for the Energy Center at MOSI, a new innovative exhibition of alternative, renewable and sustainable energy. $60 museum members; $75 non-members. www.mosi.org. 813.987.6000. Moms, Dads

Get ready for a celebrity-packed tennis lineup featuring Andy Roddick, James Blake, Jim Courier, Vera Zvonareva and Rennae Stubbs at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa with 100% of proceeds to benefit Raymond James Courier’s Kids, an inner-city youth tennis program founded by Jim Courier that supports First Serve tennis programs. Tickets start at $20. www.firstserve.org. Everyone

Celebrate women who have achieved success in their chosen fields and serve as role models for girls and young women at this annual luncheon being held at A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Dr., Tampa. Proceeds from event benefit Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. $75 per person, $125 per Patron. Available online at www.gswcf.org. Moms

Catch exciting Grand Prix racing action through the city streets of downtown St. Petersburg. For tickets, route info and race details, www.gpstpete.com. Dads, Everyone

Hit the lanes for Big Brothers, Big Sisters at this annual fundraiser being held at Pin Chasers Veterans, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa. Sign up to be a captain and form a team or join an existing one. Teams are asked to collectively raise $1,000 in pledges. For registration details, go to www.bbbsfl.org. Moms, Dads

 

Hop on the bike for a cause and support Sydney’s School for Autism, located at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa. Registration is 10-11 a.m. at Jim’s Harley-Davidson, 2805 54th Ave. N., St. Pete. Ride starts at 11 a.m. $15 rider. BBQ to follow. www.sydneysschoolhouse.com. Moms, Dads

 

March 27, 6-10pm
Celebrate the work of local philanthropic leaders, donors and volunteers to save lives at this American Heart Association fundraiser being held at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. Enjoy an engaging evening of good food, music and bidding on this year’s auction items. $1000 for two tickets. For more info, (727) 563-8112. Date Night

An all-new family waterslide debuts this month at Aquatica, Sea World’s Waterpark in Orlando. On Omaka Rocka, riders speed down flumes into massive funnels, sliding from one side to another and rocking back and forth, and as they exit the funnel, skim into a drenching splashdown. See www.AquaticaBySeaWorld.com for park hours and ticket prices. Everyone

 

Take in the fresh air while getting in a little fitness walk at this stroll through the artists studios of Historic Ybor City held the first Saturday of each month. Pick up a guide at the Art Studio, 2702 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City, and start walking. This month spotlights the new works of members of the Ybor Art Colony, home to eight studios representing painters, mixed media artists, photographers and textile designers. Free. www.yborartassociation.com. Everyone

 

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts returns to its roots alongside the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa as it celebrates its 40th anniversary just outside the newly constructed Tampa Museum of Art and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, by Ashley Dr. and W. Twiggs St. See fine arts and crafts by nearly 300 accomplished artists representing 13 different media disciplines in this two-day show. Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. www.gasparilla-arts.com. Everyone

Take in the fresh air while getting in a little fitness walk at this stroll through the artists studios of Historic Ybor City held the first Saturday of each month. Pick up a guide at the Art Studio, 2702 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City, and start walking. This month spotlights the new works of members of the Ybor Art Colony, home to eight studios representing painters, mixed media artists, photographers and textile designers. Free. www.yborartassociation.com. Everyone

 

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts returns to its roots alongside the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa as it celebrates its 40th anniversary just outside the newly constructed Tampa Museum of Art and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, by Ashley Dr. and W. Twiggs St. See fine arts and crafts by nearly 300 accomplished artists representing 13 different media disciplines in this two-day show. Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. www.gasparilla-arts.com. Everyone

Check out the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival (TBJFF), dedicated to using film to celebrate Jewish culture and reflect the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience. This year’s festival features a variety of comedies, dramas, documentaries and short films with screenings being held at a variety of venues, including the Tampa Theatre, Baywalk Muvico and Marshall Center USF. For tickets and showtimes, www.tbjff.org  12 & Up, Moms, Dads

Filmed in Tahiti, this latest IMAX release features nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater,in his quest to find the perfect wave and is being shown in the Tampa museum’s IMAX theater, 4801 E. Fowler Ave. See www.mosi.org for show schedule and tickets. Everyone

 

Director Tim Burton unveils his magical and imaginative take on the Lewis Carroll classics “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Burton brings Alice to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ with stunning visuals and stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter. Rated PG. Running time, 1 hour and 48 minutes. Check with local theaters for showtimes and prices. 8 & Up

 

Tampa Theatre’s traveling outdoor picture show brings another high-quality digital projection to its inflatable 50’ wide screen under the stars at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, picnic or just relax and enjoy the show with family, friends and neighbors. Rated PG. Running time, 1 hour and 41 minutes. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Free. www.tampatheatre.org. 8 & Up

Check out the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival (TBJFF), dedicated to using film to celebrate Jewish culture and reflect the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience. This year’s festival features a variety of comedies, dramas, documentaries and short films with screenings being held at a variety of venues, including the Tampa Theatre, Baywalk Muvico and Marshall Center USF. For tickets and showtimes, www.tbjff.org  12 & Up, Moms, Dads

Filmed in Tahiti, this latest IMAX release features nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater,in his quest to find the perfect wave and is being shown in the Tampa museum’s IMAX theater, 4801 E. Fowler Ave. See www.mosi.org for show schedule and tickets. Everyone

 

Director Tim Burton unveils his magical and imaginative take on the Lewis Carroll classics “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Burton brings Alice to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ with stunning visuals and stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter. Rated PG. Running time, 1 hour and 48 minutes. Check with local theaters for showtimes and prices. 8 & Up

 

Tampa Theatre’s traveling outdoor picture show brings another high-quality digital projection to its inflatable 50’ wide screen under the stars at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, picnic or just relax and enjoy the show with family, friends and neighbors. Rated PG. Running time, 1 hour and 41 minutes. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Free. www.tampatheatre.org. 8 & Up

Wiregrass’s popular live music series returns this spring with three stages of live music performed simultaneously throughout the Wesley Chapel outdoor shopping center and exclusive sales held every Thursday night this month through May. Free. For musical lineups, go to www.theshopsatwiregrass.com. Everyone

Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé brings his Crazy Love tour to the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $49.50. Moms, Date Night

Hear from students of the Patel Conservatory’s Rock School program as they demonstrate what they’ve learned by rocking out to golden oldies and modern rock tracks on the Riverwalk behind the Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Blankets and stadium seats, permitted; chairs with legs, not allowed. Food and beverages vendors will be available. Free. www.patelconservatory.org. Everyone

Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys takes to the stage with her Freedom Tour at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets start at $55.25. www.sptimesforum.com. Moms, Date Night, 12 & Up

Wiregrass’s popular live music series returns this spring with three stages of live music performed simultaneously throughout the Wesley Chapel outdoor shopping center and exclusive sales held every Thursday night this month through May. Free. For musical lineups, go to www.theshopsatwiregrass.com. Everyone

Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé brings his Crazy Love tour to the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $49.50. Moms, Date Night

Hear from students of the Patel Conservatory’s Rock School program as they demonstrate what they’ve learned by rocking out to golden oldies and modern rock tracks on the Riverwalk behind the Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Blankets and stadium seats, permitted; chairs with legs, not allowed. Food and beverages vendors will be available. Free. www.patelconservatory.org. Everyone

Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys takes to the stage with her Freedom Tour at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets start at $55.25. www.sptimesforum.com. Moms, Date Night, 12 & Up