Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Feb. 26-March 5
Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket and bring the family for a days-gone-by celebration with outdoor Victorian games in Plant Park, costumed characters, live music, entertainment, activities and $1 admission to the museum. A limited number of tables available to reserve. Free. Noon-5 p.m. March 3. Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891.
Florida Strawberry Festival: A midway with games, rides, food, strawberry shortcake and headliner entertainment daily. $10, $5 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 29-March 3. Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2202 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. 813-752-9194. flstrawberryfestival.com.
Cirque du Soleil “Bazzar”: Through the use of breakdancing, live music, teeter board, tightrope, balancing acts, bicycles, spinning wheels, aerial work, fire and more, colorfully dressed Cirque du Soleil characters bring the “Bazzar” world together as one. Runs through March 24. Starting at $42. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1; 3:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday (March 2); 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday (March 3). Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 877-924-7783.
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts: One of the top outdoor, juried fine arts shows in the United States, showcasing a wide variety of art mediums and price points. Artists vie for nearly $100,000 in awards, including the $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show award. Also includes live music, culinary attractions and areas designed for children and families. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 3. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-991-2334.
WineFest 2024: Grapebusters: Taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants in this “Ghostbusters”-themed fundraiser. $80-$400. 7 p.m. March 1, 6 p.m. March 2. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286.
Celtic Woman: Comprised of four young Irish women, whose performing skills bring centuries of musical and cultural tradition to life. The 20th anniversary tour features a blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes Ireland’s musical and cultural heritage, while reflecting on the spirit of modern Ireland. $63-$127. 8 p.m. March 2. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
Steve Hackett: For the Foxtrot at Fifty tour, Hackett marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis album “Foxtrot,” which, in 1972, was pivotal in establishing the band as a major force in British rock. $42.75-$102.75. 8 p.m. March 2. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Lauren Daigle: The two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter brings her Kaleidoscope Tour. $25.75-$125.75. 7 p.m. March 1. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.
Cirque Ma’Ceo: A combination of daredevil stunt work and beautiful horses with traditional dressage, aerial performance, Cossack riding and vaulting, performed by world-class acrobats and riders. $35, $20 children, 2 and younger free. 7 p.m. March 1; 4 and 7 p.m. March 2; 1 and 4 p.m. March 3. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. 800-927-1539.
“Nunsense”: Following a tragic cooking disaster, the Little Sisters of Hoboken must raise money to put the convent back in order. They decide the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show. Let’s see how that turns out. $25-$31. 8-10 p.m. March 1-2, 2-4 p.m. March 3. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. 813-265-4000
Stars of the Sixties: Performances by Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone, the Lovin’ Spoonful, the Happenings and Chris Ruggiero. $46-$86. 7:30 p.m. March 1. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
Rodney Trowell Band: The Grammy Award winners tour in support of their latest album, “The Chicago Sessions.” $55-$75. 8 p.m. Feb. 28. Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
2024 Oscar Nominated Shorts: For the 19th year, Shorts TV presents a complete series of Oscar-nominated short films for 2024. Schedule for genres is: Animation 2 and 4:30 p.m. March 1, 5 p.m. March 2, 6:30 p.m. March 3; Live Action 7 p.m. March 1, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 2; Documentary 3 p.m. March 3. The Animation category runs 59 minutes. Live Action and Documentary each run a bit more than two hours. $12, $10 seniors. Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.
March on Main Chalk Art Festival: Professional and amateur artists decorate the streets in this contest with cash prizes, a kids zone, live entertainment, street performers and food. Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. March 2. Greater New Port Richey Main Street, 6231 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. 727-377-1673.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour: Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. $31-$163. 2 p.m. March 3. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Bob Dylan: After more than 50 years of performing, Bob Dylan brings the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour to Clearwater. $67.25-$147. 8 p.m. March 5-6. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Tampa Bay Boat Show: The largest boating event in the Tampa Bay area showcases boat dealers and manufacturers, from yachts to cruisers, kayaks and standup paddle boards, along with multiple vendors for boating and fishing supplies and accessories. There will also be fishing and boating seminars. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1-3. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N, Tampa.
Skyway 10K: Thousands of runners and walkers will trek the 6.2-mile path across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for the seventh annual Skyway 10K on March 3. Be aware that the northbound span of the bridge will close at 3:30 a.m. and reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday. skyway10k.com.
