Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

RAPRAGER FAMILY FARMS IN ODESSA HOST TO FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AND HAUNTED FARM
Striking terror in guests after the sun sets. But there's a dayside aspect of it also. - Virginia Johnson

AVIAN ARTIST APPRECIATES THE WONDER OF BIRDS AT SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY
Tampa Bay History Center partners with Seaside Seabird Sanctuary for Sangria and Stories series with animal ambassadors and avian artist John Costin. - Virginia Johnson

MODEL BUILDER BRINGS CHARM TO LEGOLAND'S BRICK-OR-TREAT
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida offers shows, character meet-and-greets, a decked-out park and candy. - Virginia Johnson

BUSCH GARDENS' HOWL-O-SCREAM COMES EARLY FOR MORE FEAR
This year's event offers more dates, five haunted houses, six scare zones, creepily named treats and new entertainment. - Virginia Johnson

ARTISTS: MULTIPLE JOBS NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL
New Tampa Performing Arts Center offers free inaugural Fall Festival - Virginia Johnson

LARGO DESIGNER USES UNIQUE RAW MATERIALS FOR CORSETS IN DUNEDIN RUNWAY SHOW
Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Marquis event, Wearable Art 17, is scheduled for Aug. 26. - Virginia Johnson

FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER DAY WITH ONE LAST RIDE ON LEGOLAND'S FLYING SCHOOL COASTER
Legoland Florida will retire its Flying School coaster on National Roller Coaster Day — details about its replacement are still under wraps. - Virginia Johnson

ONE WEEK LEFT TO ENJOY THE SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR'S 18TH SHOW IN SARASOTA
The show runs through Aug. 12. - Virginia Johnson

FAIRGROUNDS ST. PETE INTRODUCES NEW MONTHLY 'ART AFTER DARK' EVENT
The immersive art and technology museum will host "Art After Dark" on the third Friday of every month. - Brian Rea

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ESCAPOLOGY
New Escapology location nuzzles up against Margaritaville Resort - Allison Walker

COME FACE TO FACE WITH DINOSAURS AT JURASSIC QUEST IN TAMPA
The traveling exhibition will be at the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend and the next. - Brian Rea

DUNEDIN ARTISTS TO GIVE LIVE ARTS SHOW DEMOS IN PASTEL ON BLACK PAPER
The 34th Professional Association of Visual Artists Cool Art Show offers live art demonstrations at St. Pete Coliseum Art as an act of fun. - Virginia Johnson

'MORE MUSIC, MORE PEACE:' LIFELONG MUSICIAN PASSES ON GIFTS
More than 200 pianists will attend festival. - Virginia Johnson

WORKING WOMEN DIGNIFIED BY RIVERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHER
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts latest exhibition at Tampa International Airport through August 18 - Virginia Johnson

BAY AREA YOUTH WIND BAND ALUMNI REUNITE FOR SUMMER BREEZE CONCERT
The concerts will take place this weekend. - Virginia Johnson

SAXOPHONIST OFFERS TRAINING, ADVICE FOR TEEN MUSICIANS
Jazz intensive workshop at Patel Conservatory will end with Friday, June 30th showcase - Virginia Johnson

INAUGURAL ASL FESTIVAL SATURDAY AT ST. PETE'S COASTAL CREATIVE
American Sign Language Festival in St. Pete at Coastal Creative offers cultural interface between hearing and non-hearing worlds - Virginia Johnson

PLANT PARENT ALERT: USF BOTANICAL GARDENS SUMMER FESTIVAL
It’s time for the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens Summer Plant Festival in Tampa. - Virginia Johnson

BEST IN SHOW HANDLER TRAINS GOLDEN GIRLS
AKC All Breed Dog Show at Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa brings out Westminster winning handler. - Virginia Johnson

UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE HELPED HOTEL TRANSFORM TAMPA SKYLINE
Richard Ellis on the latest exhibition at the Henry B. Plant Museum "Imagined East: Decorative Arts and the Imperial Gaze." - Virginia Johnson

ANNIE STARS VOLUNTEER IN HONOR OF RESCUE CO-STARS
A Tampa actor wraps months of travel on Broadway's Annie, stopping at animal rescues to advocate for her rescue animal co-stars. - Virginia Johnson

EXPERT: FLORIDA TURPENTINE INDUSTRY WEALTH BUILT ON NATURAL RESOURCES, SLAVE LABOR
On the Town visits the Living off the Land exhibit at the Manatee Village Historical Park. - Virginia Johnson

"BIG JOHN" TOWERS AT GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
World's largest unearthed triceratops fossil is on loan to the Glazer Children's Museum for three years - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA THEATRE UNDERGOES SECOND HALF OF RESTORATIONS AS IT APPROACHES 100TH BIRTHDAY
The movie palace is set to have a second screening room added as part of the renovation project. - Virginia Johnson

RETAIL SPACE FOR BARBARA'S IS A DREAM YEARS IN THE MAKING
A new business in Largo is brewing up tea parties and classes. We take you there On the Town. - Virginia Johnson

IF YOU GROW IT, THEY WILL COME: SUNFLOWER MAZE BRINGS FARM FANS TO MASARYKTOWN
They are at the height of their sunflower growing season and approaching their final weekend festival. - Spectrum News Staff

PIPELINE: THE SURF COASTER ROLLS INTO SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster opens to the public May 27th. - Nicole Griffin

BONSAI AND BREWS: TREES AND HOPS ALL THE WAY
Larry Naeder has been taking his bonsai tree workshop to Tampa Bay area breweries and distilleries for about a year — called Bonsai and Brews. - Virginia Johnson

CITY OF TAMPA TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS WITH FESTIVAL
The inaugural Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park is slated for Saturday. - Virginia Johnson

FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO DEBUT THEIR BEDAZZLED BIKE
This weekend's Orange County Choppers Invitational Bike show will feature some of the world's best bike builders. - Spectrum News Staff

WIENER DOG DERBY TO BE FEATURED AT TAMPA RIVERWALK THIS WEEKEND
Love for the Dachshund dog breed will be out in full display at the race happening Saturday, May 6. - Virginia Johnson

WORLD TAI CHI DAY CELEBRATION ABOUT RELIEVING STRESS, ACHIEVING BALANCE
World Tai Chi demonstrations are happening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Bradenton. The event is free. - Virginia Johnson

COME TO JEEP BEACH 2023 FOR FUN, AND A TICKET TO WIN ONE HELPS COMMUNITY
Volusia and Flagler charities benefit from the proceeds of a drawing for a new Jeep. - Ybeth Bruzual

MAINSAIL ART FESTIVAL OFFERS MARQUEE EVENT AT ST. PETE'S VINOY PARK
A Gulfport fiber artist prepares for the 48th Mainsail Art Festival at Vinoy Park. It's one of the biggest festival of its kind in the country. - Virginia Johnson

PASSION FOR HORROR DRIVES INDEPENDENT MOVIE SCENE
Indie horror fans prepare for the Tampa Bay Scream Horror Convention, April 14-15. - Virginia Johnson

SUGAR SAND IN CLEARWATER PERFECT MEDIUM FOR SCULPTING, FINDING LOVE
Clearwater's Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival kicks off Friday, April 7. - Virginia Johnson

ST. PETE TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL OFFERS A RARE LOOK INTO WORKING HISTORY
A total of seven ships are participating in the event. - Virginia Johnson

TUNING A BAGPIPE: ACT OF PATIENCE, LOVE
The city of Dunedin is embracing some its first settlers' roots — more than usual this weekend! - Virginia Johnson

COOL DOWN AT GATORLAND'S CENTRAL FLORIDA SPLASH PARK
Now through the end of March, Florida residents get half-off a single day admission ticket to Gatorland. The splash park is included in the price. - Julie Gargotta

FESTIVAL NAMED FOR NATIVE AMERICAN LEGEND OFFERS REAL NATIVE HISTORY
Nine days of celebrating the rich heritage of native Americans and New Port Richey kick off Friday with the Chasco Fiesta. - Virginia Johnson

BUSCH GARDENS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL OFFERS TOUR OF WORLD CUISINES
Food and Wine Festival at Busch Gardens offers international faire among screaming swings and the Serengeti. - Virginia Johnson

TRASHY TREASURE WEEKEND IN DUNEDIN
Trashy treasure weekend arrives at Dunedin Fine Art Center. - Virginia Johnson

SEAWORLD GOES ALL GREEN FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY
The celebration runs through Sunday. - Nicole Griffin

AWAKENING INTO THE SUN OFFERS A DECADE OF PEACE IN ST. PETE
10th Annual Awakening Festival happening March 11 and 12 in North Straub Park in St. Petersburg. - Virginia Johnson

BUGTOPIA'S INSECTS AND SHRINK MACHINE AWAIT AT ZOOTAMPA
Bugtopia at ZooTampa, which runs through the end of April, offers a unique glimpse into insect life. - Virginia Johnson

DRINKING MEAD AND SAVING BEES: LOLLA-BEE-LOOZA IS COMING
It's the inaugural Lolla-Bee-Looza Festival in Terra Ceia from Noble Nectar Apiaries on Saturday, March 5. - Virginia Johnson

NEW THRILL RIDE NICKNAMED 'SCREAMIN' SWING' AT BUSCH GARDENS
Busch Gardens opens Serengeti Flyer for swing soaring over their African plains. - Virginia Johnson

PERFORMER TALKS ABOUT BRINGING THE CARNIVAL FUN TO BUSCH GARDENS
Busch Gardens continues celebrating Mardi Gras a few more weekends. - Virginia Johnson

HONEY & ARTS FESTIVAL TO DEBUT IN LEALMAN AS COMMUNITY GROWS
Neri Community Park will host the festival. - Ashonti Ford

YOUNG CHEF WOWS FESTIVAL WITH GREENS IN GUMBO
The annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18 offers healthy living ideas and family fun. - Virginia Johnson

LOVEFEST OFFERS TO SHOWER YOU IN GOOD VIBES, SWEET GIFTS
A little pre-Valentine’s Day fun awaits you this weekend at Lovefest in St. Petersburg. - Virginia Johnson

FIRST BLACK CURATOR OF HISTORY TO BE FEATURED IN UPCOMING EXHIBITION
The curator is already part of Tampa’s Black History. - Virginia Johnson

TINA TURNER MUSICAL CELEBRATES TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF ICON
Dance Captain makes sure Tina, the Tina Turner musical choreography stays on point at the Straz. - Virginia Johnson

BEERS FOR BARRES OFFERS UNIQUE WAY TO SUPPORT THE ARTS
Brandon Ballet offers beer and stage for community in a Saturday fundraiser. - Virginia Johnson

GYPSY KREWE READY TO ROLL IN GASPARILLA PIRATE PARADE
Krewe of Zingaro will be celebrating their 25th anniversary during Gasparilla celebrations. - Virginia Johnson

THE STORY OF GASPARILLA, STEEPED IN BALONEY, NOW PART OF TAMPA CULTURE
The legend of Jose Gaspar is just that, but the Tampa Bay History Center shares actual pitate history to share during Gasparilla Season - Virginia Johnson

DANCERS KEEP HOME CLOSE DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR
Dancers passing on the pageantry of Chinese culture. - Virginia Johnson

COUNTY FAIR IS SUPER BOWL FOR MANATEE 4-H STUDENT
Raising animals teaches big responsibilities to 4-H students participating in the Manatee County Fair. - Virginia Johnson

STEPPING HONORS CULTURE AT USF HISTORICALLY BLACK FRATERNITY
The competition is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds at 7 p.m. - Virginia Johnson

'DRAWN TO LIFE' A DREAM FOR CIRQUE PERFORMER
Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" is celebrating its one-year anniversary since making its world debut at Disney Springs. - Allison Walker

SWEET TREATS INSPIRED BY A FAMOUS STORYBOOK
White Rabbit Dessert Experience believes that those after-meal delicacies shouldn't be just found at the bottom of a menu. - Allison Walker

FORMER TRUCK DRIVER DIGS NEW NORMAL OF VIDEO GAME PARADISE
Switching from trucks to games came with a need to interact more with people for Jonnattan Morales. - Allison Walker

GOOD-WILL FUNDRAISER LIGHT UP THE BAYOU SET FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
Light up the Bayou event at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs on Christmas Eve is almost 40. - Virginia Johnson

LIGHTED MENORAH PARADE HONORS 2000-YEAR-OLD CELEBRATION
Lighted car menorah parade at Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg on Dec. 22 celebrates Hanukkah - Virginia Johnson

BRADENTON'S TUBACHRISTMAS JOINS NEARLY 50-YEAR TRADITION
Bradenton's TubaChristmas to play annual free concert at Saturday's Dowtown market. - Virginia Johnson

OLD FLORIDA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATES SIMPLE JOYS OF LIFE
Old Florida Christmas at the Manatee Village Historical Park offers Father Christmas and Pomander Balls along with artisans of hand made goods - Virginia Johnson

SNOWCAT RIDGE ALPINE PARK OFFERS TUBING, SKATING AND LIFE-SIZED SNOW GLOBE
Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City offers families tradition-making holiday fun. - Virginia Johnson

CHRISTMAS GETS WILD AT ZOOTAMPA
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park offer animal encounters and more at Christmas in the Wild. - Virginia Johnson

STROLL INTO ANOTHER CENTURY FOR PLANT MUSUEM'S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL
Behind the scenes at the Plant Museum's 41st Christmas Stroll at the former Tampa Bay Hotel - Virginia Johnson

BLADES STILL BRING JOY TO 'CHRISTMAS ON ICE' SKATER, 14 YEARS LATER
A Christmas on Ice skater shows her pre-show ritual for the marquis Christmas Town show at Busch Gardens. - Virginia Johnson

SASH LINKED TO SEMINOLE WARRIOR OSCEOLA ON DISPLAY AT BIG CYPRESS MUSEUM
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Seminole’s Big Cypress Reservation displays an 1800s wool, hand-woven sash linked to the revered Seminole warrior Osceola - Virginia Johnson

ST. PETE BREWERY GIVES VETERANS A CHANCE TO HELP BRETHREN IN NEED SATURDAY
Treasure Island Tattoo Company and Bayboro Brewing owners are raising money for 100 veterans in need of thanksgiving dinner. - Virginia Johnson

AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS CELEBRATION GOES GLOBAL AT BIG CYPRESS WITH MAORI ARTS
Maori from New Zealand have reestablished a cultural exchange with Seminoles for the American Indian Arts Celebration on Big Cypress Reservation. - Virginia Johnson

SAY YES TO JUNK FOOD BAKERY'S SALTED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE SANDWICHES
The butteriest of buttercream is smooshed between two cookies. - Allison Walker

FATHER SON HAUNTED HOUSE RAISES $20,000 IN FIVE YEARS
Palm harbor home haunt preps for bog weekend night, giving donations to the homeless empowerment program. - Virginia Johnson

MULLETS REIGN AT PARRISH CHAMPIONSHIP
World Smoked Mullet Championship at Gully's in Parrish offers food and fun. - Virginia Johnson

FAMILY SHARES PASSION OF MODEL TRAINS WITH GENERATIONS
HR Trains & Toys in Pinellas Park hosts upcoming family-friendly train show at neighbor Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. - Virginia Johnson

FAMILY VISION REALIZED IN SIR HENRY'S HAUNTED TRAIL
Sir Henry's Haunted Trail in Plant City is nine seasons in, the dream of a father and son, with trails, lazer tag, escape rooms and even axe throwing - Virginia Johnson

POLITICS AND ART: “ANN” AT THE STUDIO@620 SHOWS FIGHT FOR TEXAS
Studio at 620 offers encore performances of Ann, based on life of Texas Ann Richards. - Virginia Johnson

LEGOLAND'S BRICK OR TREAT ADDS MONSTERS AND MONSTER SHOWS
Brick or Treat returns to Legoland Florida resort with new monsters and shows. - Virginia Johnson

CREATIVE CLAY’S HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EXHIBIT FOCUSES ON INCLUSIVITY
Creative Clay offers adults with disabilities an opportunity to create and sell artwork as an artist. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT 'A NIGHTMARE ON CHURCH STREET'
Costume party on Church St. returning after decades - Allison Walker

'THERE'S BLOOD ON THE WALLS:' HAUNTING EXPERIENCE AT BUSCH GARDEN'S HOWL-O-SCREAM
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens offers new scares and the most days ever! - Virginia Johnson

IT'S AMERICAN HISTORY: CHILDREN'S BOOKS COVERING HEROES OF THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT
Tombolo books presents an evening with award-winning author Rob Sanders September 6 at coastal creative. - Virginia Johnson

SEVENTH TIME'S A CHARM FOR COLLECTIVE ARTIST IN WEARABLE ART
Wearable Art is Sweet 16 at Dunedin's Fine Arts Center, taking place Aug. 27. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PARTY ON THE BOARDWALK
Bowling attraction turns into indoor carnival this weekend only - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WILD FLORIDA'S BABY ALBINO GATOR
A special Wild Florida (rare) hatchling preps for public debut - Allison Walker

PROS HELP NEXT GENERATION RETURN TO GOLDEN DAYS OF WRESTLING
Wrestlers are training for the Universal Championship Wrestling Nebula Fire experience on Aug. 21 in Palmetto. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEAWORLD'S CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Puerto Rican influences are peppered throughout 2022 SeaWorld Fest - Allison Walker

A BLOCK OF WOOD HOLDS THE HOBBY OF A LIFETIME
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware store in Brandon offers classes in woodturning as a hobby - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA FRINGE FESTIVAL FEATURES A VARIETY OF SHOWS
Opening eyes to new art experiences. - Alese Underwood

ADDING TO THE SCRIPT: LEGOLAND ENTERTAINMENT HEAD OFFERS GIRLS A PATH FORWARD
The head of Legoland Florida Resort's Entertainment relishes the chance to expose girls to STEM. - Virginia Johnson

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MUSICAL COMING TO TARPON SPRINGS
Performing Arts Center in Tarpon Springs host to Disney's Beauty and the Beast opening Friday, July 22nd - Virginia Johnson

WORLD CHIMP DAY HONORED AT PALM HARBOR SANCTUARY
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor celebrates World Chimp Day with storytellers and finger-painting - Virginia Johnson

MAKING RISOTTO? IT'S ALL IN THE STIR
Miggs Craft Kitchen in Dunedin offers seafood risotto, courtesy of Chef and Owner Miguel Rosado - Virginia Johnson

SUNSET SALUTATIONS AT BEACH YOGA
Sunset Yoga; come for the workout, stay for the beauty - Virginia Johnson

SINGING TO THE SETTING SUN: MUSICIAN BASKS IN THE GLOW OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Musician Trevor Bystrom is a third-generation Anna Maria islander. - Virginia Johnson

MOREAN ART CENTER OFFERS GROWN-UPS ART LESSONS
Classes at the Morean Art Center offer visitors a chance to make the art of their social media feeds - Virginia Johnson

REVISITING FLORIDA HISTORY: TWO FLORIDAS LEFT OUT OF AMERICA'S '13 COLONY'
The St. Petersburg Museum of History head offers a look into Florida's past — during the creation of the United States. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEAWORLD ORLANDO'S ELECTRIC OCEAN
One SeaWorld team member is taking on his first Electric Ocean. - Allison Walker