Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

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

JUNETEENTH: CELEBRATE FREEDOM, ELEVATE BLACK BUSINESSES
The Juneteenth Business Expo in south St. Pete offers African American businesses exposure to the greater Tampa Bay area. - Virginia Johnson

NEW AQUATIC CENTER IN PALMETTO IS FIRST IN CITY'S NEARLY 125 YEAR HISTORY
Lincoln aquatic center in Palmetto opens just in time for summer and after nearly 125-year wait. - Virginia Johnson

INDIE HORROR MOVIE MAKER PREPS FOR 7TH TAMPA BAY SCREAMS HORROR CONVENTION
Tampa Bay Screams Horror Convention, created by Sean Donohue of Gatorblade Films, offers fear for fun in Tampa all weekend. - Virginia Johnson

FLOATING IN TRASH: ECKERD STUDENT ANSWERS MOTHER NATURE'S CLEAN-UP CALL
Non-profit Keep Pinellas Beautiful offers community-coordinated clean-ups - Virginia Johnson

WAUCHULA FARMERS BRING A TASTE OF HOME TO MARKET FOR TRADITIONAL ASIAN COOKS
Yang Farms in Wauchula brings Asian vegetables to Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market every weekend. - Virginia Johnson

SUNFLOWERS AND GOOD VIBES: SWEETFIELDS FARM TAKES YOU AWAY
Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown offers a few more weekends of flowers and farm activities - Virginia Johnson

THAI BAKER GETS SWEET RESPONSE AT ASIAN MARKET
Pinellas Farmers & Flea Market at Icot Center in Clerwater offers place for Thai baker to meet new poeple, share her culture through food. - Virginia Johnson

CLYDE BUTCHER REFLECTS ON JAMES MUSEUM EXHIBITION WITH ANSEL ADAMS
“I do these pictures large so you feel like you are there,” said Clyde Butcher. - Virginia Johnson

TACO FEST STRETCHES OUT CINCO DE MAYO PARTY IN MANATEE COUNTY
First annual Taco Fest in Manatee County brings out food trucks, chefs and restaurants to Palmetto. - Virginia Johnson

PICK UP A TITLE AND READ; THE GOAL OF FREE COMIC BOOK DAY IS SIMPLE
Free Comic Book Day is May 7; Tytan Comics in Bradenton is ready for its version of Black Friday, coupled with the Saturday morning downtown market - Virginia Johnson

'BERNINI AND THE ROMAN BAROQUE' ON EXHIBITION AT MFA ST. PETE
The installment will be open through May 8. - Virginia Johnson

WAR, LIES AND TAMPA: PLANT MUSEUM EXPLORES AREA'S PLACE IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR OF 1898
Dr. Charles Groh curated the exhibition. - Virginia Johnson

COQUINA BEACH MARKET IS A WAY FOR MAKERS TO MEET THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE
Coquina Beach Market gives makers like Jill Lilly of Metal Latitude Designs a chance to interface with their customers. - Virginia Johnson

WITHOUT A PADDLE ON WEKIVA ISLAND SERVES UP LOBSTER TAIL SANDWICH
Look what's cookin' on Wekiba Island - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GATORLAND'S TOP APEX PREDATOR EXPERT
Local gator expert knows nearly 150 gators by name, and performs enrichment to keep them stimulated. - Allison Walker

SAND SCULPTORS GO WILD AT PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand festival is opening for 17 days of sculpting on Clearwater Beach, starting April 8. - Virginia Johnson

PLEIN AIR ART SHOW COMING TO GULFPORT'S FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Susan Wiley, a judge in the second annual Gulfport plein air art show, celebrates painting "out in the open" in Gulfport - Virginia Johnson

INTERPRETING FINE ART WITH FLOWERS: ART IN BLOOM TURNS 25
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is set for its 25th Art in Bloom event. - Virginia Johnson

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM PUTS HUMANS AND PENGUINS AT EYE LEVEL
A new habitat at Tampa's The Florida Aquarium enriches penguins and allows visitors an eye-level view of endangered animals. - Virginia Johnson

ECKERD COLLEGE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM PREPS FOR MAJOR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
More than a thousand people will visit the campus in search of boat and water sport bargains. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GATORLAND'S COOLEST CATS
At Gatorland, there are two pairs of bests friends: a feline two and two young women obsessed with animal care and enrichment. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MIGHTY ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL
5 Things to know about The Mighty St. Patrick's Festival - Allison Walker

LEANING INTO CONSERVATION, ZOO TAMPA BRINGS NEW SPECIES AND NEW SPACES
Leaning into Conservation, Zoo Tampa brings new species and new spaces - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WEKIVA PAINT OUT
This whole week, you can immerse yourself in a tropical oasis while watching gifted artists in action. - Allison Walker

RETIRED USF PROFESSOR FOCUSES ON ART AND UNCOVERING LOST STORIES FROM THE PAST
Two years ago he bid farewell to a storied half-century teaching career, and now Ray Arsenault is busy as ever - but now with time for grandchildren. - Virginia Johnson

PASSION GEEKS PREPARE FOR SANKOFA CULTURAL BLACK HISTORY MARKET IN TAMPA
Passion Geeks celebrate self healing and self love as they prepare for the Sankofa Cultural Black History Market in Tampa. - Virginia Johnson

TAKING THE COLLARD GREENS INTO A NEW CHAPTER OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH
The Collard Green Festival started as a church buddy cook-off and is now an event focused on healthier living in the African American community. - Virginia Johnson

FROM PARKING CARS TO RUNNING THEME PARK: HEAD OF PEPPA PIG REFLECTS ON THEME PARK HISTORY
The park is the first of its kind geared toward the preschool crowd. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE DRAGONS AND FAIRIES ATTRACTION
Where to walk 3/4 mile immersed in original storytelling. - Allison Walker

MATRIARCH LEADS FAMILY CITRUS GROVE THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES
Fourth generation poised to take over family grove amidst citrus disease and tree shortages - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY "MOB HITS" SHOW
Sinatra. Darin. Dino. The Buzzcatz hope you and your sweetheart celebrate with them on the most romantic day. - Allison Walker

RAPTORFEST: SEE BIRDS OF PREY, SAVE BIRDS OF PREY
The bird of prey program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg flourishes because of Raptorfest and the Friends of Boyd Hill. - Virginia Johnson

LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL IS A CHANCE FOR VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY TO SHARE THEIR CULTURE
Lunar New Year celebrations helps enrich culture and fund growing community's renovations at Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Catholic Church in St. Petersburg - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA ISSUES GUIDANCE ON GASPARILLA BEADS, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Beads are as synonymous with Gasparilla as the pirates, ships and big crowds. But there is important information to know about them. - Spectrum News Staff

YE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA PIRATE LOOKS TOWARD GROUP'S INCLUSIVE FUTURE
The people of the krewes of Gasparilla in the Tampa Bay area are marauders, partiers and fundraisers! - Virginia Johnson

KEEPERS OF THE HISTORY OF GASPARILLA: PLANT MUSEUM CURATOR OPENS TREASURE TROVE
Plant Museum host to secrets of Gasparilla Pirate Parade orgins - Virginia Johnson

ARTIST TENDS TO BISHOP MUSEUM DINOSAURS AS THEY VACATION ON QUIET MANATEE COUNTY FARM
Dino Don DinoVentures uses Manatee County farm as a wintering ground for creature creations in his North American Traveling exhibition - Virginia Johnson