Get Out: Weekend Events Preview Feb. 24-26

Where/when: 120 W Gasparilla Plz, today, 4 p.m.

Why go: The Tampa Museum of Art presents free admission on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm.

Cost: FREE

Where/When: Italian Club, 1731 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, today, 5 p.m.

Why go: Come join us in the Cantina for happy hour with great drink prices and a terrific buffet for $10 set up by Wayl of a Time Catering.  Follow the link for this week's menu: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1pCgs6YOurraFVG1-6xDYJDn-_gDGMKKDQLWMOInG0lU

Price: $10 for buffet, $5 10 and under

Where/when: 405 E Osborne Ave, today, 7 p.m.

Why go: Home game againist Tampa Bay Tech. The softball field is located on the south side of E. Osborne Ave between N. Central Ave and N. Florida Ave. GO BIG RED!

Cost: $4

Where/when: 401 Channelside Dr, today, 7:30 p.m.

Why go: The St. Pete Times Forum welcomes the Nuclear Cowboyz, described as "half rock concert, half Broadway production and all Extreme Freestyle Motorcross."

Enter "patch" at checkout for a special discount.

Cost: $10 for children ages 2 to 15; $20 and up for adults

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, today 7:30 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents this "high-style, knee-slapping romp through the age of glamorous, jet-setting air travel" as an architect and bachelor juggles relationships with three flight attendants -- until their airline schedules change just as a friend of his decides to pay a visit.

Cost: $31.50 and up

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes, today 8 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents the musical comedy classic "La Cage Aux Folles," starring George Hamilton as nightclub owner Georges and Christopher Sieber as his partner Albin, who moonlights as the chanteuse Zaza. "Feather boas fly" in this Tony Award-winning production once Georges' son brings his fiancee's conservative parents to meet them, the theater says.

Cost: $47.50 and up

Where/when: 910 Skipper Rd, today, 8 p.m.

Why go: According to Skipper's: "Gainesville-based singer-songwriter with an audience-friendly uptempo acoustic-based pop sound - think John Mayer/Jason Mraz/Dave Matthews - seasoned with liberal doses of funk, reggae, jazz and hip-hop." Blues/rock band Next of Kin open.

Cost: $10 advance, $13 at the door

Where/when: , 5119 N Nebraska Ave, today, 10 p.m.

Why go: From Cope's Facebook page: "Listen to COPE (either “live” or recorded), and you will hear an audial smorgasbord of influences and styles. Rock passages blend seamlessly with reggae, roots rock, and soaring vocal harmonies to provide a smooth swagger that makes the ladies dance, and the lads bob their heads. Dennis Stadelman offers his chops on vocals, guitar, and banjo, while his brother Kenny shares vocal responsibilities a...nd lays down his delicious grooves on bass guitar. Dave Gerulat (drums) and Juan Montero (keys / saxophone) add their own flourishes and musical pedigrees to the mixture. The result is a pleasing combination that hearkens back to the days of yore, while also hinting at the promise of the future. COPE offers an excellent blend of melody and harmony, aggressive runs on guitar, powerhouse drumming, and scintillating horn and keys. Unlike other bands in the genre, who linger in incessant, loping jams, COPE originals are tightly-arranged, well-composed numbers that show an appreciation for song craft, both from a lyrical and musical perspective."
 

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 1800 E 8th Ave, Ybor City, Saturday, 9 a.m.

Why go: The Ybor City Market takes place every Saturday in Centennial Park. This event features a wide range of vendors offering fresh produce, prepared foods, plants, pet items and crafts. Dogs are welcome.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 11315 N 46th St, Saturday, 10 a.m.

Why go: Step back in time and enjoy the magic, juggling, storytelling, music, food, drinks, crafts, games, and performances of another age in this replica of a 16th-century village.

Regular entertainment includes live armored jousting, acrobatics, dance from Demzarah Gypsies, comedy such as Christophe the Insultor, the New Minstrel Revue, and "live mermaids and monsters" at the Mythical Monster Museum.

Theme weekends (listed below) add additional entertainment and competitions. Most include either a free beer or wine tasting and a renewal of vows at 11am (check in at the gate if you're interested).

Each theme weekend also has a related pub crawl for an additional fee.

Pets are permitted at the festival with a $10 admission fee and registration form. Discount tickets ($3 off regular admission price) are available at MOSI and participating Walgreens and Circle K stores.

NOTE: March 23 is "Festival Friday," an educational day for students and chaperones to visit the festival. The festival is open to the public that day, however.

Here are the theme weekends:

Feb. 25 and 26: "Wonders of the World" (includes a grape stomp, a world market, a BBQ competition, and state belly-dancing championship)

March 3 and 4: "Buccaneer Beer Fest" (includes arm-wrestling championships, pieces of eight, walk the plank, swab the deck, and a Pet Fest market)

March 10 and 11: "Wine, Chocolate and Romance" (includes a grape stomp, a "fudge fling," a couples pie-eating contest, and a wine and chocolate festival)

March 17 and 18: "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" (includes Irish dancers, a kilt competition, a Celtic village, and Highland games)

March 24 and 25: "High Seas Adventure" (includes walk the plank, swab the deck, a grape stomp, a tattoo competition, a High Seas market, royal fencing competition, and a Jack Sparrow look-a-like competition)

March 31 and April 1: "German Invasion: Halfway to Oktoberfest" (includes a royal archery tournament, a German market, a best-beard competition, a bratwurst-eating competition, an alpine-yodeling competition, and a battle-cry competition)

Cost: $18.95 at the gate for adults; $14.95 at the gate for seniors; $10.95 at the gate for children ages 5 to 12

Where/when: E 7th Ave & N 15th St, Saturday, 10 a.m.

Why go: Ybor City Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual tribute to the Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Jewish and German immigrants that came to Ybor City in the late 1800's. The free street festival celebrates Ybor's forefathers through the observance of cultural art and cuisine. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Along 7th Avenue and throughout Ybor City

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 1600 E 8th Ave, Ybor City, Saturday, 11 a.m.

Why go: Join the search for the top flan at the world's only Flan Fest! The free family-friendly festival features flan bake-off, flan sampling, flan eating contest, flan walk, live entertainment, activities for kids, local artists and more.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Centennial Park, 1600 E. 8th Avenue

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Why go: The pirate ship Jose Gasparilla will dock at the Tampa Convention Center today for roughly 500 pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla to celebrate their return to the sea at Jackson's Bistro -- but not before Mayor Bob Buckhorn is scheduled to retrieve the key to the city.

Expect live music and lots of pirate mayhem. A final cannon salute about 6:30pm will launch the pirates on their way.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Why go: Based on P.D. Eastman's book for beginning readers about a determined  baby bird, this family theater production is geared toward ages 5 to 8.

Cost: $9.50

Where/when: , 900 N Ashley Dr, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Why go: In honor of Leap Year, the library presents a special game of "I-Spy," asking children to spy things at the library that leap. Complete a puzzle afterward to uncover a surprise picture.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: , 900 N Ashley Dr, Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Why go: In honor of Black History Month, the library presents this celebration featuring spoken word, capoiera (a Brazilian form of martial arts), African dance, praise dance, rap, African fashions, and more.

"Sankofa" is an Akan symbol meaning "Go back and retrieve," the library says.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Why go: Based on P.D. Eastman's book for beginning readers about a determined  baby bird, this family theater production is geared toward ages 5 to 8.

Cost: $9.50

Where/when: 1701 E 8th Ave, Ybor City, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Why go: Canvas Management Group and Big Dogg Audio Presents: Calusa Music &  Arts Festival, Tampa Bay's local music & arts showcase. Come  experience the very best Tampa has to offer with incredible music, tasty  food vendors, artistic displays, and unbeatable drink specials.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 401 Channelside Dr, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Why go: The St. Pete Times Forum welcomes the Nuclear Cowboyz, described as "half rock concert, half Broadway production and all Extreme Freestyle Motorcross."

Enter "patch" at checkout for a special discount.

Cost: $10 for children ages 2 to 15; $20 and up for adults

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents this "high-style, knee-slapping romp through the age of glamorous, jet-setting air travel" as an architect and bachelor juggles relationships with three flight attendants -- until their airline schedules change just as a friend of his decides to pay a visit.

Cost: $31.50 and up

Where/when: 910 Skipper Rd, Saturday, 8 p.m.

Why go: Accoording to Skipper's: "Emerging from the vibrant beach town of Deerfield Beach, the Resolvers capture the essence of the classic roots reggae sound: natural acoustic percussion, deep bass grooves, worldly drum rhythms, tasty vintage keyboards, bluesy guitar licks and multi-part vocal harmonies then blend it with modern songwriting craftsmanship to create their own familiar-yet-purely-original take on World Music.

Aquaphonics, hailing from Stuart, Florida, plays a well-stewed brew of jazz, funk, and electronica, flava'd with a dash of indie dance-pop, and just the right amount of soul. The band has shared the stage with acts the likes of The New Mastersounds and Perpetual Groove and been a featured act at Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival.

The six members of Ketchy Shuby, all in their mid-20s, have roots ranging from Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico to Broward and Dade counties. Formed in 2008, the outfit has quickly created a buzz on the live circuit by combining new sound with old soul to earn its "downtown soul" moniker. It's jazz, it's '60s rock, Afrobeat, reggae, and ska comined into one
dancefloor-friendly melange.

With a paid admission, attendees will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win an AURA Music Festival ticket as well as some fun swag."

Cost: $7 advance, $10 at the door

Where/when: , 5020 N Florida Ave, Saturday, 8 p.m.

Why go: Tampa Bay Times writes: "The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Hector Mayoral, who performs as Acho Brother likewise has his own way of arresting a room with intense uniqueness. Much of the 39-year-old performer’s singularity comes through his honest lyricism and raw emotion while interweaving American, African and Latin musical roots."

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes, Saturday 8 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents the musical comedy classic "La Cage Aux Folles," starring George Hamilton as nightclub owner Georges and Christopher Sieber as his partner Albin, who moonlights as the chanteuse Zaza. "Feather boas fly" in this Tony Award-winning production once Georges' son brings his fiancee's conservative parents to meet them, the theater says.

Cost: $47.50 and up

Where/when: 11315 N 46th St, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Why go: Step back in time and enjoy the magic, juggling, storytelling, music, food, drinks, crafts, games, and performances of another age in this replica of a 16th-century village.

Regular entertainment includes live armored jousting, acrobatics, dance from Demzarah Gypsies, comedy such as Christophe the Insultor, the New Minstrel Revue, and "live mermaids and monsters" at the Mythical Monster Museum.

Theme weekends (listed below) add additional entertainment and competitions. Most include either a free beer or wine tasting and a renewal of vows at 11am (check in at the gate if you're interested).

Each theme weekend also has a related pub crawl for an additional fee.

Pets are permitted at the festival with a $10 admission fee and registration form. Discount tickets ($3 off regular admission price) are available at MOSI and participating Walgreens and Circle K stores.

NOTE: March 23 is "Festival Friday," an educational day for students and chaperones to visit the festival. The festival is open to the public that day, however.

Here are the theme weekends:

Feb. 25 and 26: "Wonders of the World" (includes a grape stomp, a world market, a BBQ competition, and state belly-dancing championship)

March 3 and 4: "Buccaneer Beer Fest" (includes arm-wrestling championships, pieces of eight, walk the plank, swab the deck, and a Pet Fest market)

March 10 and 11: "Wine, Chocolate and Romance" (includes a grape stomp, a "fudge fling," a couples pie-eating contest, and a wine and chocolate festival)

March 17 and 18: "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" (includes Irish dancers, a kilt competition, a Celtic village, and Highland games)

March 24 and 25: "High Seas Adventure" (includes walk the plank, swab the deck, a grape stomp, a tattoo competition, a High Seas market, royal fencing competition, and a Jack Sparrow look-a-like competition)

March 31 and April 1: "German Invasion: Halfway to Oktoberfest" (includes a royal archery tournament, a German market, a best-beard competition, a bratwurst-eating competition, an alpine-yodeling competition, and a battle-cry competition)

Cost: $18.95 at the gate for adults; $14.95 at the gate for seniors; $10.95 at the gate for children ages 5 to 12

Where/when: 401 Channelside Dr, Sunday, noon

Why go: Led by head coach, Stan Heath, the University of South Florida Bulls  take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in a BIG EAST battle. Single-game  tickets to USF Men's Basketball BIG EAST Conference games are now on  sale.

If user enters the password "patch" during purchase,  a special discount will be offered.

Cost: $10-$40

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes, Sunday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents the musical comedy classic "La Cage Aux Folles," starring George Hamilton as nightclub owner Georges and Christopher Sieber as his partner Albin, who moonlights as the chanteuse Zaza. "Feather boas fly" in this Tony Award-winning production once Georges' son brings his fiancee's conservative parents to meet them, the theater says.

Cost: $47.50 and up

Where/when: 1010 N W C Macinnes Pl, Sunday 4 p.m.

Why go: The Straz Center presents this "high-style, knee-slapping romp through the age of glamorous, jet-setting air travel" as an architect and bachelor juggles relationships with three flight attendants -- until their airline schedules change just as a friend of his decides to pay a visit.

Cost: $31.50 and up

Where/when: , 5119 N Nebraska Ave, Sunday, 4 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Where/when: 711 N Franklin St, downtown, Sunday, 6:30 p.m.

Why go: Attendees are the stars at this Oscar party, with red-carpet festivities and a reception starting at 6:30pm, followed by a live telecast of the Academy Awards on the big screen.

The red-carpet fun includes being whisked around the block in a limo and applauded by fans outside the theater, hounded by paparazzi, asked for your autograph, and interviewed by the theater's own hostess, "Roan Jivers." Wear your own version of Hollywood glamour, movie-themed or movie-inspired costumes, or just casual clothes.

Also enjoy food samples and a silent auction, plus free popcorn, soda and coffee throughout the show.

All proceeds benefit the theater's artistic and educational programs.

Cost: $30 general admission; $15 for students with ID (Tampa Theatre members and groups of 8 or more receive a $5 discount)