GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview March 17-20

With a variety of entertainment venues and restaurants in the area, there's no reason to spend the weekend at home. We've put together a list of fun things to do in Central Tampa.

Posted Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 3:47 pm ET

It’s Thursday and the weekend’s just around the corner. If you’re still stumped on what to do, we’ve got some great ideas.

Where/When: Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive. Thursday at 4 p.m.
Why Go: Beer isn't the only thing turning green this St. Patrick's Day, the Rough Riders will hop aboard their Teddy Roosevelt float this evening and dye the Garrison Channel green! There will be live music by Slippery When Wet, beads, and restaurants serving up a few Irish specials throughout the night.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, 5119 N Nebraska Ave. Friday at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Hailing from Brooklyn New York, this five piece rockabilly band fuses the sounds of 1950's sock hop tunes with swing, jazz, and rock n' roll, creating a musical style like no other.The band will play selections of original music along with covers of some of your favorite bands to keep you on your dancing feet. If you're in the mood for dinner, Ella's menu features an array of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. There's also a full bar serving beer and wine.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Old Hyde Park Village, 1622 W Snow Ave. Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at 10 a.m.
Why Go: Round up the family and visit Hyde Park Village for its annual Chalk Walk Festival. More than 60 bay area artists have come together to create live art shows during the three day art show. The event features entertainment for all ages including caricature drawings, face painting and a meet and greet with Lowry Park Zoo's animal ambassadors for children. Food and drinks will be available throughout the park, and stop by the Artist Gallery to find an array of original pieces available for purchase.
Price: Free!

Where/When: The Independent Bar & Cafe, 5020 N Florida Ave. Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: Spend a relaxing evening at the Independent with the soulful sounds of Jubal's Kin. The Americana-style folk trio will play selections of original music including such songs as "Eli the Barrow Boy," "What Will Baby Be," and "Rowing Song."
Price: Free!

Where/When: Museum of Science and Industry,11315 46th Street North, Tampa. Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Why Go: Plan ahead for a trip to the MOSI grounds as the 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival continues its theme weekends with a day wine and chocolate tastings from local vendors and an array of fun activities for couples. Bring your sweetheart to this 2 day festival and fall in love all over again. Enjoy couples grape stomping, pie eating contests, the sweet stroll, and free vow renewals all weekend.
Price: Adults $17.95, Children $9.95

Looking for more things to do this weekend? Check out our family friendly , refreshed every Wednesday.

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So share your weekend picks in our comment box below.

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