GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview March 24-27

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 24, 2011 at 9:18 am 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 5:30 p.m.
Why Go: Former Tampa Bay Lightning star Dave Andreychuck and Fisher of Tampa's hit radio station 97X host the 3rd annual Tampa Riverwalk for Wishes "Happy Hour Hike." Andreychuck will lead the two mile hike alongRiverwalk. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Live music by the Roctopus Band, appetizers and drink coupons will be available for all participants. There's also raffles and giveaways featuring an array of cool prizes.

Where/When: Tampa Police Headquarters, 411 N Franklin St. Thursday at 7 p.m.
Why Go: Mayor Pam Iorio and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor unveil the all new Police Memorial honoring the departments fallen officers. The memorial will feature a blue LED laser beam that begins from the monument and shines to the top of the BB&T Bank building. The event will begin with a reception in the police department lobby at 7 p.m. followed by the memorial lighting ceremony at 8 p.m.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Lowry Park, 7525 N Boulevard. Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Why Go: Join Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and Tampa Bay Beautification for Tampa's Reuse-A-Palooza, an event designed to raise awareness of recycling in the community. Open to Hillsborough residents of all ages, visitors will participate in an array of fun and educational activities throughout the day. There will be a Recycle Regatta boat building competition, recycling resources displays, cleanup activities and a birthday party for Tampa Bay's Pete the Pelican Pirate.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 410 N Franklin St. Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Why Go: Downtown Tampa will be transformed into a race track for the 2011 Tampa Twilight Criterium. The 0.8 mile course begins and ends at Lykes Gaslight Park . The event will feature live music, food and beer gardens, activities for children and much more.
Price: Spectators free. Riders $10-$43.

Where/When: Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, 5119 N Nebraska Ave. Friday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at noon.
Why Go: Ella's host a weekend of free entertainment with talented bay area bands. Enjoy a performance by Tampa Bay's own, Midnight Bowlers League, Friday night. Sunday's show will feature music by Blind Buddy Moody with special guest New Orleans blues crooner, Lee Pons.
Price: Free!

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.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here