Yesterday was a wash for unfortunate Grand Prix spectators and others doing stuff outdoors, but the sky is back to blue today and should provide a lovely backdrop to theSpring Beer Fling concert fest at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
The inaugural bash takes place from noon to 10 p.m. today and will offer a first-rate concert lineup, headlined by the ebullient, dynamic and catchy-as-all-get out Surfer Blood — Florida boys made good with a Beach Boys meets Smiths/Jesus and Mary Chain appeal. The band highlights the event's nostalgic surf's up theme along with another great Florida band with a similar hang-ten style, Beach Day, in addition to the Intoxicators! and more. Sponsored by Samuel Adams, Spring Fling will also showcase beverages from New Belgium, Cigar City, Sierra Nevada, Angry Orchard, Strongbow, Twisted Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka. Local food trucks, including PaniniRiffic and I Wanna Wok, will be slinging fare for festivalgoers alongside Brats Sensation, Flaming Taco, Anise Global Gastrobar and Dochos Concession. For more music events, click here.
Not in the mood for a big crowd? How 'bout a smaller one on wheels? The monthly Pub Bike Ride starts at The Hub in downtown Tampa and then heads off to Ducky’s, the Outpost and concludes at Pizza Fusion. Takes place 6:30-9 p.m., and it's free to participate. (But you'll have to pay for brews at the bars.)
It's your last chance to see Jobsite's Crimes of the Heart. Christen Petitt Hailey, Katrina Stevenson and Katie Castonguay portray the Magrath sisters, who are each experiencing turning points in their lives amidst reuniting to visit their dying grandfather. Jobsite newcomer Christina Jane Capehart is the ultimate foil as Chick, the uptight lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail. Playwright Beth Henley’s first, Pulitzer-winning play, debuted in 1979 and was adapted to film in 1986, starring Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard. Jobsite’s production also stars J. Elijah Cho as Barnette Lloyd and Chris Rutherford as Doc Porter. Kari Goetz and Jaime Giangrande-Holcom co-direct. Regularly priced tickets are $28, 4 p.m. at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. strazcenter.org.
If you missed SexXx Dreams, catch more sauce performance at Femmes and Follies: Femmes for a Cause!, a burlesque event to benefit the Suncoast Animal League. The show tantalizes and gropes your attentionwith dance, tease, vocal and fire performances by Mayven Misbehavin, Anye Cole, Vita DeVoid and Katie James. Musical stylings by Von Garden, specialty craft cocktails will also be featured. $10; proceeds go to Suncoast Animal League. 7 p.m. The Social (Ybor), 1909 N 15th St, Tampa. 727-967-3027. femmesandfollies.com.
The 53rd Annual Oldsmar Days fest continues with a whole mess of old-fashioned family fun in a carnival atmosphere. Take the kids for Limbo, Hula Hoop and Pie Eating contests, food, arts and crafts vendors, motorcycle and classic car shows each day and the best selection of classic rock in the entire region, they say. Today is the annual Wing Wars contest, featuring area wing restaurants. Free admission. March 28-30. R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Drive W., Oldsmar. 813 855-4233. utbchamber.com.
SPC Libraries’ First Anime and Comic Con allows you to unleash your inner fan and spend a day rubbing elbows with creators, characters and fellow comic book and anime fans. While there, explore the library’s collection of anime, manga and graphic novels. $10. March 29, 11 a.m. March 30, 1 p.m. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. 727 784 3332 Ext. 3006.
Hungry but craving an unspeakable variety of foods? CABA presents A Taste of Carrollwood with free food tastings from 25-plus restaurants in Carrollwood district, adult beverages, dynamic presentations, local vendors and live music. 2-6 p.m., Sun., March 30, at the India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road, Tampa. Free but ticket required. Visit eventbrite.com.
Not enough gluttony? The World’s Largest Food Truck Festival Ever, Part II has rolled into the Florida State Fair Association to attempt to break a Guinness World Record. The event will feature live music from 14 bands courtesy of musical sponsor, 98 Rock. Activity areas will include a Kid’s Play Zone with bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo and kiddie rides. Adult thrill rides and games include bumper cars, a giant wheel, the RC48 roller coaster and mobile gaming trucks. Games and rides will cost extra. Free admission, $6 parking. March 29, 12 p.m. March 30, 11 a.m. Florida State Fairgrounds, Orient Road and U.S. 301, Tampa.