WMNF Tropical Heatwave is burning up Ybor today and tonight, bringing Tampa Bay its 38th eclectic and acclaimed concert fest. Read WMNF DJs' picks of the fest, and Scott Harrell’s interview with headliner The Hold Steady.
Carb out at the Mayor’s Mac and Cheese Throwdown, a downtown riverfront fest serving up an impressive array of local restaurants serving the all-American staple and competing for the best dish.
In the same patch of downtown, the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Craftology“science of beer” fundraiser will give grown-ups without kids a chance to cavort in Tampa’s giant playhouse. Glazer has chosen geekiness as its official theme, so show up in your favorite geek-wear — be it black-rimmed glasses or pencil pushers. There will be scrumptious haute American-fusion hors d’oeuvres by Dazzle, live music by Lovestruck robot, a veritable smorgasbord of beers and cocktails from Green Bench, 3 Daughters Brewing and yummy deserts from Yogurtology. 8 p.m.-midnight, $60 for general admission (drinks and hors d’oeuvres included). 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813-443-3861. For tickets, visit craftologytampa.com.
Pop in on an what looks to be an exceptional Florida-centric photography/art show at Workspace in Seminole Heights. Paradise City gathers art scene favorites and promising up-and-comers co-curated by CL Visual Arts Critic Megan Voeller. Opening reception is Sat., May 10, 6 p.m. Show runs through May 31. Workspace, 4501 N. Florida Ave, Tampa. 813-453-0492. tampaworkspace.com.
Madeira Beach’s John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk may be a tacky-fun, overcrowded tourist attraction year-round, but this weekend offers a good excuse for locals to drop in:John Levique’s Pirate Days.
Jobsite Theater presents its hotly anticipated Zach Braff play, All New People — a fresh, contemporary dramedy that sets itself apart from the rash of revivals at local professional theaters. The 2011 play takes us to the dead of winter, at, of all places, a summer vacation getaway in New Jersey.
The 14-day Orlando International Fringe Festival was founded to provide unadulterated, uncensored art to the public and includes theater, music, dance, visual art and even performances for kids. 100 percent of sales at the event go directly to the artists. For a full list of shows and schedule visit the event’s website. $8 Fringe Button, $5-$10 performance tickets. May 14-27, 6 p.m. Loch Haven Park, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-648-0077. orlandofringe.org.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking Mom to the MOSI, Museum of Fine Art, Florida Aquarium, Henry B. Plant Museum and the Tampa Bay History Center, where her ticket is free with your paid admission. (Yes, you have to take her with you.)
Or take her on a drive to Lakeland to attend the Mayfaire by the Lake juried art festival, located near the Polk Museum of Art, which has free admission today. The museum features Kick Start My Art’s skateboard art show with Tampa Bay-based artists’ decks on display.
Last but not least, Taste of Pinellas continues with The Blues Brothers (featuring Dan Aykroyd and and Jim Belushi) headlining tonight.