The weather has been dreary, but, hey, it's not sweltering outside for a change. A few outdoor fests are soldiering on, and if they get too wet, there's plenty to do indoors as a plan B.
Talk about blond ambition. Two big-time, fair-haired comedians/actors will be headlining Saturday night.
Actor, former co-host of The View, autism activist, MTV game show host and lust object of all men who grew up in the late ’80s and ’90s, Jenny McCarthy brings her Dirty, Sexy Funny show with comedians Justine Marino, Tammy Pescatelli, Lynne Koplitz, Paula Bell and Tiffany Haddish. The show offers a mix of both sketch and stand-up comedians, and as you can imagine, issues of the female persuasion will be heartily lampooned. 8 p.m. Saturday at the Capitol Theatre with tickets starting at $62.75. atthecamp.com.
Meanwhile, Jay Mohr returns to Tampa to headline the Straz’s Ferguson Hall. The edgy, and straight-talkin’ radio host, comedian started out as a featured player for the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons of Saturday Night Live, co-starred with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire and has appeared in a slew of other films and TV shows. VIP meet and greet tickets are still available for Jenny McCarthy as of this writing. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Straz Center with regularly priced tickets starting at $36.50, strazcenter.org.
Great live music tonight: Tom Petty will be in town, Die Alps will be celebrating a CD release party, and Bogus Pomp is putting on their big show at Skipper's. Click here for details.
Sunday is the The United Nations International Day of Peace. The UN established the holiday to help us imagine a world without violence, where love and understanding replace cruelty and prejudice. Organizations throughout the Bay are are commemorating. A big daytime fest will take place at South Straub Park 2-4 p.m. in Downtown St. Petersburg with music, activities and special guests. Click here for more events commemorating Peace Day.
The second annual Festival of Flight says rain be damned, providing a legal high with a hot air balloon display on Friday and Saturday evenings, planes, trikes, kites, live music, and food vendors throughout the day. Hot Air Balloons launch Saturday and Sunday morning at Sunrise. Plane Rides will be available throughout the festival. Free, $2 parking. Fri., Sept. 19, 5:30-9 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 20, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 21, 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tampa North Flight Center, 4241 Birdsong Blvd, Lutz. For more info, call 813-243-9507.
Peace, love and doggies can be enjoyed at Woofstock in Hyde Park Village Tampa, 2-5 p.m. The event offers live music, food and drinks with proceeds going to the Humane Society. Tickets are $15, which includes a T-shirt, drink and raffle ticket.
Perk’s Donut Bar Grand Opening: Check out some raved-about decadence 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m Saturday at Perk’s Donut Bar, 2109 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-254-5374. perksdonutbar.com.
2013 Best of the Bay winner, St. Petersburg-based 1 of 1 Customs will be bringing their local artistic talent to Westfield Countryside on Sat., Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. Owners “Rasta” Geary Taylor and Jesse Kiebzak, who create beautified everyday items, including shoes, handbags, wine glasses, skateboards, helmets and hats, will set up shop in Clearwater's shopping mecca with an ice rink. Custom artwork at 1of 1 Customs starts at $75 and goes up from there based on the size, detail and complexity of the project.
It’s that time again! Dust off that giant beer stein and head to the Grand Central District for St. Pete Oktoberfest for the St. Pete Oktoberfest, where brews and family fun will take over one of the popular retail districts of downtown St. Petersburg. The all-day event will feature local favorites Have Gun, Will Travel, Rebekah Pulley (pictured) and authentic German food provided by the German American Friendship Society of Pinellas. The event will also include vendors, a kids’ area, and a series of Oktoberfest-themed contests. VIP packages are available that include food/drink tickets, tables and chairs, and more benefits.
More than 40 local artists and crafters line Beach Boulevard tonight for the monthly Gulfport Art Walk. This month the event will celebrate celebrate National Rum Punch Day. Musicians will play at several venues throughout the waterfront district. While there raise your plastic cup to Domain Home Accessories & Gallery, which will host a reception and one-night-only Anniversary Sale to celebrate the two-year anniversary of its “& Gallery” space. Parking is free and free trolley rides are available. The Gulfport Art Walk takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. every first Friday and third Saturday of the month. GulfportMA.com.
Honorable mentions (or items too good to leave off our list)
The Glazer Children’s Museum 4th Birthday Bash: Celebrate Sunday with family-fun games and activities all afternoon long. First 200 children receive birthday party favors, an indoor sidewalk chalk floor will be provided and the annual birthday cake cutting with free cake will be served while supplies last. The best part: a petting zoo courtesy of Old McMicky’s Farm. Sept. 21, 1-6 p.m. Free admission. glazermuseum.org.
If the weather clears up and you're jonesing for some brew and exercise, roll up for the monthly Pub Bike Ride in Tampa. Click here for route and more info.