Tampa Bay Events: Seafood Fest, MLK Parade, Film Festival, Reptiles

TAMPA BAY, FL — For those ready to get out and enjoy the crisp Florida weather, here are some suggestions on where to go:

John's Pass Seafood Festival

For the last 41 years, the historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, has showcased fresh Gulf seafood at the John's Pass Seafood Festival.

The free three-day outdoor event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13 to 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will feature hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and family-friendly activities.

Rideshare and get dropped off at 12901 Gulf Blvd. then use the John's Pass Park lot as a turnaround. The John's Pass Village lot will be open for only for shuttle drop-off and rideshare.

Parking will be available on a limited basis at various lots in Madeira Beach.

The free shuttle will run from the Madeira Beach Fundamental School with stops at Madeira Beach City Hall, Archibald Park, County Park and John's Pass Park.

Parking at Madeira Beach Fundamental School is only available Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for more information.

Reptilepalooza

Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Jan. 14 to 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Reptilepalooza where visitors will learn all about these cold-blooded creatures.

This event will be held on the second level of the CMA Visitor Center. Those attending will get an up-close look at snakes and other rescued reptiles courtesy of the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Reptiles that will be on hand at varied times include:

• Asian water monitor
• Burmese python
• Green anaconda
• Nile monitor
• Spectacled Caiman
• Reticulated python
• Pixie frog
• Burmese mountain tortoise
• Boa constrictor
• Baby alligator
• Bearded dragon
• Tortoises

All activities are included with admission to the aquarium. Click here.

Common Dialect Beerworks Opening

Common Dialect Beerworks, 5023 N Florida Ave., Tampa, will host its grand opening weekend Friday and Saturday, Jan. 13 and 14, from noon to 10 p.m.

Common Dialect is a dog and family-friendly brewery in Seminole Heights owned by Kendra and Mike Conze, who honed his craft as the head brewer at the Brew Hub. The microbrewery specializes in India pale ales, lagers, stouts, sours and seltzers, and will partner up with Tampa area food trucks for a variety of eats to go along with the craft beers.

Located in an old warehouse, the new brewery features at pet-friendly porch. Inside are colorful murals painted by

Inside the brewery is a vibrant mural of Florida symbols, like the pelican and the sun, painted by award-winning Tampa Bay illustrator and artist Conrad Garner. Click here.

Dunedin International Film Festival

The Dunedin International Film Festival continues Friday through Sunday, featuring 50 films including comedies, documentaries, horror, Claymation and short films.

Friday's lineup includes:

• "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" at 2 p.m. at the Dunedin VFW Theater, 360 Douglas Ave.
• "Short Blocks 2" at 2:30 p.m. at the Dunedin VFW Theater.
• "The Mind's Image" at 3:30 p.m. at the Dunedin VFW Theater.
• "My Sister Liv" at 4 p.m. at the Dunedin VFW Theater.
• "Mila" at 5:15 p.m. at the Dunedin VFW Theater.
• "Aquariums: The Dark Hobby" at 6 p.m. at the Moon Tower Theater, 935 Douglas Ave.

Click here for the full schedule and information on purchasing tickets.

MLK Freedom Parade

The Improvement League of Plant City will host the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Parade from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Featuring school bands, floats, dance troupes, dignitaries and children's organizations, the 1.4-mile parade will begin at Wheeler Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Plant City, run along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and end at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Complex, 1601 E Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Post-parade activities will continue with the Black and Brown Expo at the recreation center where attendees will enjoy food, vendors, entertainment and giveaways including the Drumline Battle of the Bands from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and live music from 4 to 7 p.m.

Click here.

Clearwater Salutes Coast Guard

Clearwater will host a Salute to the Coast Guard Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. at the Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center, 610 S. Fort Harrison Ave. There will be a full day of activities, including a flyover from USCG Air Station Clearwater Aircraft, an exhibit, man overboard exercises, a chance to meet a rescue boat crew and an exhibit celebrating notable events, missions and rescues of USCG Air Station Clearwater, USCG Station Sand Key and USCG Auxiliary Division 11, Flotilla 1.

Click here.

Comedy At Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa, will host its first comedy show of 2023, "Miranda Sings," featuring Colleen Ballinger, on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Colleen Ballinger is bringing her YouTube superstar character back to the Tampa Theatre.

A limited number of VIP meet-and-greet tickets will be available in advance that includes a seat in the first 10 rows, a pre-show Q&A and a photo opportunity with Ballinger.

Click here for tickets.

Carrollwood Players On Stage

The Carrollwood Players will present "Moon Over Buffalo" by Ken Ludwig Jan. 13 to 28 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway.

Directed by Bryan Lane, "Moon Over Buffalo" centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee.

Click here for tickets.

Liquid Garage Mac & Cheese Contest

The Liquid Garage Co., 1306 Seven Springs Blvd., Trinity, will host a Mac & Cheese Contest benefiting the Michael Tobias USF Brew Arts Program Scholarship Fund Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m.

Fourteen competitors have signed up to offer their elevated versions of this classic dish.

The winner will receive a trophy, free beer, swag and bragging rights. Click here.

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