Patch Minute: Weekend Planner

Welcome to Patch Minute and welcome to your weekend. Every week we'll fill you in on local events and things to do in St. Pete, Gulfport and the Gulf Beaches.

The Beaches

Are you ready for Mardi Gras? Fat Tuesday is on Feb. 21 but you don't have to wait until then to celebrate.

We're starting off our Patch Minute on the Alden Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. The resort is hosting the Kiwanis Gulf Beaches Mardi Gras weekend event on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Costumes and masks are encouraged for this family-friendly weekend. There will be more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food and drink vendors, a beer garden and a kids zone. Bring a beach chair and enjoy a free outdoor concert on Saturday and Sunday.

We also have the Corey Avenue Fresh Market from 9 - 2 p.m. on Sunday on Corey Avenue. There will be live music, arts and crafts vendors and this weekend there will be a rocketship car! Sounds interesting and unique, bring the kids and see you at the market.

In Gulfport

On Saturday, Head over to Gulfport for the Kiwanis Gulf Beaches Mardi Gras Charity Ball starting at 7 p.m. at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Tickets are $25. There will be dancing, Louisiana cuisine, a cash bar, silent auction and more. They encourage dressing with flair, but it's not mandatory.

Also on Saturday, we have the third Saturday Art Walk - come experience the "Old Florida" atmosphere on Beach Boulevard from 6 - 10 p.m. Do you like public art? While you're in town, stop by Clymer Park for the unveiling of the new Clymer Park sign on Saturday at 6 p.m.

In St. Petersburg

Attention baseball fans! The Big 10, Big East Baseball Challenge runs Friday through Sunday. The Challenge encompasses 30 Division I baseball games over three days at stadiums in Clearwater, Dunedin and St. Petersburg. Individual game tickets and all-tournament passes are available. Check out their website for complete details.

Also in St. Pete, we have Gladys Knight at the Mahaffey Theater on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50. Did you know, Gladys Knight is a 7-time Grammy winner? The show should be great and it's open to all ages.

That wraps up this week's Patch Minute, thanks for joining me and remember to check out Patch.com for more local news, events and conversation. Have a great weekend everyone!