Sushi, Sharks And School Celebration On Tap This Weekend In New Tampa

Wondering what to do this weekend?

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for activities to hit this weekend.

Have some suggestions of your own? Be sure to let others know by commenting below or posting on the Boards.

How Much Sushi Can You Eat?

Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge, 14913 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, invited all sushi lovers to enter Takara's sushi-eating contest. The first round will be Saturday, Aug. 3 from 2 to 6 p.m. and the championship round will take place Saturday, Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. 

The champion will walk away with a $200 gift certificate. Reserve a spot in the contest by calling 813-977-1062. And, even if you don't participate in the contest, visit Takara to see all the action and enjoy $1 shots of infused flavored sake, $2 domestic beers and $5 sushi rolls.

The Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, kicks off Shark Week with a big chomp on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will continue throughout the week with the first 50 people of each day, Aug. 3-9, receiving free MOSI admission when they buy a ticket to Sea Monsters Revealed.

On Saturday, Aug. 3 and throughout the week, guests will be able to view real shark dissections in MOSI’s grand lobby. Additionally, Dr. Daniel Huber, shark expert, consultant for Discovery Channel and University of Tampa professor, will be at MOSI to speak about some of the myths and mysteries associated with these fascinating creatures. 

Guests will be able to view the night sky over some of the world’s most active great white shark feeding grounds inside The Saunders Planetarium, and build their own LEGO sharks inside MOSI’s inventor’s studio, Idea Zone. 

For an additional fee, guests can experience Sea Monsters Revealed, where they will see not only the outside, but also the inside of the most elusive aquatic life ever discovered, including a 15-foot-long mako shark, a pregnant silky shark and an 18-foot-long, 3,000-pound whale shark. Visit mosi.org.

Check Out The New Creative World

Creative World School, 10693 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, will host a grand opening celebration Saturday, Aug. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be tours, food and a raffle featuring a free year of preschool.

Get It Fresh

The Shops at Wiregrass will host the Fresh Market at Wiregrass Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will feature live music, crafts, food and more than 50 vendors selling produce, flowers, homemade foods and art.http://www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/event/fresh-market-at-wiregrass/2145410887

Calling All Pokemon Fans

Join fellow fans of the Pokemon Trading Card Game and Pokemon video games for fun at the New Tampa Regional Library each Saturday at 10 a.m. Bring your playing cards and Nintendo DS. Learn the basics of the game and perfect your gaming strategies.

Join The Pack

The New Tampa Dog Pack gives residents a chance to socialize and exercise their dogs. It meets Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at Flatwoods Park, 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa.

On Tap At The Brass Tap

The Brass Tap, 2000 Piazza Ave., Wesley Chapel, features live music each Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m.

Tunes And Treats

Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar, 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, offers live music and dessert each Saturday at 8 p.m.

Live Music At Mulligans

Mulligans Irish Pub at Pebble Creek, 10550 Regents Park Dr., Tampa, features live music every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Take A Wild Ride

The New Tampa Triathlon Club hosts a group bike ride each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at Flatwoods Wilderness Park, 13330 Morris Bridge Rd., Thonotosassa.