Mardi Gras Block Party, Art Festivals, Sausage Fest: FL Weekend Events

TAMPA BAY, FL — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? There’s something for every interest — from art festivals and exhibits to a boat show to a Sausage Fest to a Mardi Gras Block Party.

Garden Club of St. Petersburg Annual Home & Garden Market

Various items — antiques, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, textiles, home decorations, recreation equipment, clothing, plants and pots — will be available to purchase at this Garden Club of St. Petersburg market, Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay Times Boat Show

This three-day event, which runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Florida State Fairgrounds, showcases area boat dealers and manufacturers, from yachts to cruisers to kayaks and standup paddle-boards, as well as vendors offering the latest in boating and fishing supplies and accessories.

Visible Art Grows Hearts

The Visible Men Academy hosts this art event, a charitable partnership with Waterkolours Fine Art Gallery, featuring nationally acclaimed artist René Dickerson, and three local artistic talents, Gregory Rumph, Michael Kinsey and Clifford McDonald, at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota. The exhibit is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

This free annual arts festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Tampa’s Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, showcases artists and their work, including ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood.

Midtown Tampa Craft Festival

Crafters and makers will showcase their works at this festival in Midtown Tampa on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

With over 70 artisans presenting their creations, JD Hamel Park in Sarasota will transform into an outdoor gallery featuring spectacular paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, metalwork, graphics, woodworking, and more on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bay Fest

Sarasota’s Bay Park will host its annual Bay Fest, a free event Saturday, 11 a.m., celebrating underwater worlds. The event includes exhibits showcasing local marine life, experts discussing underwater habitats and conservation efforts, kayak tours, live music, and more.

Sausage Fest

More than 20 different styles of sausages from local vendors will be available at this event at the German-American Society in Pinellas Park on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be dachshund races, a dance troupe and a DJ.

Mardis Gras Block Party

The second annual Mardi Gras Block Festival, paired with Come Out St. Pete’s annual chili cook-off, takes place Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., in the 2900 block of Central Avenue. The afternoon includes live music, local vendors, a puppy costume contest, and chili tastings and competition.

Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines Chorus

The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines Chorus presents its annual show, “Through the Years,” on Saturday, 2 p.m., at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.

Color Splash! Musical Extravaganza

Get ready to sing and dance to great music, eat decadent desserts, explore exciting auction items and costume jewelry sales, and dance the night away on Saturday, starting at 7 p.m., at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center. This event is sponsored by the Temple Beth El Sisterhood and Men’s Club.

Taste of South Tampa

The 19th annual Taste of South Tampa will be hosted by the South Tampa Chamber on Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Tampa Garden Club. This outdoor festival features live entertainment, delectable food samplings from local restaurants, a beer garden and a chance to win prizes.