Suncoast Boat Grand Prix Kicks Off This Weekend

1. Start the engines, and start the parties. The Suncoast Boat Grand Prix kicks off Saturday with a high-end party where tickets cost $100 per person at the Municipal Auditorium.

The party features The Greg Billings Band, has casino-style gaming, an open bar, food stations and a silent auction all from 6 p.m. to midnight.

For those on a budget, there's the Boat and Personal Watercraft Fun Run on Sunday. You can watch from the Bearded Clam Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar at the Ramada Inn. Stay tuned because next weekend the big events start. For a full schedule, visit www.suncoastoffshore.org/events.php.

2. Stand-up comedian Chad Daniels stops in at tonight through Sunday for some laughs. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Sunday. Tickets cost $8 for Thursday and $12 for the rest of the shows.

3. Florida Studio Theatre's  continues this weekend. Starring Maria Couch, Joanna Parson, Billie Wildrick, Joshua Carter, and Stephen Hope as 30 wild characters, "Das Barbecu" is a musical comedy adaptation of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle -- set in the honky-tonk land of Texas! Directed by Dennis Courtney, with musical direction by David Nelson. Tickets cost $32.

4. The  runs through July 28 at the Historic Asolo Theater inside the  for $15 and $10 for children 12 years old and younger. The show features Dolly Jacobs, contortionist Princess Elayne and more. The show runs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

5. Time to just head out to the bar and listen to some music. Villanova Junction will play the with the Justin Layman Band and Sara Nelms on Saturday starting at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $5. Must be 21 or older.