Top 15 Tampa Bay area events for the week of Jan. 9-15
Treasure Island Kite Festival: The 26th annual kite festival on Treasure Island Beach behind the Thunderbird Beach Resort features show kites, kite demos, a Hot Tricks Competition, kite ballet to music, stunt kite lessons and more. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Thunderbird Beach Resort, 10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-320-9463.
Hamilton: The blockbuster musical that blends hip-hop, R&B and Broadway and is based on the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton has returned to Tampa. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Winter Jam 2023: Headliners include We the Kingdom and Jeremy Camp with additional performances by Andy Mineo, Disciple, Austin French, NewSong and Dove Award-winning new artist of the year Anne Wilson. $15. 7 p.m. Friday. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500. bandsintown.com.
Florida Gulf Coast Cluster AKC All Breed Dog Shows: There will be 10 All Breed AKC Dog Shows featuring conformation, obedience and rally, puppy trials, coursing ability tests (nonregistered dogs accepted) and owner-handler. Also, vendors, food and a yard sale (Jan. 17). Free (parking $5). 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville.
Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Fest: The Zephyrhills annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s signature event, features a BBQ competition, live blues music, a cornhole tournament, vendors and a military history museum. $5. 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills. 813-782-1913.
Larry the Cable Guy: The Grammy-nominated comedian and actor Larry the Cable Guy, who was the voice of Mater in the hit movies “Cars” and “Cars 2,″ brings his comedy back to town. $53.25 and up. 8 p.m. Saturday. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Katt Williams: The comic and Emmy Award-winning actor brings his 2023 and Me tour to Tampa. $59-$250. 8 p.m. Friday. Yuengling Center, 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.
Sunshine State Drone Expo: Find food, flight exhibitions and drone racing at this drone and RC expo. Speak with an FAAS Team drone pro, get hands-on experience with a commercial-grade drone and learn some interesting ways drones are being used today. You can also get your FAA TRUST certification and register drones on the spot. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Azalea Middle School, 7855 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 352-777-1583.
Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival: There will be sugarcane syrup making, a syrup-tasting competition, food trucks, vendors, speakers, crafts, ax throwing, live music, entertainment, working blacksmiths, model trains, moonshine stories, exhibits and moonshine samples. $10, $5 students, military free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City. 352-567-0262.
Barry Manilow: Hits 2023: The Grammy-, Tony- and Emmy Award-winning music legend celebrates his 50th anniversary as a recording artist on a tour that showcases his greatest hits. $15.75-$345.75. 7 p.m. Saturday. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.
The Manhattan Transfer: The Grammy-winning vocal group makes a local stop on the 50th anniversary and “final” world tour with special guest the Diva Jazz Orchestra. $53-$78. 8 p.m. Saturday. Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Battle of the Bay: Major League Baseball All-Star and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, a Tampa native, has set up this home run derby at his former high school. Boys and girls ages 12-16 from area little league and softball programs will see who can hit the most home runs. There will be food trucks, games and activities, and Alonso and other MLB friends will put on a hitting exhibition. Go to alonsofoundation.networkforgood.com for tickets. $5-$25. 3-6 p.m. Saturday. Plant High School, 2415 S Himes Ave., Tampa.
Bacon and BBQ Fest: It’s all about the bacon. The Facebook advertisement even shows a picture of a beer mug made out of it. Live music by Kash’d Out, Seranation, Drifting Roots and more is also on the menu. $12, 12 and younger free. 4 p.m. Saturday. Vinoy Park, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.
Aretha: Queen of Soul: As part of the Florida Orchestra Pops series, vocalist Capathia Jenkins performs a tribute to the songs of Aretha Franklin, including “Chain of Fools” and “Respect.” Stuart Malina conducts. $23-$65. 8 p.m. Friday at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa, and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-892-3337.
$6 Sundays at the St. Petersburg Museum of History: Enjoy $6 admission to the St. Petersburg Museum of History every Sunday through June. Reservations and prepurchased tickets are not required. $6. Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE. 727-894-1052.
