Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of April 3-9
Sugar Sand Festival: Head to the beach for this 17-day sand-sculpting festival that includes a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks on Saturday, sand-sculpting classes, demonstrations and the main event: the master sand-sculpting competition. You can purchase a ticket to stroll through a 21,000-square-foot tent filled with sand-sculpted art crafted by world-class sculptors. $14, 3 and younger free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays through April 23. Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. 727-403-0517.
The Thorn: Often described as Cirque du Soleil meets the passion of Jesus, “The Thorn” combines dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics and powerful performances to tell the Easter story. $26.25 and up. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday. Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. 813-974-3111.
NCAA Frozen Four: The 2023 NCAA Frozen Four, a college ice hockey elimination round, will be held in Tampa. Semifinal games feature the nation’s best college ice hockey teams looking for a chance to compete in the National Championship game on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at NCAA.com/FrozenFour. $46-$146. 5-11 p.m. Thursday. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 877-269-6222.
David Koechner: The actor and comedian who spent one season on “Saturday Night Live” and has had guest appearances on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Reno 911″ and a recurring role on “The Office” performs. In addition to his standup shows, he’ll have an “Office”-themed trivia event, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the hit TV show, at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The standup shows are at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $27. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.
Jimmie Vaughan: The four-time Grammy winning guitarist-singer and founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds is joined by The Tilt-A-Whirl Band. $35-$55. 8 p.m. Friday. Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Easter Egg Drop: Twelve Church will drop more than 10,000 eggs from a helicopter after its two morning services on Easter morning at 9 and 11 a.m. Free. Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson. 727-246-4000.
Eggsploration: Downtown Tampa’s largest egg hunt returns, bringing thousands of eggs to the park. This year, adults can search for golden eggs in an attempt to win prizes including a Tampa Bay staycation. Free. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Boulevard, Tampa. 813-221-3686.
Adult Easter Egg Hunt: Why should kids have all the fun at Easter? Adults can explore the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, dye eggs for the monkeys, hunt for eggs, win raffles and enjoy mocktails and food. $20. 5-7 p.m. Saturday. Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, 4600 Alt. U.S. 19, Palm Harbor. 727-943-5897.
Blueberry Festival: This family-friendly event features u-pick blueberries, food and craft vendors, live music, a children’s area and special releases of Keel and Curley wines and Keel Farms Agrarian Ale + Cider. No cover. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through April 29. Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. 813-752-9100.
Putt-Putt Pub Crawl: Wear your best golf outfit for this seven-stop golf-themed pub crawl with four free drinks, free swag and drink specials. Stops include Thirsty First, ONS, Crafty Squirrel, Pour Judgment, Where’s Jubes, Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern and Whiskey Exchange. $25. 4-11 p.m. Saturday. Thirsty First, 119 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-317-3333.
Tampa Theatre Family Favorites: This portion of the series of films voted “Family Favorites” features the fantasy film “The Never Ending Story” (PG-1984). $10, $8 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. 3 p.m. Sunday. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.
Red Bull Dance Your Style: The global dance competition will feature 16 top regional dancers battling for a chance to compete in the National Final in Chicago. Local TikTok sensation Alexis “Yung BBQ” Feacher will be among those in attendance. The event is co-hosted by Puerto Rican artist and NBC “World of Dance” competitor Sonja La Makina and Litefeet dancer K-SOLE. Beats will be provided by Florida freestyler and DJ Hans Pierre. RSVP for free tickets at Eventbrite. Free. 8 p.m. Saturday. Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-618-5844.
Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival: On weekends through May 21, kiosks around the park are serving up small plates, cocktails, wine and craft beers. This week’s concerts feature Live (Saturday) and The Fab Four Beatles tribute (Sunday). Concerts are included with admission; food and drinks extra. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386.
Brew Crawl Trolley: Board the pirate-themed trolley to sing along with favorite drinking songs as you hop on and off for drinks and live entertainment at more than 12 stops. 21 and older only. $20. 3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon Sunday. Board at Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. 727-871-8060
Tampa Bay Strikers: The professional indoor soccer team takes on the Memphis Americans. $20 and up. 7 p.m. Friday. Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. 813-974-3111.
Shear Madness: The screwball hair salon whodunit enlists the audience to figure out the crime by following the clues and even questioning the suspects. Clues change every night, so audiences never know who the murderer will be until the end of the show. $43.50 and up. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Jaeb Theater at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
