Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Feb. 13-19
Rays Fan Fest: Join the Rays for a fun-filled day with family activities including a yard sale benefitting the Rays Baseball Foundation, player interaction, games, inflatables, mascots, a stage show and first access to Rays 25th anniversary merchandise. Free, but tickets required through the Ballpark App at mlb.com/apps/ballpark. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-825-3137.
Andrea Bocelli: Known as “the world’s most romantic voice,” the multi-platinum selling Italian tenor performs a Valentine’s Day concert with the Opera Tampa Chorus. The performance features arias, crossover hits and famed love songs. Starting at $83.75. 8 p.m. Feb. 16. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Rod Stewart: The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted singer-songwriter performs his iconic hits at the Hard Rock Event Center. $275-$450. 8 p.m. Feb. 16. Seminole Hard Rock, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
The Temptations: The first Motown act to win a Grammy Award is joined by The Four Tops. $45-$89. 8 p.m. Feb. 17. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
ReadOut Literary Festival: A festival of LGBTQ literature. Activities include readings, poetry, book signings, author talks, panel discussions, workshops and more. This year’s theme is “Literary Queeries: A pitch letter for valuing LGBTQ+ literature, one presentation at a time.” Free. 5-8:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 18, 9:20 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. 727-893-1074.
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival: This community event emphasizes education in food consumption, agricultural science and improved lifestyle choices, including physical fitness. It adheres to a “health is wealth” initiative, focusing on health care disparities within the Black population. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 18. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg.
Dancing With the Stars: Live!: Your favorite dancers from this iconic television series hit the stage with a new show that takes the costumes, pageantry and competitive fire of the hit ABC show on the road and features some of the program’s most popular participants. $38.75-$78.75. 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 18. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Brunched: In addition to unlimited brunch samples, this event also features a Bloody Mary competition, a variety of boozy beverages and photo opportunities. Eateries include Sweep Coffee, Fresco’s, Sea Dog Cantina, Hew Parlor and Chophouse, Bulla Gastrobar, Cru Cellars, 7th + Grove, Shuffle and Dough. $45-$75; purchase tickets at tampabayeventtickets.com/events/132571475/brunched-2023. All ticketing tiers come with unlimited brunch bites, bubbles and complimentary parking. Noon Feb. 18. Tampa River Center, 402 W Laurel St., Tampa. 813-739-4800.
Localtopia: The celebration of local makers, artist and vendors returns to Williams Park and promises its biggest gathering ever, with more than 300 vendors signed on. Free bike valet at Williams Park and free parking at Tropicana Field Lots 1 and 2 with a free trolley. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 18. Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
John Mellencamp: The small-town guy, Grammy Award winning musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer returns to Clearwater for the first time since 2019. $53.25-$143.25. 8 p.m. Feb. 13-15. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Skate Shop Day: The annual celebration of skate shops features a free skating session, deals in the shop, limited special releases and product giveaways. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 18. SkatePark of Tampa, 4215 E Columbus Drive, Tampa. 813-621-6793.
Bounce the Mall: An inflatable festival comprised of eight unique bouncy attractions. Includes a 600-foot-long obstacle course, a bottomless ball pit, a silent disco dome with live DJs, lights and special effects, a Sports Slam and tons of selfie stations. Starting at $23. 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 12:30-5 p.m. Feb. 19. Tyrone Square Mall, 6901 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg.
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. Feb. 15-17; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18-19. Runs through April 8 at the Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Tampa Bay Strikers: Tampa Bay’s indoor soccer team faces off against the Columbus Rapids. Starting at $20. 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. 813-974-3111.
St. Petersburg Science Festival: Known as Science in the Sun, this annual festival is a regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 18. Poynter Park, 1000 Third St. S, St. Petersburg.
Marine Quest: Speak with some of Florida’s top researchers, hang with sharks and rays and learn about manatees, birds, coral, red tide and more. From touch tanks with live critters to activities for kids and demonstrations, there is something for everyone. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 18. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 727-896-8626.
