Though the weekend's off to a soggy start, skies should hopefully clear up soon. Here are some of the biggest , most worthwhile diversions going on this weekend in case you're predisposed to getting off the couch.
Really Retro: The local bike crowd's favorite combo of riding, socializing and regressive fashion choices, Tweed Ride 2015 may or may not be a wet one. Doors open and registration begin at 2 p.m. Gather before the ride for tea and scones and a game of croquet. Sponsors/participants include Cycle Brewing, Web Design by Wendy Scarpa Osusky, Todd Bates Creative, Green Bench Brewing Co., St. Pete Bike Co-op, Two Fold Bicycle Shop, St. Pete Bike and Fitness and Craftsman House. Registration starts at 2 p.m.; ride starts at 4. If it's too wet for ya, an after party should take place indoors 5-9 p.m. features music by the Cook Trio and vittles catered by Eat This. 559 Mirror Lake Drive, St. Petersburg. stpeteshuffle.com.
Gasp-ariffic! Drawing nearly a quarter-million art lovers of all ages to downtown Tampa each year, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a juried competition that features competitors from across the U.S. and around the world. Works of local young and emerging artists, live entertainment (including the Applebutter Express Band), local food vendors and children’s art areas are featured. Coinciding with the big event are a handful of peripheral events that offer more daring, whimsical and provocative content. Check out the Pavilion Project at Kiley Garden and Carmada art cars, too.
A few blocks away after Saturday's event, Cafe Hey's Gasp!arilla opens with a reception at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. It includes local favorites Branden Hollywood and Kelli Tanner, along with some fresh faces Jaylene Lecaro and Eric Goodnight (work pictured, right). Comic artist Goodnight hosts the Drink And Draw event at the cafe. Cafe Hey is at 1540 Franklin St., Tampa. Gasparilla Festival of the Arts runs Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., March 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, gasparillaarts.com.
Titan-ic: St. Pete avant-art enthusiasts have one more stop this weekend. Burg-based artist J. “Tattoo Titan” Michael Taylor has opened Black Amethyst Tattoo and Fine Art Gallery in the historic Sir Walter building and is celebrating with a grand opening exhibition Feb. 28, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Taylor’s Demigods series of acrylic paintings will make the most of Taylor's bold, full-color technique that made him a runner up on the first season of CMT’s tattoo-challenge show Tattoo Titans — hence the nickname. 689 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St., St. Petersburg. blackamethysttattoogallery.com.
Zoominations: A Chinese Lantern Festival of Lights The first of its kind in the southeast, this festival of lights will showcase the intricate and renowned art of Chinese lantern making. 40 artists from the Chinese village of Zigon, the birthplace of the Chinese Lantern Festival, have traveled to Lowry Park to illuminate 26 acres of the zoo. Guests should expect 30 scenes designed around traditional Chinese themes and larger-than-life animals like elephants and rhinos. Anticipated to be one of the largest lantern festivals held in the U.S., Zoominations will also feature performances by Chinese acrobats and an artisan market with handmade crafts. Through May 31. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552. LowryParkZoo.org/Lantern.
Hot dawg! Other than your Uncle Hank at the barbecue buffet, of course — a regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog-Eating Contest will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Florida Strawberry Festival's Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage. The top male and female finisher for this event will each qualify for a spot to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4, where they will face reigning champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo. For those who don't enjoy watching people gorge on processed-meat, the Strawberry Festival has a plethora of rides of new attractions to enjoy. Click here for info and schedule.
A comedy empress and jackass: It's a stellar weekend for stand-up. Outspoken activist, actor, writer, TV host and funny gal Margaret Cho takes over Ybor's Improv Friday and Saturday night. In Carroll-hood, Steve-O is gracing Side Splitters with his mischievous wit. Check out Laugh Tract for more comedy.
What if Malcolm and MLK met? Offering an imagined scenario between two civil rights leaders, The Meeting brings together two icons to hash out solutions and ideas at Stageworks Theatre. Josh Goff plays Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Federico Gordon Jr. revives Malcolm X. Directed by Ron Bobb-Semple, the play is featured his one-man cultural and educational presentation, The Spirit of Marcus Garvey. Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.$20, $15.
Miranda Sings: The high-water-pants-wearing, lipstick-smeared homeschooled cult comedy sensation has millions of views online and has performed all over the world. The alter ego of comedian Colleen Ballinger will be sure to deliver a show unlike any other this week, chock full of jokes, hit songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings of hate mail and never-before-seen videos. $33/$58.50. Sat., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. tampatheatre.org.
One more before you go: Saturday is the Roadside Attraction Grand Opening Bash The Best of the Bay-winning vintage decor, novelty and clothing shop has a new location and celebrates in the morning with harp music by John McColley. Afternoon tunes by a three-piece version of St. Pete reggae/ska/jazz band, UNRB, plus live Tiki carving demonstrations, refreshments and all day shopping and shenanigans. Sat., Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Roadside Attraction, 13836 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-793-8826. RoadsideAttractionVintage.com.
This article appears in Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2015.