Get out your LGBT weekend calendar

By Tiffany Razzano on Fri, May 17, 2013 at 6:41 am

Celebrate 20 years of the Suncoast Softball League, Tampa Bay’s largest LGBT sports organization, on Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m., at Bradley’s on 7th, 1510 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. The day includes drink specials, cash prizes and a special community presentation.

Sarasota’s Harvey Milk Festival takes place this weekend. This free festival honors the life of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay Americans elected to public office, by fostering emerging talent in musicians and artists who support diversity and promoting LGBT equality.

On Friday, May 17, the festival presents the opening of its Equality Gallery at MillerBrady Fine Art, 614 Florida Ave., Sarasota. This year’s gallery theme is “Beyond Bullying.”

The main music festival takes place Saturday at Sarasota’s Five Points Park. The event starts at 4 p.m., runs until midnight, and includes performances by French Horn Rebellion, Clementine and the Galaxy, MeteorEyes, Jen Rock and the Crybabies, Waking Giants and more.

Sawmill Resort in Dade City hosts its Bears Return Spring Fling event this weekend. Events include clothing optional pool parties, Beerbusts, Bearaoke, a T-Dance and more.

If you’re looking for a bear-filled weekend a bit closer to home, head to Flamingo Resort for its Bear Soup Mix, which runs through Sunday.

On Wednesday, May 22, 4 — 7 p.m., join local elected officials and announced candidates at the Harvey Milk Day Meet and Mingle at The Birchwood Inn, 340 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg. Tickets are $50. Proceeds from the event support two local non-profits, Pinellas Youth Pride and You Are Valued.

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If you're still looking to make weekend plans, there are plenty of LGBT events in the Tampa Bay area.

The Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, hosts its eighth annual Pride & Passion event on Saturday, May 18 starting at 8 p.m. The event features cuisine from Timpano Italian Chophouse, complimentary cocktails and beverages, entertainment and gallery admission. Plus, every paid admission receives a full-year museum membership. Cost is $85 per person after May 1.

Girl2Girl Productions holds its second live music showdown on Saturday, May 18, 8 p.m. at the Local 662, 662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Three female-fronted bands — Iris Calling, Kill the Sound and Anyone’s Guess — are playing for a chance to win $500 and perform at the November Girls OutLoud Music Festival. Cover is $5.