Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser Concert and Movie: Thursday, August 4, 7-10 p.m.
Enjoy live music by Jun Bustamante followed by a screening of the film Alegria and raffle as part of this fundraiser for the West Pasco Habitat for Humanity. $7 suggested donation, kids are free; 4131 Madison St., New Port Richey, codegreencommunity.org
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm Market: Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get fresh, organically grown hydroponic veggies straight from this CSA farm in Carrollwood. Open to the public. Arrive early for best selection! 5416 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, 813-293-3276; urbanoasisfarm.com
World Cafe Discussions: Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete, theworldcafe.com.
Brooksville Saturday Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
An array of vendors offering food, goods, plants, organics and more at this weekly event. 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, 352-428-9275.
Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.
Complete with more handcrafted goods, fresh fruits, veggies, and boiled peanuts than you can shake a stick at. 1109 Winthrop Market St., Riverview, 813-601-3129
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (through August 27)
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and so much more under the shade trees in Williams Park. 1st Ave N between 3rd and 4th Streets, St. Pete, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (year-round)
You'll be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, orchids, herbs and plants, pet treats, honey, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and so much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this 2-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to the tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve- 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Join us for this 0.75 mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike. Admission: Free. All ages welcome; children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass, a main-street style, pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts an open-air Fresh Market located on Paseo Drive and features 50+ Vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, TheShopsatWiregrass.com
Green Acres Aquaponic Farm Tour: First Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Come see this amazing organic hydroponic farm in action at this free, monthly tour. Small or large groups welcome. Free; 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395, greenacreorganics.biz
Garden Design Workshop: Saturday, August 6, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Find out how to design your yard and what you can plant for your edible garden during this free workshop. RSVP to organic.living@yahoo.com. Free; 1612 Gentry Street, Clearwater, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
'Health Starts Here' Tasting at Whole Foods: Saturday, August 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Curtis Whitwam, Healthy Eating Specialist, will be sampling delicious recipes that follow the four pillars of the Health Starts Here program: nutrient-dense, healthy fats, and plant strong whole foods. No registration necessary. Free; 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Howard Park Beach Hike: Saturday, August 6, 1:30 p.m.
Hike this scenic beach park with its mangrove habitat and butterfly garden with the Sucoast Sierra Club. Join them with an hour-long hike of this preserve. To RSVP or for information please contact Bonnie Aylor: Baylor@mail.usf.edu or 727-277-2656. Free; 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs, pinellascounty.org
Corey Ave. Sunday Market: Sundays, 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
Visit Corey Avenue's European-style, open-air market with local vendors offering produce, plants and flowers, prepared foods, arts and crafts and more. Plus, live music and free parking! Free; Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, coreyave.com
Odessa Open Market: First and third Sundays (year-round), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Find 100% organic and locally grown produce as well as local raw honey, Dancing Goat Dairy products, plants, food vendors and more. 8701 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, 813-944-8654, odessaorganic@gmail.com
Hyde Park Village Fresh Market: Sunday, August 7, 11 am-3 pm.
This is a monthly event giving the people of Tampa Bay yet another opportunity to buy a variety of locally-produced products. Modeled after the Tampa Downtown Market and the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market, this market will feature over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, live music, cooking demonstrations and a local massage therapist. Admission and parking are free to the public and friendly dogs on leashes are always welcome at the Fresh Market and in Hyde Park Village. For more information, visit hydeparkvillage.net or call 813-251-3500. 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa.
Volunteer at Sierra Club's Table at The Pier's Back to School Bash: Sunday, August 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Come help out at the Suncoast Sierra Club's table at The St. Pete Pier's Back to School Bash and spread the word about their programs and environmental awareness. If interested, please contact: Pat Kiesylis at goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Pete, stpetepier.com
This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 3, 2011.