USF St. Petersburg – Frontiers in Marine Sciences Lecture: Thursday, April 5 – Friday, April 6; 1:30-5 p.m.
Hey marine science buffs, head to USF College of Marine Sciences for a Frontiers in Marine Sciences lecture. Part of the Eminent Scholars Lecture Series, featuring several guest speakers. Will be held in Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium. Free; 100 8th Ave. SE, St. Petersburg, 727-553-1130, marine.usf.edu
Camp Bayou – Full Moon Night Hike: Friday, April 6; 7:30-9 p.m.
If the thought of hiking in the pitch black excites you, this Full Moon Night Hike will get you pumped. Keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal creatures such as bats, owls and fireflies. Register at [email protected]. Donation of $5 is encouraged. Located three miles south of SR674 at end of 24th St. SE, Ruskin, 813-641-8545, campbayou.org
St. Pete Locally Grown – Summer Vegetable Workshop: Saturday, April 7; 1-3 p.m.
If the thought of gardening and the scorching sun makes you sweat, check out this Summer Vegetable Growing workshop. Gardening guru Nathan Levy will teach you how to grow veggies that withstand 90 degree temps, how to handle pests and more. Grab seeds from previous harvests on your way out. $35 or $25 each if you bring a buddy; 5305 20th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-403-1655, [email protected]
Organic Living – Planting Workshop: Saturday, April 7; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
If you are a gardening newbie, or if your gardening skills are a little bit rusty, check out this “How do I properly plant seeds and plants?” workshop. You will get your hands dirty, but you will learn how to plant a thriving garden. Free; 601 Patricia Ave., Dunedin, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
Corey Avenue Sunday Market: Sunday, April 8; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shop for fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, kettle corn, arts and crafts, and listen to live music. Go bananas for Gone Bananas, who will be present with organic vegan and gluten-free frozen treats. Enjoy barbeque specialties from Mr. I Got ‘em BBQ. Listen to tunes by Tarpon Springs father and son duo, Joel and Dakota Band. This open-air market is the one to visit every Sunday during the fall and winter seasons. Always free parking, within walking distance. Located just off Gulf Boulevard, between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in Downtown St. Pete Beach, 727-498-8778, coreyave.com
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays (year-round); 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass. This pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts the open-air Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall, and features over 100 vendors selling local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, tampabaymarkets.com
Green Acre Organics Aquaponic Farm: First Saturdays (year-round); 11 a.m.
Take advantage of this tour of Green Acre Organics’ unique aquaponic farm, the first Saturday of each month. Small and large groups are welcome. This event is free. 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395, greenacreorganics.biz
Dunedin Green Market: Fridays; 8 a.m.-1p.m.; Saturdays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a craft show, in addition to the usual market highlights of fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood and clothing. Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays; 9 a.m-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Observe how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes during this 0.75 mile hike. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by noon on the Friday before the hike of your choice. This event is free. All ages welcome, but children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800, brookercreekpreserve.org
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays; 9a.m.-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. 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. Pre-registration is required by 2 p.m. on the Friday prior to the tour of choice (pre-registration is required). This event is free and open to the public. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve is located 1800 Weedon Drive NE St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org
Land O Lakes Saturday Market: Saturdays (through May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Land O Lakes Saturday Market is a weekly community event with live music. The market donates profits to the Heritage Park Foundation and the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. They are located at Land O Lakes Community Center, on the west side of US 41 (Land O Lakes Boulevard), three miles north of SR 54 (across from the Land O Lakes Post Office), Land O Lakes, lolsaturdaymkt.com
Safety Harbor Farmers Market- Thursdays (November-May); 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Enjoy organic produce, plants and fresh flowers, gourmet foods, baked goods, snacks, plants and fresh flowers and handmade jewelry at Safety Harbor Farmers Market. Located at the Gazebo at John Wilson Park. 401 Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572, cityofsafetyharbor.com
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday, (October-May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Featuring locally-grown fresh produce, prepared foods, tempting baked goods, handcrafted gifts, plants, flowers, herbs, live music, and more. Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot (1st Avenue S. and 1st Street, St. Petersburg, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Tampa Downtown Market: Fridays (October- May); 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This market is a community of local farmers and producers, who take pride in providing local residents and businesses with quality, nutritious, reasonably-priced food and gourmet products. Tampa Downtown Market is located on the 200 and 300 blocks of Twiggs Street, spanning Franklin Street, in the heart of downtown Tampa. Metered parking is available on nearby streets, and several parking lots and garages are available throughout downtown, including MAAS Lot (across the street from the market), Jackson Street City Lot, Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage. Twiggs Street and Franklin Street, Tampa, tampadowntownmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays (year-round); 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
You’ll be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, honey, herbs and plants, orchids, pet treats, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
