Weekend Digest Tampa April 18 & 19

Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.

This weekend will continue sunny and warm, but with a shift in the winds late weekend.

Saturday will be mostly sunny and warm with highs near 90 inland, but cooler in the 80s in coastal areas.

Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the 60s.

Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs in the 80s. Winds will increase from the northwest late in the day.

Beach and boating

Beach conditions will be great this weekend with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine.

Boating conditions will also be good this weekend. The best boating day will be Saturday. Winds will increase Sunday afternoon from the northwest.

Your Hour-by-Hour Forecast | Check Klystron 9 Radar | Latest on the Tropics | Tropical Weather Graphics

PINELLAS

Women of Jazz XIX | Sunday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $10 – $55: In celebration of the rich and lasting contributions women have made to our history and culture, Valerie Gillespie leads this year’s Women of Jazz XIX concert, featuring an exceptional ensemble of artists.

Location: The Palladium Hough Hall | 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Ceramic Exhibitions | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Alexia Benavent-Rivera shares her ceramic dominos, relief photo tiles, and colorful banana bunches in a celebration of connecting with home and identity. Jenny Day displays an army of whimsical clay creatures surrounding an imaginary birthday party, using the fantastic and mystical to edge worry away.

Location: Morean Center for Clay | 420 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

4th Annual Tampa Bay Empanada Festival | Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. | $5: Whether you’re a foodie, a family looking for a fun outing, or just someone who loves a good time, this festival has something for everyone. Explore 50+ empanada varieties from 15+ local and regional vendors, sip on craft beers and curated cocktails, and groove to live music from great local DJs.

Location: Win! Derby at Historic Derby Lane St Petersburg | 10490 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

HILLSBOROUGH

Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: This family and pet friendly event will feature U-pick blueberries, local crafts and food, kids zone, petting zoo, camel rides and more! Parking is $10.

Location: Keel Farms | 5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565

Breakaway Music Festival Tampa 2026 | Saturday, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. | $136+: The electronic music festival returns for its third year, featuring artists such as Dom Dolla and KETTAMA.

Location: Raymond James Stadium | 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607

Tampa Bay Downs Corgi Derby | Saturday, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | $13: View adorable Corgis racing down the track in spirited heats. Join us for laughter, community, and stubby-leg speed while supporting CorgiAid, helping Corgis in need.

Location: Tampa Bay Downs | 11225 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626

POLK

Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo | Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. | $20+: Mark your calendars for aviation’s season opener during the 52nd Annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. Spend time reviewing the event website for the airshow schedule, workshop and forum schedules, evening entertainment, etc. Plan indoor activities like the Exhibit Halls early in the day when it’s cooler.

Location: Aerospace Center for Excellence | 4075 James C. Ray Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811

World of Reading | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: At the World of Reading Festival, you’ll find crafts, kids activities, balloon artists, face painters, snacks and drinks. The event will also include local family friendly singer and entertainer, Jack Hartmann. Each child that attends the event will also receive free books.

Location: Barnett Family Park | 730 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801

Lakeland Foodie Fest | Saturday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Bring your stretchy pants! Enjoy food trucks lined up and loaded, dessert tables that’ll make you forget your diet, live music keeping the vibes right, and local vendors bringing the heat.

Location: Lakeland Square Mall | 3800 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809

PASCO

2nd Annual Land O’ Lakes Seafood Festival | Saturday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $10 – $15: There will be fresh seafood, cold drinks, and three live bands that will keep the island vibes going all day long.

Location: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park | 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

Concert in the Park: The Caribbean Chillers | Saturday, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Florida’s favorite tribute to Jimmy Buffett returns to the stage at Sims Park. Parrot Heads are invited to soak in the sights, sounds, and laid-back spirit of a live Jimmy Buffett experience.

Location: Sims Park | Grand Blvd &, Bank St, New Port Richey, FL 34652

HERNANDO

MANATEE

Palmetto Chalk Art Festival | Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: This free, family-friendly event features artists transforming the streets into vibrant chalk masterpieces throughout the weekend. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and a variety of craft vendors, along with a dedicated free chalk area for kids to create their own designs.

Location: Sutton Park | 1036 6th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Friendly City Art Festival | Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Buy art from real life human artists and support Bradenton’s local creative economy.

Location: Oscura | 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Earth Day Manatee | Saturday, 9 a.m.: Join Keep Manatee Beautiful for a countywide day of action in Bradenton and Palmetto. Help plant trees, beautify public spaces, install planters, and remove litter to protect wildlife.

Location: Bradenton and Palmetto

CITRUS

SARASOTA

Big Truck Day | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the Atlanta Braves present Big Truck Day! Pull the levers, honk the horns and explore over 50 trucks with hands-on learning and crafting activities.

Location: CoolToday Park | 18800 W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293

North Port Collector Con | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: There will be a diverse range of collectibles, from vintage toys, comics, coins, and cards to rare memorabilia. It’s a free event with proceeds benefitting Suncoast Technical College.

Location: Suncoast Technical College | 4445 Career Ln, North Port, FL 34289

5th Annual Fire and Police Public Safety Day | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Fun for the whole family, the free event will include first responder vehicles and big trucks that children can sit in and learn about, demonstrations every half-hour, photo ID cards for kids, free food, face painting and more.

Location: Venice Community Center | 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar >>

1. DeSantis issues new proclamation for redistricting special session
2. Tampa woman becomes homeowner at 59 after years of renting
3. Fort Meade commissioners pass development agreement for data center, despite pushback from residents
4. New law will require training for doctors treating sickle cell patients
5. Clearwater neighbor raises safety concerns at Countryside Boulevard and Belcher Road
6. St. Pete Beach hotel declared a Florida heritage site

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