Top things to do in Tampa Bay this week Sugar Sand Festival, dog athletes, blues festival

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival: The annual sand sculpting festival opens Friday, April 11, and runs over three weekends through April 27. There are free activities for all ages, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks each Saturday night, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand sculpting competition. It’s $14 to see the exhibit of more than a dozen sand sculptures, age 3 and younger free. The exhibit is open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Located next to Pier 60 at 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. sugarsandfestival.com.

Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge: Some of the nation’s top canine athletes representing 10 states will compete in an array of events from high-flying disc routines, head-to-head weave pole racing, large, medium and small dog agility courses, and the fan favorite diving dog competition. Free and open to the public, including well-behaved dogs on leashes. 1 p.m. Friday, April 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater.

The Florida Orchestra: The Soldier’s Tale: This groundbreaking work by Stravinsky tells the story of a soldier who makes a deal with the devil in disguise. Chelsea Gallo conducts. Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. at New Tampa Performing Arts Center; Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater; and Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m., Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $25. floridaorchestra.org.

Tampa Bay Blues Kickoff Party: Ronnie Baker Brooks and North Mississippi Allstars; Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $30. tampabaybluesfest.com.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival: With Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Tab Benoit, JJ Grey & Mofro as headliners, the festival, which debuted in 1995, has become one of the area’s top blues gatherings. April 11-13, at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Single day tickets are $75. A 3-day pass is $180. tampabaybluesfest.com.

Kathleen Madigan: One of the premiere stand-up comedians, Madigan returns to the Mahaffey on her Day Drinking Tour. Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m., at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $41.50. TheMahaffey.com.

Chris Tucker: Wednesday, April 9, 8 p.m., in the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Tickets start at $103. Visit ticketmaster.com or seminolehardrocktampa.com.

Carin Leon: Thursday, April 10, 8 p.m., at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $45.75. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Opera Tampa: Opera Tampa presents Puccini’s “La Boheme,” which takes you back to Paris in 1830, where penniless, cold and starving characters thrive on tunes that come from the heart. 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

The Millennium Tour featuring Trey Songz, Omarion and more: Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m., at the Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $69.75. ticketmaster.com.

18th annual Pinellas Pepper Fest: The festival of flavorful explosion includes specialty exhibitors and food trucks that will tantalize your taste buds with special dishes and desserts, fiery sauces, salsas, rubs and more. Try hundreds of samples, from mild to wild, and explore pepper plants, local arts and crafts, gadgets and kitchenware. Free. facebook.com/PinellasPepperFest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13. England Brothers Park, 5010 Dave McKay Way, Pinellas Park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival: Guests can sip and savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats each weekend of the event. This weekend also brings Michael Ray on Saturday, April 12, known for hits like “Think a Little Less” and “Whiskey and Rain,” And Sunday, April 13, brings Fuel, the award-nominated multi-platinum rock band and Lit, which came comes out of the post-grunge era of the late ‘90s with hits like “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable”. Runs weekends through May 18. 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. buschgardens.com.

Record Store Day: The annual holiday for music fans returns on Saturday, April 12, with special vinyl releases and events at participating record stores. More than 370 special vinyl LP releases are coming to store shelves, featuring hits from Taylor Swift, Gorillaz, Charli XCX, Sting and other prominent artists. You can find a participating store at recordstoreday.com.

Tampa Bay Rowdies: The Rowdies home opener will be Saturday, April 12, against Loudoun United FC at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the team will hold theme nights. Tickets are $20-$81 at Al Lang Stadium, 230 First St. SE, St. Petersburg. rowdiessoccer.com.

Invisible Immigrants: The Tampa Bay History Center is the first museum is in the U.S. to host this exhibit, which had a four-year run in major Spanish cities. “Invisible Immigrants. Spaniards in the U.S. (1868–1945)” is on display through Aug. 3. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $18.95, students $15.95, age 6 and younger free. 801 Water St., Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org.

The Lion King: Disney’s six time Tony Award winning musical featuring stunning backdrops and recognizable music by Elton John and Tim Rice. TBA 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. (813) 229-7827.

National Geographic Live: Untold Story of Sharks with Jess Cramp: Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks. Starting at $25. 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. strazcenter.org

Blueberry Festival: Join Keel Farms for its annual festival with fresh blueberry U-pick, a blueberry shortcake eating contest and family-friendly activities like camel rides. Fridays and Saturdays April 6-7, 13-14, 20 and 27-18. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Keel Farms, 5202 W Thonotosassa Road, Plant City.

Trail Fun Run: This is a free walk/run. Join Healthy St. Pete and the St. Pete Running Company the second Saturday of every month. 8-9 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg.

Carmen Ciricillo: April 11-12, 8:30 p.m., at Clearwater Comedy Club, 483 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater. Tickets are $20. 727-435-0327. clearwatercomedyclub.com.

Art in Bloom: From Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13, visitors are invited to view floral interpretations inspired by masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts collection. This event features the stunning creativity of floral designers from across the state and beyond. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

Chicago: Friday, April 11, 8 p.m., at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park, 255 Drew St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $39. rutheckerdhall.com. 727-791-7400.

Puppy Hamlet: To bark or not to bark? That’s never a question in this improv version of Hamlet starring a cast of adoptable puppies. $48 at American Stage Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12.

Tampa Bay Rodeo: See a full rodeo and family festival with bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and bull dogging at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Friday-Saturday, April 11-12. Gates open at 5 p.m., rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $25 for children at the fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover. TampaRodeo.com.

Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival: Indulge in a variety of culinary experiences and dinners at this festival running April 8-12 at various locations. Restaurants on both sides of the bay will have tasting dinners and it will all end up in a Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, where $150 gets you all-inclusive admission with samplings from 40 of Tampa Bay’s signature restaurants and complimentary cocktails and wine tastings throughout. Tickets are $150-$300 at tampabaywff.com.

American Stage in the Park: Hair: The Tony-winning musical set in the 1960s era of flower power, protests and free love, runs every Wednesday-Sunday through April 27 at Demens Landing Park at Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S., St. Petersburg. This week features Pets in the Park Night (pets are encouraged to dress up as a flower child on April 12); . Tickets are $38-$58, with options for premium areas or reserved chairs at americanstage.org/shows/hair or by calling the box office at 727-823-7529. The show runs Wednesday-Sunday through April 27.

Glow Putt Putt Pop-Up: Sparkman Wharf and Water Street Tampa, Downtown Tampa. In celebration of The Masters, these two venues are transforming into a vibrant, after-dark mini-golf experience. Each location will feature a 9-hole illuminated course, filled with glowing obstacles, fun challenges, and an electrifying atmosphere. $10. tinyurl.com/3mfw8ny4. 6-10 p.m., April 11-12.

Sabor Cubano Fest: Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms, mouthwatering flavors, and rich traditions of Cuba at Sabor Cubano Fest, Tampa Bay’s premier celebration of Cuban culture. General admission $7, children under 12 years old admitted free. saborcubanofest.com. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 12. Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave., Tampa.

Lane 8: Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m., at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park, 255 Drew St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $38.70. rutheckerdhall.com. 727-791-7400.

Mac McAnally: Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets start at $43.25. rutheckerdhall.com. 727-791-7400.

Air Supply: Sunday, April 13, 7 p.m., at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park, 255 Drew St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $30. rutheckerdhall.com. 727-791-7400.

Rumble 100 Car Show: Don’t miss out on this fun, family-friendly event. Collector cars in several different categories will be judged and awarded prizes. Food and refreshments will be served. 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Hunter Memorial Park, County Road 233, Belleair.

Folly Faire: Visit Folly Farm’s nursery for a plant sale and ask a master gardener questions. Come and enjoy music, participate in family friendly nature activities and kids crafts. Held the second Saturday of each month. 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, April 12. Folly Farm Nature Preserve, 1538 Dr. MLK St. N., Safety Harbor.

Haiku Palozza at Jack’s House: Held at the historic Jack Kerouac House, cohost Tim Huff will give a talk about the history of traditional haiku and will discuss Jack’s intense relationship with haiku. There will be a reading of his haikus before an open mic session. Enjoy special Haiku pastries from Chef Shelley. 5169 10th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $10 on Eventbrite. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

Mickey Dolenz: Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $69.50. rutheckerdhall.com. 727-791-7400.

Loquat Festival: The only festival of its kind in the U.S. focuses on the loquat tree. It opens at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. at Sims Park in New Port Richey. The festival will have preserves, trees, brochures, scones, loquat-inspired crafts, lectures, seeds, poetry books and fresh fruit. Saturday, April 12. 6341 Bank St., New Port Richey. Free.

For Love or Money: Huey Lewis & Eddie Money Tribute: Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Tickets start at $29.50. LargoArts.com. 727-587-6793.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson: Ricky Nelson Remembered: Friday, April 11, 8 p.m., at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Tickets are $24.50. LargoArts.com. 727-587-6793.

The Henhouse Prowlers: Sunday, April 13, 7 p.m., at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Tickets are $19.50. LargoArts.com. 727-587-6793.

St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival: Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach. Admission is free. artfestival.com.

Ariella and Nicolaas: Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $30. mypalladium.org.

Leprous: Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., at Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets are $30 in advance. jannuslive.com.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: Friday, April 11, 7 p.m., at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $36. Visit TheMahaffey.com.

For Closure! April 11-May 11, at freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205. freefalltheatre.com.

Scotty Wright: Sunday, April 13, 3 p.m., at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $10. Visit mypalladium.org.

Chiodos: Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m., at Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. This show is sold out. jannuslive.com.

Billy Strings: Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., at the Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $39.50. ticketmaster.com.

Trapt: Friday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., at the Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa. Tickets start at $25. facebook.com/brassmugtampa.

Akaash Singh: April 11-12, at Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Tickets start at $36. Call 813-960-1197 or visit www.sidesplitterscomedy.com.

Project Nine: Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m., at the Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa. Tickets start at $10. facebook.com/brassmugtampa.

Kids Film Series: A Dog’s Purpose: Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m., at New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Tickets start at $5. newtampaartscenter.org.

The Dollyrots: Sunday, April 13, 6 p.m., at Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa. Tickets start at $17. Visit www.crowbarybor.com.

Eddie Griffin: Sunday, April 13, 8 p.m., in the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. Tickets start at $50. Visit Ticketmaster.com or seminolehardrocktampa.com.

Cheekface: Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m., at Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa. Tickets start at $22. Visit www.crowbarybor.com.

Art in the Park: Explore a vibrant collection of artworks created and available for purchase by the talented members of the Creative Artists Guild of Dunedin. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 13. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Dunedin.

The Market Marie: Shop local with over 85 small business owners every second Saturday. Enjoy live music, delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, henna, handmade candles, soap, pet treats, home goods and more. 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater.

Largo Live: Gather up the family, grab your blankets and chairs, and enjoy an evening of live music, games, food trucks, and more every Friday. This month’s performer is Samantha Jane Band. On-site parking is available. No personal alcohol is permitted. Pets on a leash are permitted. 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 11. Ulmer Park, 301 W. Bay Drive, Largo.

Also compiled by Lee Clark Zumpe, Tampa Bay Newspapers.