Pops in the park: Pack a blanket and a picnic for free music under the stars, an Orchestra of Florida tradition for nearly 30 years. Perfect for date night or family time, the show features movie scores, Broadway hits and symphonic favorites. Daniel Black directs. Free. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Julian B. Lane Park, 1001 N Boulevard, Tampa. 813-259-1610.
River Festival: Riverfest spans the entire length of the Riverwalk, including several parks and offers family-friendly activities and events featuring Tampa’s local cultural institutions, musicians and restaurants. The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and TacoFest on Saturday. There’s also a full concert series from local bands on the main stage at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a sunset balloon glow on both nights. Other activities include a sausage dog derby, sidewalk chalk artists, and a stand-up paddleboard invasion. Free. 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Riverwalk, Tampa. 407-697-0038.
Florida Vienna Dog Derby XII: Watch dachshunds of all ages and sizes race through seven racing divisions to see who crosses the finish line first. Approximately 300 dogs will compete in races and other contests including Best Kisser, Best Tail, Best Nose, Speed Trap and P-Nut Butter Lick. Benefits Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida, Skyway Dachshund Rescue, DARE Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education, and Save Our Cocker Spaniels (SOCKS). Free, race/contest fees start at $11. 10am-4pm Saturday. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. 407-502-0852.
TJ Miller: The actor and comedian best known for starring in Silicon Valley and the How to train your dragon series and playing Weasel in the dead Pool films has chosen Tampa to film its next comedy special, The circus of philosophy. $42. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.
Fun on the farm during sunflower season: Weave your way through a maze of towering sunflowers at this farm festival featuring hay rides, a treetop playground, tumbleweed rolls, giant foosball, pump duck races pitcher, sunflower crafts, pedal tractors, access to the harvest barn, access to picking fields and visits with farm animals. $10.75, 2 and under free. 10am-2pm Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday. Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. 352-279-0977.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/URBZS2KFIRCVRAQRMAXHAF7MXE.JPG "Fight your way through a maze of sunflowers at Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown this weekend. The labyrinth will be open on weekends until May 30.")
Star Wars Night: This is the Way: DJ Emperor Tom Gold and Jedi Master DJ KC Killjoy spin the latest industrial/gothic/EBM/electro/noise and synth pop for this May 4th Be With You celebration with drink specials, Vulcan Death Grip hits, lightsaber floggings, a Wookiee howl contest and costume contest. $20. 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. The Castle, 2004 N 16th St., Tampa. 813-247-7547.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/MM5ST76AWFAT3CHHZIYIWENSUM.JPG "Are you planning your weekend?")
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Literary drag show: “Welcome to Dragwarts” is a literary cabaret show that features drag performers, burlesque artists and other performers taking the stage in celebration of the world of Harry Potter. 18 and over. $20-$25 to wordierthanthou.com. 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Mirror Lake St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N. 727-822-2083.
American scene in the park: After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, American Stage returns to the outdoor park scene with Footloose — La Musical, based on the 1984 film of the same name. $21 to $53. 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Demens Landing Park, 100 First Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/YAPQQWNRLFDWLICT3DCMLFWX5A.JPG "The cast of the American Stage in the Park production of")
Iconic: Portrait Edition: Morean Arts Center takes over Seventh Street N and Morean Glass Studio for this fundraiser featuring a variety of activities inspired by portraiture. Walk the red carpet in your most iconic look, watch artists in action as they paint portraits of unique individuals vying for judges and People’s Choice awards at the end of the night. You can also paint your own pop art portrait, and there will be other hands-on activities. $150. 7-10 p.m. Saturday. Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872.
Lead Foot Fiesta: Cinco de Mayo Festival: This traditional fiesta adds an automotive twist with Latin dancing, Luchador wrestling, a low rider car show, a mariachi band and a concert by Tito Puente Jr. $10. 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Road, Brooksville. 844-532-3366.
Cinco de Mayo Street Party: The 30th annual celebration includes mariachi Guadalupe, Grupo Folklorico Mahetzi, free salsa lessons, Orquista Infinidad, a Mojinganga parade, drum line and dancing. No cover (food/drink extra). 11am-11pm Thursday. Casa Tina’s, 365 Main Street, Dunedin. 727-734-9226.
Mom’s night: If you’ve ever taken care of a child, pet, houseplant or anything else, you’re invited to a free screening of magic mike as part of the Film Tampa Bay series, which features local films, filmmakers, actors and locations. Free. 7 p.m. Thursday. Tampa Theater, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.
Jimmy Failla: The New York taxi driver became a comedian who hosts the Fox News Radio talk show Fox Across America and has been on AXS TV Gotham Comedy Live carried out. $32. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.
Maxwell: Three-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum Maxwell performs with Anthony Hamilton and Joe. $70.25 – $130.25. 8 p.m. Saturday. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/W26TD6WB4QI6TNV2IBWI6S7HAY.jpg "Maxwell is scheduled to perform Saturday at Amalie Arena in Tampa.")
Group visit: In The group visit, a group mysteriously brings a desert town to life in tantalizing fashion. $46.50 – $101.50. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
