It's shaping up to be another beautiful weekend here in Tampa Bay! Outdoor activities like picnicking, going to the beach, going for a run on the trail or in a park, or perhaps taking in the art and scenery as you bike Bayshore Blvd. in South Tampa are fun but once again we have many choices when it comes to things to do in our area.  We've curated a list of the Top 10 things to do on both sides of Tampa Bay this weekend -- which with Mother's Day is going to be busy for many. Perhaps you should take Monday off right now, you are going to need a recovery day!

Top Ten Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, May 12th

1st Annual Tampa International Fringe Festival

ARE YOU READY TO FRINGE? Wondering what the Fringe Fest is, it's a multi-disciplinary, open-access, uncensored performing arts festival taking place over 4 days, in 4 venues, showcasing 29 companies, 88 shows, 115 artists and YOU! It's about supporting one another and the arts and artists in Tampa, Expect all genres and subject material, mostly new work, but some classics as well, Parties! People! and Celebration! Fringe will support the arts in a way that is economical for the audience while aiding the artist. Tampa's four-day fest kicks off the International Circuit Thursday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 14th. Read more about gettin' fringey and buy your buttons in Your Guide to the 1st Annual Tampa Fringe Festival. Friday's activities begin at 3 pm.

Ybor City, Tampa FL, 33605. Phone 727-513-8433

Clearwater Beach Taste Fest

The 8th Annual Clearwater Beach Taste Fest takes place along the soft sugar sand beaches of Clearwater Beach Friday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. This annual foodie-centric event is yummy for both the tummy and the eyes! Using picturesque Clearwater Beach's Walk Promenade on So. Gulfview Blvd. in front of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach as a venue is brilliant! This year's event will feature tastings from over 30 participating restaurants, wine and craft beer, live music from Chello Hollyday, The Black Honkeys and more. Look for exquisite raffle items, a live auction, specialty vendors and more!  Whether this is your first time or you're a seasoned guest, the good news is there are more parking options than ever! Click over to the event page thru the title and head over to their website to choose how you will arrive at this tasty festival!

333 South Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach FL, 33767.

The Weeknd - Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour

The Weeknd - Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour crashes into Amalie Arena Friday night at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are still available to experience this Canadian Starboy as he continues his ascent! Concert reviews have been positive, his show matches the hype, not sure we will get Kendrick Lamar, but anything can happen, right!

401 Channelside Dr, Tampa FL, 33602.

SeaGrapes Wine & Food Festival

At SeaGrapes Wine and Food Festival, enjoy wonderful wines and sample fantastic foods while strolling among more than 20,000 amazing animals and plants native to Florida. Take part in raffles, a silent auction, enjoy live music from several bands all while raising money for youth environmental education programs. Read specifics about this event in Local Contributor Lauren's article Uncork Friday Night at Tampa's Celebrated SeaGrapes Festival.

701 Channelside Drive, Tampa FL, 33602. Phone 813-273-4000
 
Saturday, May 13th
 

Sesame Street Kids' Weekend

This over-the-top Cookie Monster Celebration at Busch Gardens is crafted for kids featuring animal encounters, parades, dance parties and Sesame Street friend encounters within the park. Included with admission, Sesame Street Kids Weekend takes place Saturday and Sunday. Get those cameras ready!

Busch Gardens, Tampa FL, 33674. Phone 888-800-5447

2017 Temple Terrace Craft Brew Fest

What could be more fun than sampling 100 plus beers from 35 different brewers - all under the shady oaks of Historic Woodmont Park in quaint old Temple Terrace this weekend, or should we call it the WeekMend? Join the Rotary Club of Temple Terrace at this, their 3rd annual event including home brewers, local breweries and even some of the BIG boys!  Yes, the ladies love the craft beer scene too! Open from 4 pm to 8 pm, tickets start at $20. You can read more about this festival in Beer Lovers Prepare as 3rd Annual Craft Brew Fest Hits Tampa Bay!

415 Woodmont Ave, Temple Terrace FL, 33617. Phone 813-230-3389

St Pete Beach Beer Festival 2017

More than 50 beers from both national and local craft breweries will be available at this year's St Pete Beach Beer Fest located at the St Pete Beach Recreation Center on the Intercoastal. This festival is not for profit, proceeds benefit local fire stations. Enjoy the fest Saturday on St. Pete Beach from 4 pm to 8 pm.

7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St. Pete Beach FL, 33706. Phone (727) 363-9245

John Legend Darkness and Light Tour

Yes! John Legend brings his crew to Clearwater Saturday for this special thing to do! From 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm under the stars in Coachman Park you can relax overlooking Clearwater Beach as you welcome this award-winning singer/songwriter to a concert in the park! Tickets are still available including a VIP experience. Click over to the event listing and hit the TICKETS button for more information.

301 Drew St., Clearwater FL, 33755. Phone 727-562-4800
 
Sunday, May 14th

Jazz In The Park with David Sanborn

Join us as we continue to celebrate the 17th Annual Music Fest as part of the Black Heritage Festival with jazz legend David Sanborn in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park this Sunday. The event is free to attend, you can purchase preferred and VIP seating. The festival includes concerts, a children's village, food and specialty vendors, giveaways and more. Another great way to spend Mother's Day in Tampa Bay!

600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa FL, 33602.

Stagework's Production Avenue Q

Winner of the Tony Triple Crown Award for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK, AVENUE Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. Don’t miss your chance to see what everyone is laughing about!  Many performances sold out and are selling out, only a few days remain, find details in our review Avenue Q is a Fun, Must See, Puppet-Filled Comic Trip. This weekend Avenue Q is staged Friday, Saturday and Sunday, however...every performance EXCEPT for Sunday is SOLD OUT as I write this. Get your hands on tickets now!

1120 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL, 33602. Phone (813) 226-8735
 
Looking for things to do Mother's Day, the best restaurant for Mom or more cool things to do? If so you will enjoy:
Mokokama says, "Weekends are an employee's parole!"  So before you head back behind bars, live a LOT by hitting up as many of the Top 10 Things to Do this Weekend as you can. Some are completely free, many are near cool places to explore, eat and relax before and after the event. Weekends are too short to sleep, get out there and have some fun!