Sex and Tampa Bay

After a lot of debate, I decided to organize this weekend’s events by their cost. I know that money is a pretty big concern for people our age, especially with the rising cost of… everything. This way you can quickly find fun events that fit in your price range.

Keep in mind that the prices I list are just for admission or cover charges. There may be extra costs involved if you want to buy food or drinks.

Without further ado, here’s the happenings in the Bay this weekend (2/29-3/2).

FREE EVENTS

Free Style Makeover by the Garnier Fructis Style Bar

2/29 at the Brandon Town Center Food Court. Noon-9PM
3/1 at Channelside Bay Plaza. Noon-9PM
3/2 at Citrus Park Mall. Noon-6PM

Come get your hair did by the expert stylists of Garnier Fructis. Really, it’s a way for them to pimp out their styling product but you can use it to your advantage. Stop on by for a makeover before hitting the town.

Safety Harbor Seafood Festival

3/1 at the Safety Harbor Marina. Noon-10 PM
3/2 at the Safety Harbor Marina. Noon-6PM

The Safety Harbor Seafood Festival has everything you could want; food, drinks, music, and me! That’s right, your favorite blogger will be volunteering Saturday Night. What is this dating that other people do on the weekends? Seriously, this is going to be a lot of fun. They have local vendors, arts and crafts, and kayak tours of the bay. All at a price that you can’t argue with- Free!

Human Rights Walkathon

3/1 Straub Park in St. Petersburg. Walkathon Registration at 8AM, Walk at 9AM, Lectures and Entertainment at 10AM.

The Human Rights Walkathon is raising money to help combat the problems of human trafficking and human rights violations around the world. You still have time to  collect donations for your own walk, or you can come by starting at 10AM to listen to the speakers and learn more about the issue. A good way to get in your daily workout while also meeting new people who are passionate about doing good. Bring along a picnic lunch and have fun!

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

3/1  at Franklin Street and Lykes Gaslight Square Park in Tampa. 9AM-6PM
3/2 at Franklin Street and Lykes Gaslight Square Park in Tampa. 10AM-5PM

300 artists from around the country will come to Tampa this weekend as they vie for over $15,000 in prize money. Along with the art will be local bands and a great food court. It’s the perfect chance for art lovers to come out and mingle with other people, while getting a look at some of the best up and coming artists.

Cheap Events ($10 and under)

Wine Tasting to benefit Pinellas County Special Olympics

2/29 at Uncorked (2706 4th St N., St. Petersburg). 6:30-8:30 PM. $10 per person.

Sample wines and Olive Oil while getting an education in how to choose the perfect wine for any meal. A portion of the entrance fee and part of all sales for the night will go to benefit the Special Olympics of Pinellas Couinty.  Get your drink on for a good cause.

Rocky Horror Picture Show with Interchangeable Parts

3/1 at the Beach Theater (315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach). 11:50PM. $6.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=ev8-ilcUKDc]

It’s the ultimate Midnight Movie the way it was meant to be seen, with the cast of Interchangable Parts acting out the film in a theater that has a full bar. It’s a raunchy night of fun that you have to experience at least once in your life.

The Other Boleyn Girl

Opens 2/29 at movie theaters throughout the Bay area.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=axCxSAohKlA]

This new movie has something for everyone. History buffs get the re-telling of Henry VIII’s reign. Romantics get lots of courtly lust and romance. Boob fans get Scar Jo’s heaving cleveage. Check your local theater or movietickets.comfor showtimes.

30 Days of Night and The Darjeeling Limited on DVD

Now available for rent.

This week’s biggest DVD releases couldn’t be more different. 30 Days of Night is a high concept horror film about a small Alaska town taken over by vampires. The Darjeeling Limited is the latest flick by Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Life Aquatic) that deals with three brothers who bond while traveling in India.

Not Bad ($11-$25)

The Feminazi

2/29 at thestudio@620 (620 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg). 8PM. $15, portion of ticket price will be donated to CASA of St. Petersburg.

This one woman show featuring funny lady Suzanne Willett looks at modern feminism in equal parts of humor and thought provoking social commentary. No matter how you view the feminist movement the show will provide some good topics for debate. Not to mention that some of the proceeds goes to support the word of CASA of St. Pete, which helps fight domestic violence.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival- Chocolate Extravaganza Weekend

3/1 and 3/2 at the Museum of Science and Industry (Fowler Ave and 46th St., Tampa). 10AM-6PM. $16.95 adult admission. Discount tickets available. Bring 4 cans of food or donate blood to receive buy one, get one free adult admission.

The Ren Fest is always hit or miss for me. I’m either amused by the antics, or depressed by the wannabe actors who are much too into their roles. I do know this- chocolate makes everything good. This weekend is free chocolate weekend at the Fest, and that’ll make the nerds go down better. Along with the candy is all your other favorite Ren events like Jugglers, Jousting, and Turkey Legs.

Blood Feast 45th Anniversary

3/1 at Channelside Cinemas. 8PM. $15.

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Fans of films like Hostel and Saw will be fascinated by this rare showing of Blood Feast, the first film in the splatter genre. This special events (part of the Gasparilla Film Festival) includes a showing to the movie and a talk with the filmmakers.

Wallet Lighteners ($26-$50)

Moonlight Magic Night at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

2/29 at the Strawberry Festival Midway (2202 West Reynolds Street, Plant City). 11PM-3AM. $30- includes wristband for free midway rides.

I love fairs. The rides. The food. Um… that’s about it. I really can’t stand the low rent musical acts and animals on display, which is why Moonlight Magic night is perfect. For one low price you get the best parts of the fair without any of the filler. The rest of this weekend the fair dedicated itself to Kids and Family days, so this is the best chance for us singles to check it out.

Big Cat Rescue Night Tour

2/29 at Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary (12802 Easy St., Tampa). After Sunset. $50.

Come see how the cats play after the sun goes down. This amazing tour is only available once a month and you MUST reserve your place ahead of time.  This is an INTENSE experience. You’ll be face to face with tigers and lions without any safety fence. Because of the dangerous nature of this event you’ll need to be in good health and over 18. The ultimate adrenaline rush.

Paul Potts in concert

3/2 at Tampa Theater. 8PM. $36-$46. 

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=NLF9iEXnBRo]

The YouTube clip says it all. Paul Potts is the phone salesman turned opera singer who became an internet sensation when he won the UK Reality show “Britain’s Got Talent”. Now you can see him in concert at the Tampa Theater. Tickets are extremely limited, and are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Frank Caliendo

3/2 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. 6:30PM and 8:30PM. $45.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=P52bmJXYQPQ]

The impressionist, known for his work on MADtv, comes to town with a show highlighting his best bits. From his dead on John Madden to Robert De Niro and George Bush, Caliendo is a a true talent.

Hey Big Spender (over $50)

Documentary Filmmaking Workshop

3/1 at Eckerd College’s Franklin Templeton Building (4200 54th Ave S., St. Petersburg). 10AM-5PM. $125.

Are you a budding filmmaker with an eye towards putting real life on film? Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Leonard Retel Helmrich is at Eckerd College as part of the Environmental Film Festival and he is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to capture a moment on film. Participation is limited to 25 people, so be sure to register online at the above link.

Gretchen Wilson at Universal Studios Mardi Gras

3/1 at Universal Studios in Orlando. Park opens at 9AM. Concert starts at 8:30 PM. Full day tickets start at $69. Nighttime Tickets available after 5PM for $46.95.

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The Redneck Woman is taking court at Universal Studios Mardi Gras Parade. Make the trek to O-town to tackle the theme park and then catch the nightly Mardi Gras Parade and Concert. There are lots of different tickets and packages available so be sure to check out the website.

Gasparilla Film Festival Closing Ceremony

3/2 at The Florida Aquarium. 7:30 PM. $150.

Mingle with the stars as the Gasparilla Film Festival comes to a close. Meet the directors, have some great food, and see actress/Tampa native Britney Snow (American Dreams, Nip/Tuck, Hairspray) on hand to accept an award.

If you would like to submit your event for an upcoming weekend, send an email to 28intampabay@gmail.com.