Top Events Taking Place In Tampa Bay Feb. 8-10

TAMPA BAY, FL -- If you're looking for something to do this week, here are some ideas:

Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is underway and will continue through Feb. 18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds on U.S. 301 in Tampa, just off Interstate 4.

The fair features deep-fried food, midway rides, agriculture exhibits, equestrian events and entertainment.

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and President's Day, the gates will open at 9 a.m. with the midway opening at 10 a.m. Gates will close between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Click here for discount tickets.

Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival

The 27th annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 271 Main St., Dunedin.

Located along Dunedin's Main Street, visitors will see works by some of the country's finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in America. The festival features ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry and an expansive Green Market.

Pasco Blues and Food Festival

The Pasco Blues and Food Festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.

The festival features live music and food from around Tampa Bay. Local blues musicians will perform throughout the day. The lineup includes George Pennington III, Steve Arvey, Home Cookin’ Band, Pasco Lefty and headliner Forever Eric: Eric Clapton Tribute from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a fun zone for the kids as well. Seating is limited so bring lawn chairs. Tickets are $5.

Uka-Palooza!

Uka-Palooza! the first-ever one-day ukulele festival, will take place during the Florida State Fair at the Charles M. Davis Special Events, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa, on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will feature a concert by James Hill and opening act, The Barnkickers, at 8 p.m.

Presented and sponsored jointly by the fairgrounds and the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, the festival will include ukulele performances, family art activities with the Safety Harbor Arts and Music Center, Hawaiian culture with Hui Na Aikane O Hawaii, an Amateur Chefs SPAM-Off cooking contest, a SPAM-a-LOT Carving Contest and the annual flower show of the Sunset Chapter, American Hibiscus Society.

Events include a beginners workshop with 50 ukuleles provided by Luna Guitars and the Tampa Bay Ukulele Socieity, a performance by CMA 2017 Emerging Artist Jessica Rose, The Hawaiian Show with Ty Olopai,Sounds of Aloha and Noelani Tagarelli, a jam (bring your own uke), a performers showcase and jam with Tom Hood and the Tropical Sons, Big Tiki and the Mai Tais, JCT 27 and James Hill, sponsored by Replay Guitar Exchange and vendors including cigar box uke maker Brett Holden, Cool Art Uke displays and Mikey's Aloha Shirts.

The price of admission for the Florida State Fair on Feb. 9 includes admission to Uka-PALOOZA!

A special "Teach the Teachers' workshop with James Hill requires an additional ticket available through the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society by clicking here. Tickets for the James Hill concert are available here.

Sant’ Yago Knight Parade

The Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, hosted by the Krewe of St. Florian, will take place Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 6 p.m. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will served as grand marshal for this year’s night-time parade along 7th Avenue in Ybor City. It will feature more than 100 illuminated floats, marching bands, krewes and their royalty. The parade is free but bleacher seats cost $25. Click here.

The McCartney Project

Tony Burlingame will recreate the music of Paul McCartney, including hits from the Beatles and the Wings. during The McCartney Project Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Pasco-Hernando State College Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. Tickets are $30-$35. Call (727) 816-3707.

it pascoarts.org or call (727) 845-7322.

Must Love Dogs 5K

San Francis Veterinary Hospital Acupuncture and Laser Center will host the second annual Must Love Dogs 5K on Feb. 10 at Crews Lake Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m., and the run starts at 9 a.m.

This is a free event. Friendly, socialized dogs on leashes are welcome to come with their owners and run/walk through the park.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the Angel Fund. The San Francis Veterinary Hospital Angel Fund provides financial relief to those whose pets require medical care that causes the owners financial hardship.

For information, call Lisa Campos at (727) 459-7331.

Temple Terrace Touch A Truck

Touch a Truck, hosted by the Parks and Recreation Division of the City of Temple Terrace, allows both kids and adults to get an up-close look into all types of trucks, tractors, boats, cars, police and fire vehicles.

Visitors can get inside the various machines and meet the operators. There will be a children’s art area organized by Pete and RePete as well as food trucks.

It will take place Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Temple Terrace at 56th Street and Busch Boulevard.

Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest

The free Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest will take place at Tropicana Field on Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 11 a.m.

The interactive baseball experience includes clubhouse tours, a social media zone, the Giant Blake Snell Bobblehead Photo Experience, the Budweiser Beer Garden, Grady Goat Yoga. the MOR Dance Floor, DIY activities, batting cages, Sagicor Life Coaches Clinics, Rays player interactions, Rowdies player interactions and panel discussions throughut the day.

An autograph pass costs $25. Click here.

Image via Florida State Fair

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