GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview March 17-20

There's a lot going on in the area this weekend, so why stay home? We've put together a list of fun things to do in Land O' Lakes and nearby.

Posted Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 9:51 am ET|Updated Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 10:32 am ET

It’s Thursday and the weekend’s just around the corner. If you’re still stumped on what to do, we’ve got some great ideas.

Where/When: Shops At Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: Start your weekend a night early with live entertainment and music at the Shops at Wiregrass Spring Concert Series. Tonight's performers are Stone Gypsy, Scratch & Dent and Jodell. Wiregrass has a wide selection of great restaurants and children may enjoy a romp in the Kids Zone, with face painting, basketball, and much more.
Price: Free!

Where/When: International Beer Garten, 16540 Pointe Village Dr, Lutz. Thursday from noon to 2 a.m.
Why Go: International Beer Garten hosts an afternoon of festive entertainment in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Patrons over the age of 21 will enjoy specials on Irish pints, green jello shots and car bombs along with traditional Irish foods such as sheppard's pie with cabbage. There will also be live music with the Sunsetters in the afternoon and Ted Wray in the evening.

Where/When: The Brass Tap, 2000 Piazza Ave Ste 110, Wesley Chapel. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.
Why Go: The Brass Tap plays host to local musicians and vocalists every all weekend for your listening pleasure. This week's scheduled performers are Black & Blue, PTahoe Fox, and Mo Delby. In addition, the bar offers happy hour deals each day, enjoy $1.50 off all draft beers and 2 for 1 glasses of house wines until 8 p.m.
Price: No cover, drink prices vary.

Where/When: Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Pkwy. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why Go: Spend some much needed quality time with your family at this years Bark-Fest. Whether you plan to check out the animal-friendly vendors or hoping to adopt a four-legged pal, this event has it all. There will be plenty activities for all ages as well as prize giveaways and refreshments.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Shops At Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why Go: Motorcycle owners and admirers are invited to the Shops at Wiregrass for Bike Night, benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. All bikes are welcome.
Price: Free!

Where/When: Museum of Science and Industry,11315 46th Street North, Tampa. Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Why Go: The 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival continues its theme weekends with a day wine and chocolate tastings from local vendors and an array of fun activities for couples. Bring your sweetheart to this 2 day festival and fall in love all over again. Enjoy couples grape stomping, pie eating contests, the sweet stroll, and free vow renewals all weekend.
Price: Adults $17.95, Children $9.95

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