That's right, we said, Yo Mamma: This weekend, celebrate Mother's Day at a slew of local attractions offering discounts and BOGO admissions, including the Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Hyde Park Village is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration for moms of children and fur babies on Saturday from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers discounts, giveaways and activities for both children and dogs. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will be onsite for aspiring fur-mamas and -daddies. If you’re seeking non-restaurant dining, Yacht Starship is setting sail with a brunch cruise ($49.95) and the Museum of Fine Arts will serve a two-course prix fixe meal for $33, or a three-course for $39. Visit the venues’ websites for details.
Says Music Editor Leilani Polk: "You could pretty much lock every Big Guava act inside a heart-shaped “alternative” box and call it a day. But that’d be oversimplifying the fest’s broad scope, which is reflective of what’s happening in music today: a cross-pollination of genres prompted as much by the way we’re introduced to and consume music as by technological advances in music-making and the breaking of creative boundaries that once held so many artists back." What's more is this is a rock festival WITH A MIDWAY. Fun rides, folks. Can't beat that mix. Read Leilani's must-see but-not-super-famous recommendations here.
This just in from Lightning headquarters: Tampa Bay Lightning fans are invited to another Lightning Watch Party for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series against the Montreal Canadiens at Channelside Bay Plaza in Tampa on Saturday night. The watch party will begin two hours before the Lightning’s 7 p.m. contest against the Canadiens. The game will be broadcast live on a 9-by-16-foot LED television. Fans can enter prize drawings and take part in meet-and-greets with ThunderBug, the Lightning Girls and more. Hablo Taco, Boat House Bar, Hooters, Wet Willie’s and Splitsville will be featuring food and drink specials during the game. No outside food, beverages, coolers, glass containers, tents, weapons or facemasks will be permitted at the watch party. Visit tampabaylightning.com for the latest buzz from the Bolts.
Hart attack: Comedian Kevin Hart fills arenas at capacity yearly and is only the second American in history to sell out London’s O2 Arena. Kevin Hart: What Now?, takes the award-winning comedian to 45 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada with a stop at Tampa’s Amalie Arena. May 8, 7 & 10:30 p.m., 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $75-$175. whatnowtour.com.
Polk fun: If you’re interested in a Mother’s Day or romantic/family/solo outing outside our immediate area, head to Lake Morton in Lakeland for Mayfaire By-the-Lake, a big juried art show in a picturesque setting. Browse some 165 works in the show that’s been listed 64th nationally among Sunshine Artist magazine’s “Top 100 Best Fine Art Shows.’ In addition to fine art in all media, the event also includes live entertainment, food and drink vendors, a children’s area with sensory-friendly activities for all ability levels. Lace up for a 5K on Saturday starting at 7 p.m. and the & Mayfaire Saturday Night, which caps the festivities off with dancing and fireworks. Free. Daytime fest is at Lake Morton, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Evening festivities at Lake Mirror Promenade. More info at polkmuseumofart.org.
Distinctive portraits: Two art shows give us a different type of close-up than we’re used to from Bryn Alan and phone-posing real estate professionals. Local painters Robert Phelps and Ron Satlof put their own spin on human and animal portraits. Opening reception for both is May 8, 6-9 p.m., at the Studio@620 in downtown St. Petersburg. Show runs through May 13. At Ybor’s Silver Meteor Gallery the following night, It’s Okay To Stare spotlights the portraits of Emiliano Settecasi paints with saturated, contoured and offbeat strokes. Settecasi will also create a gallery-exclusive mural for show. Reception is 6-10 p.m. May 9; runs through May 17. Silver Meteor Gallery, Ybor City. studio620.org, theatretampabay.org/silver-meteor-gallery.
Tastefully beachy: This weekend kicks off Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week, which has chefs showing off their signature dishes and specialties. Browse vendors, sign up for raffle baskets and stay for a fireworks display Friday night. More info at clearwaterbeachrestaurantweek.com.
JOHN'S P-ARRRGHH-SS! 3th Annual John Levique Pirate Days Festival celebrates the discovery of John’s Pass with a Pirate Ball, mock sea battle, boat parade, family-friendly scavenger hunt, costume contest and more. May 8-10, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, johnleviquepiratedays.com.
Festival of the Chariots and Ratha Yatra Parade: Attend a big annual Indian multi-cultural parade and festival with live music, dance, books, bazaar and free vegetarian food Saturday. noon-5:30 p.m.; parade at 1 Pier 60 Pavilion, Clearwater Beach. festivalofchariots.org.
ACT Soul Train 70’s Throwback Party: Get down for a good cause — the Animal Coalition of Tampa. Features a “Soul Train Line”, prizes for Best 70’s Costume, complimentary champagne fountain, soul food and live soul music and more. $75; couple tickets: $140. Fri., May 8, 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Gulfport Casino, actsoultrain.eventbrite.com.