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Megacon, Hands Across the Sand, Sweet Corn Festival: 10 things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay

'Kinky Boots' also comes to the Straz Center, the Clearwater Threshers host a 'Field of Dreams' night and Temple Terrace hosts its Craft BrewFest.

Megacon Orlando

It’s officially comic con season, and one of Florida’s largest geek conventions returns with a star-studded lineup Thursday.

MegaCon Orlando returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando May 16-19. This year’s celebrity lineup includes nostalgic reunions from Back to the Future, Boy Meets World, The Goonies and The Lost Boys. Other celebrity guests appearing next month include Zachary Levi (Shazam!), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Patrick Warburton (A Series of Unfortunate Events) and Kiefer Sutherland (The Lost Boys, Designated Survivor). Tickets to MegaCon starts at $20. Multi-day passes and VIP tickets are also available. 

Find more information about MegaCon here.

More: MegaCon Orlando hosts 'Wonder Woman' Lynda Carter, reunions for Mickey Mouse Club and 'Back to the Future'

'Kinky Boots' at the Straz

The musical hit returns to the Straz Center this weekend with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. The show is based on the true story of a friendship that develops between a failing shoe factory owner and a fierce drag queen named Lola. The two end up collaborating on a line of sparkly stilettos, and their lives are forever changed. Tickets are $43 and up. Shows run Friday through Sunday.

More information here.

'Avenue Q'

Don’t bring the kids for this show. Avenue Q is the Tony Award-winning musical that’s “part flesh, part felt” with a score of hilarious tunes. It tells the story of a recent college grad who moved into a shabby apartment and struggles with his friends to find jobs, dates and their “purpose in life.” And, it’s all performed through puppets. The show runs Friday through Sunday and May 16-19. Tickets start at $28.50. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

More information here.

97x BBQ Music & Arts Festival

One of the biggest local shows in the area returns and this year brings a celebration of the arts to Clearwater’s Coachman Park. A full day of music includes performances by Taking Back Sunday, Blue October, Grandson, Flora Cash, Shaed, Oliver Tree, Matt Meson and more. There will also be live paintings and art installations. General admission is $35. VIP tickets are available for $125 and include two free beers, dinner, private restrooms and access to pop-up acoustic performances. 

Gates open at 11 a.m.

More information here.

'Field of Dreams' night at Clearwater Threshers

The Threshers hosts a Field of Dreams tribute night as the team faces the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The night brings a meet and greet with Dwier Brown, who played Kevin Costner’s father in the 1989 film. Ticket prices vary. 6:30 p.m. Friday.

601 N Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater.

More information here.

Jack Hanna Weekend

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts animal expert Jack Hanna Saturday and Sunday for shows and meet and greets. He’ll host shows at the Stanleyville Theater at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A VIP experience with Jack Hanna is $34.99 include a commemorative photo, a personalized autograph and reserved show seating. A Tails and Tales package for $99.99 includes snacks and drinks, animal encounters and exclusive Jack Hanna meet and greets at the Animal Care Center. 

More information here.

Sweet Corn Festival

The festival in Tarpon Springs fills Craig Park with Southern fare like barbecue ribs and chicken, pulled pork, ice cream and plenty of roasted corn on the cob. There will also be local arts and craft vendors and live music. The festival is pet-friendly and free. Food and drinks are separate.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 100 Beekman Lane.

More information here.

Temple Terrace Craft BrewFest

The fifth annual Craft BrewFest features more than 100 beers from more than 35 different brewers in Historic Woodmont Park. The fest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Temple Terrace, expects nearly 2,000 attendees. There will also be food trucks, local vendors and live music from the Black Velvet Band. Tickets $20-$35. 

4-8 p.m. Saturday, 415 Woodmont Ave.

More information here.

Hands Across the Sand

The community gathering aims to have everyone join hands along Indian Rocks Beach to “say no to future offshore oil drilling or fracking in Florida.” The gathering in Indian Rocks Beach is one of the numerous Hands Across the Sand events set for this weekend. Locally, there’s also a beach clean up and a paddle out to “peacefully protest offshore drilling.” The global Hands Across the Sand event is a demonstration from those advocating for more clean energy and less fossil fuel use. There are more than a dozen organized events around the state.

More information here.

Tampa Bay Boat Show

The free expo showcases boat dealers, manufacturers and vendors in boating and fishing supplies. There are also seminars on boating and fishing throughout the weekend. Admission is free.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301, Tampa

More information here.

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