Tampa Bay Comic Con: The geek fest returns to the Tampa Convention Center from Friday-Sunday, bringing celebrity appearances including Val Kilmer (Batman Forever), Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek's Uhura), Kate Beckinsale and numerous comic book artists and writers. Also, comics, videos, toys, action figures, anime and collectibles. $30-$40; $60 three days, 12 and younger free. tampabaycomiccon.com.
Margarita Wars: Sample margaritas from Tampa Bay's best mixologists at TPepin's Hospitality Centre in Tampa on Friday. Vote for your favorite while enjoying Mexican cuisine ($50-$85). cltampa.com.
How to: Cosplay at Tampa Bay Comic Con when you're on a budget
Sex and Satire: Three plays to see before they're gone, including 'Sex With Strangers'
Date night
Music: Tuesday, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes illuminates Tampa's Amalie Arena ($43.75-$63.75). Friday is a busy night: Contemporary country trio Lady Antebellum play MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre ($26.75-$60), while rock trio Crystal Garden, formed by Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, take the Attic in Ybor City ($25-$45), and B-52's singer Cindy Wilson performs a solo show at Ybor's Crowbar ($15-$18).
Nashville In Concert: Stars of the hit series including Clare Bowen and Jonathan Jackson play live at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Tuesday ($43.25-$78.75). rutheckerdhall.com.
Date Ideas: For date nights across the Tampa Bay area
Top 50: Affordable restaurants to try in 2017
Comedy: Kevin Farley, brother of the late comedy icon Chris Farley, will perform standup comedy at Tampa's Side Splitters Comedy Club from Thursday-Sunday ($10-$16.50). sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Superhero Scavenger Hunt: Dress as your favorite superhero and solve up to 25 riddles along this 10-stop crawl in downtown Tampa Friday-Sunday with a free drink at each stop. The Sail Pavilion, 333 S Franklin St., ($25). (813) 955-2861.
Kids and family
Quick: Do these four fun things with kids before school starts
Rainy Day: Escape rooms, museums and other fun indoors
Meet Dolphin Tale stars: You can meet Nathan Gamble (Sawyer), Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Hazel) and Austin Highsmith (Phoebe) at appearances this week at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure, today through Saturday. For a schedule, go to seewinter.com. 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater ($4.95-$7.95).
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