Comic Con: Unleash your inner fanboy and fangirl with stars including Evan Peters (pictured) John Rhys-Davies, Richard Madden and Caity Lotz, plus comics, videos and action figures from anime to Star Wars Friday-Sunday at the Tampa Convention Center. $30, $60 three days, 12 and under free. (610) 570-4273.
Tampapalooza: Celebrate just how awesome our area is with local bands, food, craft beer, vendors and children's activities Saturday and Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Best of all: It's free! (813) 455-2418.
Date night
WaZoo: "Drink beer, save wildlife." Sounds perfect, right? You'll get your chance at Saturday's Lowry Park Zoo fundraiser, with some 275 beers and food from local restaurants. $40-$100. (813) 935-8552, ext. 329.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: If you're looking for something different on stage, get right in the middle of the mental patients' group therapy circle for the Freefall Theatre play, starting Saturday in St. Pete. $20-$44. (727) 498-5205.
Big music: Platinum soul star Maxwell is still going strong on tour even without a recent album. Friday he's at Ruth Eckerd Hall. $41-$131. Then a whole bunch of '90s faves from Sugar Ray to Smash Mouth hit REH for the Under the Sun Tour on Sunday. $49.50-$79.50. (727) 791-7400.
D.L. Hughley: Radio host, game show host, actor, author, political commentator, Dancing With the Stars — what hasn't he done? He's back to standup Friday-Sunday at Tampa's Improv. $30. (813) 864-4000.
Mary Lynn Rajskub: Speaking of multitalented comics, this actor-comedian (hacker Chloe on 24) brings her snark to Side Splitters Comedy Club Thursday-Sunday. $10-$15. (813) 960-1197.
KIDS AND FAMILY
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Angels: The Trop has lots going on this weekend, with Friday's Social Media Night (complete with shoutouts!). Saturday has free Joe Maddon Mr. Potato Heads, and it's USF night, with a special hat. Sunday is "Chop at the Trop," a salute to FSU. raysbaseball.com/specialevents.
Snoozapalooza: A Night at the Museum: Who says sleepovers can't be educational? Catch games, nonstop movies, simulator rides and food at Largo's Armed Forces History Museum on Friday. $65. (727) 539-8371.
Regal Summer Movie Express: Take the kids to the movies without breaking the bank with Turbo or Walking With Dinosaurs for $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday at Pinellas Park's Park Place Stadium 16 and Largo Mall 8.
more to explore
We've got lots more ideas for date night at tampabay.com/things-to-do.