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Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of May 8-14

Scream your head off at Sunshine City Scare. Then, mellow out at Florida Orchestra’s free Pops in the Park.
Horror film fans won't want to miss the inaugural Sunshine City Scare horror convention at St. Petersburg's Coliseum this weekend.
Horror film fans won't want to miss the inaugural Sunshine City Scare horror convention at St. Petersburg's Coliseum this weekend. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
Published May 8

Sunshine City Scare: The inaugural horror convention features anime horror, anime voice actors, an evil maid cafe, a frightening idol group, horror video games and panel discussions with guests and fans. $25, $40 weekend, 9 and younger free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (May 13-14). The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5202.

Tampa International Fringe Festival: The seventh annual festival features 32 Indie theater companies in five venues in the Historic Kress Building on Seventh and two venues at the Hillsborough Community College Ybor Performing Arts Building. In addition to theater performances, the festival includes an outdoor show, arts and crafts, storytelling, a dance party and standup comedy. $5-$15. 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 10), 5-10:45 p.m. Thursday (May 11), 7-10:30 p.m. Friday (May 12), 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday (May 13), 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday (May 14). Historic Kress Building: Fringe Central, 1624 E Seventh Ave., Tampa.

This is the final week for American Stage presents "Ragtime - The Musical" as its American Stage in the Park production at Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg.
This is the final week for American Stage presents "Ragtime - The Musical" as its American Stage in the Park production at Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]

American Stage in the Park: This season’s outdoor performance, which wraps up this weekend, features the Tony-winning “Ragtime: The Musical,” which is set in New York and weaves together three distinctly American tales. (Fair warning, if you’re thinking of bringing kids to the show: It deals with mature themes, especially racism, and features adult language including racial slurs.) $28-$38. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday (May 10-14). Demens Landing Park, 525-549 Second Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529.

A Night at the Brewseum: Compete against friends in the EX Games at Great Explorations Children’s Museum to win prizes as you enjoy craft beer tastings, a DJ, drawings and more. Benefits museum programming expansion and outreach efforts for underserved families. $55. 6-9 p.m. Thursday (May 11). Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-821-8992

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Based on the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, this musical follows the adventures of Belle, the Beast, Gaston and a lovable household full of magical characters. $30, $19 students. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday (May 11-12), 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday (May 13), 2 p.m. Sunday (May 14). Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. 727-446-1360.

The Florida Orchestra will play a free Pops in the Park concert Sunday.
The Florida Orchestra will play a free Pops in the Park concert Sunday. [ AUSTIN ANTHONY | Times (2013) ]

Pops in the Park: Pack a blanket and picnic for music under the stars. Under the direction of Chelsea Gallo, the Florida Orchestra presents a collection of film scores, Broadway hits and symphonic favorites. Free. 7:45 p.m. Sunday (May 14). Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Boulevard, Tampa. 727-892-3331.

Second Saturday Artwalk: Studios and galleries in five arts districts open new exhibitions and stay open late. Find a map that includes trolley stops on the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance website at stpeteartsalliance.org. Free. 5-9 p.m. Saturday (May 13). Various locations in downtown St. Petersburg.

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Denis Phillips: The chief meteorologist for ABC Action News will share behind-the-science stories from some of Florida’s most historic storms, discuss the climate crisis and its effects on Florida and give predictions for the upcoming hurricane season and information on how you should prepare. He’ll likely also remind you about his hurricane Rule No. 7: “Stop freaking out … until I tell you to.” $25. 8 p.m. Friday (May 12). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

Leslie Jones: The three-time Emmy nominee and “Saturday Night Live” alum performs her standup act. $39.50 and up. 8 p.m. Friday (May 12). Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.

Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Tour: Matteo, who is featured in the recently released Netflix special “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration” and has shared the stage with the likes of Chelsea Handler and Bob the Drag Queen, performs. $29 and up. 7 p.m. Saturday (May 13). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

Brian Regan: The comedian dubbed “the funniest stand-up alive” by Vanity Fair performs. $48.50 and up. 8 p.m. Friday (May 12). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.

Melissa Etheridge will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Sunday.
Melissa Etheridge will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Sunday. [ Lauren Dukoff ]

Melissa Etheridge: The Grammy Award winner whose hits include “Come to My Window” performs. $53.75-$103.75. 7:30 p.m. Sunday (May 14). Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival: Running weekends through May 21, kiosks around the park will have small plates, cocktails, wine and craft beers, and there is a concert series. This week features Latin groups Tono Rosario (Saturday, May 13) and Grupo Niche (Sunday, May 14). Included with admission; food and drinks extra. A 10-item sampler lanyard is $70 and a 15-item pass is $85. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday (May 13), noon-9 p.m. Sunday (May 14). Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386.

Alice: Jobsite Theater presents a cabaret spectacle celebrating the work of Lewis Carroll. $24.50 and up. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (May 10-13), 4 p.m. Sunday (May 14). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

Great Connections: This month’s theme for the program for families with special needs is “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” Free. 10 a.m.-noon Sunday (May 14). Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-821-8992.

Howi Spangler: The founder and lead singer of reggae rock band Ballyhoo gives an unplugged performance. $35-$60. 7:30 p.m. Thursday (May 11). Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-822-3590.

Kid’s Night: Adults can enjoy a quiet night out while kids ages 5 to 11 are kept occupied with crafts, games, popcorn and a movie. $30. 7-10 p.m. Friday (May 12). Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. 813-685-8888.