Through April 20 – Hats! The Musical, TBPAC. A musical comedy about women turning 50.

Through May 11 – The Vatican Splendors,The Florida International Museum.

Through May 28 – Dorothy Gillespie: Shaping Sculpture,The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art.

Through June 1 – Dalí & Film, The Salvador Dalí Museum. The exhibit encompasses how Dalí combines his skills in painting with film to define a new art.

April 5 – Wine Festival & Market, Florida Estates Winery. This event includes a wine tasting as well as food, arts and crafts, and live music in Land O’ Lakes. Call 813-996-2113 or visit www.floridaestateswines.com.

April 8 – 100 Years of Hollywood, Ruth Eckerd Hall.

April 10 – The Children’s Home 19th Annual Recognition Luncheon, Hyatt Regency Hotel. An afternoon event honoring NFL coach Tony Dungy with proceeds to benefit The Children’s Home. Call Lisa Braswell at 813-864-1536 or visit www.childrenshome.org.

April 11 – 5th Annual Wear A Wish Fashion Show, Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club. The elegant affair features celebrity models premiering spring’s new fashions, gourmet lunch, silent auction and raffle with proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information and ticket prices, please call 813-288-2600.
April 11 - 13 – 2008 Whitney Bank Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Vinoy Park. Three days of fun-filled events such as arts and crafts, tasty foods and performances by national Blues’ bands. www.tampabaybluesfest.com.

April 11 - 14 – Bern’s Winefest, Sidebern’s and Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits. An exciting four-day wine extravaganza. For tickets, visit www.bernsfinewines.com/bernswinefest.

April 12 – Swann Lake, Ruth Eckerd Hall.

April 12 – Tampa Bay Heart Ball, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. A black tie gala featuring an evening of dancing, dining and auctions to benefit the American Heart Association. Call Kim Fry at 727-563-8112.

April 12 – Annual Stars Gala 2008, Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing in support of the Sun Coast Hospital Foundation.
Please call 727-586-7119 for ticket information.

April 12 – Karamu XX, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Enjoy a black-tie gala with outstanding cuisine and an auction with proceeds to benefit Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

April 12 – “Chariots of Fire” Fireman’s Ball, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Fire up the night by enjoying live music, dancing, food and the On Fire silent auction. Ticket price is $60 a person. Call 727-804-1668 or visit www.palmharborfd.com.

April 12 – Festival of States Day Parade, The Suncoasters, Inc. with the City of St. Petersburg sponsor a morning of music and fun. Marching bands provide entertainment and floats and signs decorate the streets to raise money for schools.
Call 727-896-2667.

April 12 - Festival of States Familyfest, North Straub Park,(following Day Parade), An afternoon of food, games, crafts, and live entertainment for the family. Entry is free. All-inclusive wristbands are available for $10. Call 727-321-9888.

April 12 - 16 - Art in Bloom, Museum of Fine Arts. The Stuart Society launches 12th annual weeklong celebration of art, gardening and floral arranging. For more information call
727-896-2667.

April 15 - 17 – RENT, Ruth Eckerd Hall. Experience the smash-hit musical that changed Broadway forever.

April 18 – Best of Tampa Bay, TBPAC. Enjoy a variety of musical entertainment and sample food and drinks from the Bay area’s best restaurants and caterers. For tickets and more information, call 813-229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org.

April 18 – Mozart, Motown and More, A La Carte Pavilion. This evening includes dinner, dancing, an auction and performances by the Florida Orchestra and a special guest band performing the soulful sounds of Motown. Tickets are $250 per person, $500 VIP. Proceeds to benefit the Music Education Program of the Florida Orchestra. Please call 813-286-1170 ext. 340 for ticket information.

April 19 – The New Tampa Junior Women’s Club Annual Night of 5000, Saddlebrook Resort. A black-tie option event with casino style tables, dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and a drawing for a $5,000 cash giveaway. Proceeds to benefit Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break charity. Call 813-907-7721 or visit www.ntjw.org.

April 19 - 20 – Mainsail Arts Festival, Vinoy Park. A prestigious fine arts festival set in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. For more information contact Linda Kinsey at 727-893-7039.

April 21 – Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, St. Pete Times Forum.

April 22 – Trashy Fashion, Largo Cultural Center. In celebration of Earth Day, the first annual recycled fashion show promotes environment consciousness. Call 727-586-7424 or visit www.largorecycles.com.

April 23 – Wheels of Success R.A.C.E. Luncheon & Hub Cap Awards, A La Carte Pavilion. Honoring community volunteers and businesses helping to provide the resources for the transportation of lower income families. For more information contact Susan Jacobs at 813-490-9443.

April 23 – Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show Luncheon & Silent Auction, Tampa Doubletree Hotel. This annual fundraiser benefits the local programs and services of The Salvation Army. For more information call 813-226-0055, ext. 402.

April 24 – 4th Annual Charlotte P. Reed Memorial Q for Kids Barbeque, Lykes Gaslight Park. An afternoon of food and entertainment recognizing the contribution and commitment from volunteers, donors and private foundations. Visit www.vfcgal.org.

April 24 – 7th Annual Taste of Hope, MOSI. Enjoy this wine-and-dine event with musical entertainment and auctions. Proceeds to benefit Everyday Blessings. Call Vicki Stark at 813-493-0481.

April 24 – Opera Tampa League Gala Patrons Party, TBPAC. Enjoy cocktails on the opera set with Maestro Anton Coppola. Call 813-222-1275 or visit www.operatampa.org.

April 24 – Metro’s 3rd Annual Summer with Style, Neiman Marcus. Mix and mingle and enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and fashion presentation. Tickets $50. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Cancer Center. Tickets available at www.tampabaymetro.com.

April 24 - 27 – Florida Winefest & Auction, The Sarasota Ritz-Carlton. A four-day celebration of food and wine, charity auction, seminars and tastings with proceeds to benefit charities throughout Manatee County.

April 25 – Tampa Bay Symphony, Mahaffey Theater. For more information visit www.tampabaysymphony or call 727-442-3696.

April 25 – A Good Night’s Sleep Luncheon, Renaissance Vinoy Resort. This luncheon will raise awareness about freeing communities of domestic violence. Call Katherine Lenel at
727-895-4912 ext. 101 for more information.

April 25 – Opera Tampa League Gala Celebration, TBPAC. Enjoy a pre-performance cocktail reception, buffet dinner and post-performance dessert and coffee with members of the cast. Call 813-222-1275 or visit www.operatampa.org.

April 25 – Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon, Tampa Marriot Waterside. Join us for an inspiring luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Connie May Fowler. Proceeds to benefit the Friends of Joshua House Foundation. Call DeDe Grundle at 813-263-3469 or visit www.friendsofjoshuahouse.com.

April 26 – Wine Festival & Market, Florida Estates Winery. This event includes a wine tasting, as well as food, arts and crafts, and live music in Land O’ Lakes. Call 813-996-2113 or visit www.floridaestateswines.com.

April 26 – Cattle Barons’ Ball, Tampa Port Authority Cruise Terminal No. 3. An upscale western themed gala with dinner and entertainment. Proceeds to benefit the Greater Tampa Unit of the American Cancer Society. For more information contact Julie Condreay at 813-319-5926.

April 26 – Imagination Gala, Pepin Hospitality Center. Join the party with proceeds to benefit the Glazer Children’s Museum. Call 813-277-3199 or visit glazermuseum.org.

April 27 – Taste of South Tampa, Hyde Park. Sample food and beverages from local restaurants while listening to live music. Proceeds to benefit Bay area charities. Visit www.tasteofsouthtampa.com to purchase tickets.

April 27 – The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Ruth Eckerd Hall.

April 27 – Bon Jovi’s Lost Highway Tour, St. Pete Times Forum.

April 28 – 8th Annual Pocket Full of Miracles Golf Classic, Feather Sound Country Club. Join host Ronde Barber for lunch, golf, dinner and awards with proceeds to benefit Diabetic Charitable Services. For ticket prices contact Ann Torgusen at 888-813-7315.

May 1 – The Jerry White Big Band, Ringling Museum. Swing into this evening of dancing, food and fun. Visit www.ringling.org.

May 2 - Opening reception for Audrey Phillips, Baisden Gallery. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. View the recent paintings of Phillips. For more information call 813-250-1511.

May 2 – B.B. King, Ruth Eckerd Hall. Come out and enjoy the king of the blues performing some of his top hits.

May 2 – Third Annual Ducky Event, St. Petersburg Country Club. Enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks, entertainment and prizes by the Beach Branch of All Children’s Hospital Guild. $50 per person or $125 to add golf tournament. Proceeds to benefit All Children’s Hospital. For more information contact Annmartine Rinker at 727-367-5113.

May 2 - 17th Annual SilverSpoons & Sandcastles, Tampa Port Authority Cruise Terminal No. 3. Enjoy an exciting cocktail party with great food and the You-Must-See-It-To-Believe-It Silent Auction. For ticket prices and sponsorship information, call Debra Evenson at 813-221-8733.

May 3 – 10th Annual The White Party, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Come dressed in your best white attire and party with the 13 Ugly Men Foundation. Proceeds to benefit L. David Schear Children’s Law Center. Visit www.13uglymen.com for ticket prices.

May 3 – 15th Annual Magnolia Ball, A La Carte Pavilion. Enjoy a black tie gala with cocktails, dinner, live and silent auction, and musical entertainment by Chicago. Proceeds to benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Kathy Werner at 813-745-1340 or visit www.magnoliaball.com.

May 4 – Gunn Allen Financial May Classic, Hyde Park Village. Attend the third largest 5K in the Bay area. Proceeds to benefit the programs of the Child Abuse Council and the St. John Greek Orthodox Day School. Call Shannon Sellards at 813-673-4646, ext. 225 or visit www.mayclassic.com.

May 4 – Historic Old Northeast Spring Garden Stroll, St. Petersburg. Spring into the season with a stroll through an array of lush exotic gardens and creative patio designs. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day-of. For more information call 727-825-0479 or visit www.honna.org.

May 8-June 22 – Disney’s The Lion King, TBPAC.

May 8 – Art of Giving Dinner, Pepin Hospitality Center. The benefit for United Way of Tampa Bay includes cocktails, dinner, live auction of fashion handbags and special guest author Lauren Weisberger – The Devil Wears Prada. Call 813-274-0914 or visit unitedwaytampabay.com/artofgiving.

May 9 – 2nd Annual Faces of Courage Golf Tournament, Pebble Creek Golf Club. Play a round of golf and attend the after-tournament banquet with prizes and a silent auction. For pricing and sponsorship information, call Sue Queen at 813-926-8812 or visit www.facesofcourage.org.

May 10 - TGH Foundation’s 11th Annual Moments in Time Gala, Tampa Hyatt Regency. A fun and interactive annual upscale party focused around a different era in time to benefit the Tampa General Hospital Foundation. This year the theme is 1950s Havana Nights and chaired by Mary Jane Campbell. $500 per couple. Call 813-844-7273.

May 10 – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Suncoast Chapter. A fun evening with cocktails and appetizers to recognize supporters of the society. For ticket prices call 813-963-6461.

May 10 – Double Take Dalí Look Alike Festival, Salvador Dalí Museum. Celebrate on the eve of Dalí’s birthday with Dalí look alikes and showing of video entries. Refreshments provided. 9:00 p.m. – midnight. Free to attend.

May 11 - Take Back the Night Blues Review, Skipper’s Smokehouse. Listen to live music, dance and dine at this casual event to benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay, a domestic violence shelter. Tickets $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Call Linda Hess at 813-247-5433 ext 325.

May 15 – 5th Annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, A La Carte Pavilion. This event will discuss the threat of heart disease to women as well as create a call to action for all women to commit to living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Proceeds to benefit the American Heart Association. Please call Kori Hendricks at
727-563-8116 for additional information.

May 15 - 17 – Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, The Don CeSar Beach Resort. A three-day weekend destination event, featuring a Chef Challenge, VIP black tie gala, a beachside tent festival, with an endless array of food, wines, and much more. The Southern Wine & Spirits and the Abilities Foundation will host the festival. Call 727-538-7370 ext. 345 for more information.

May 16 – The Apple Appeal, An Evening at One Buc Place, “The Private Tour” to benefit The Hillsborough Education Foundation. Honorary chair is Lee Roy Selmon. 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., $250 per person. Visit www.educationfoundation.com.

May 17 – 9th Annual Storybook Ball 2008, A La Carte Pavilion. Enjoy the annual fairytale-themed event with a large silent auction of exotic packages, jewelry, trips and much more. $600 per couple, with sponsorships available. Proceeds to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Please call Janice Davis at 813-258-6430 or visit www.rmhctampabay.com.

May 17 – 6th Annual Tuxes and Tails, Pepin Hospitality Center. Enjoy this black tie optional event with dinner and silent and live auctions. Celebrity models team with their pets or an adoptable pet and strut the catwalk for a delightful fashion show. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Call 813-876-4150 or visit www.humanesocietytampa.org for more information.

May 24 – Nature Coast Heart Ball, Heritage Pines Country Club in Hudson. Paint the Town Red at this annual gala to benefit The American Heart Association. Tickets are $150 each. Call 727-710-1696.

May 28 - 21st Annual Hyde Park Village Live Music Series, Hyde Park Village. Concerts are held every last Wednesday of each month through October. For more information call 813-870-3414.

May 29 – Noche del Arte, Cuban Club. A fun evening of art to benefit Endowment for the Arts scholarship program. Call Olga at 813-247-1333.

May 30 - June 1 – Taste of Pinellas, Vinoy Park. Sample the best cuisine from over 50 local restaurants. Call 727-767-8831 or visit www.tasteofpinellas.com.

May 31 – Ken Walters’ Annual Celebrate Sinatra, Academy Ballroom. The 11th annual black tie optional party with music of Tom Tiratto and the Joe Stagi Orchestra. New date and location, but promises to be a great party. $65 per person and a portion of the proceeds to beneft the Mental Health Care Foundation. Visit celebratesinatra.com.

June 7 - 8 – The Wizard of Oz, Mahaffey Theater.

June 8 - Aug. 3 – California Dreaming: California Fibers at Convergence 2008, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. A juried exhibition of contemporary fiber arts from the California Fibers Guild. Please call 727-712-5762.


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