Following is a summary of festivals and events set for this month. If you know of an event or festival not listed here, please contact me with the details.
Hernando
- Bandshell Bash and Cruise-In
Where: Hernando Park and Bandshell, 205 East Fort Dade, Brooksville
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 4 to 8 p.m.
What: Sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, the event features free outdoor entertainment and food vendors.
- Fourth Annual Chamber of Commerce Rockin’ Thru the Ages Super Pary
Where: Palace Grand, Della Court of U.S. 19, Spring Hill
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.
What: Sponsored by the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, the event includes a buffet dinner, cash bar, music and dancing. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in attire from their favorite decade. Cost is $50 a person.
Hillsborough
- Florida State Fair
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa
When: Feb. 5-16
What: The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state's best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and influencing weather conditions.
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Where: Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
What: The event will kick off with the annual Gasparilla Invasion at 11:30 a.m. as the Gasparilla Flotilla, led by a pirate ship, appears in Hillsborough Bay and sails into Seddon Channel between Davis Island and Harbour Island. Once the city has surrendered, the Parade of Pirates, featuring Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, will begin at 2 p.m. The Pirate Fest Street Festival in downtown Tampa will run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Where: Adjacent to the Museum of Science and Industry, 11315 46th Ave., Tampa
When: Feb. 21 through April 5
What: King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine Parr invite guests to celebrate the magic of the Tudor Dynasty. The event will feature handcrafted wares, entertainment and festival food such as fish and chips, kettle corn, roasted corn and turkey legs.
- 14th Annual Einstein on Wine
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
What: The event, hosted by MOSI and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, will combine wine, food, music, and a silent auction in a fundraising event for all to enjoy. Tampa Bay vintners and restaurants will offer tastings on a variety of wines. Proceeds will benefit MOSI education programs.
- Taste of Tampa Bay: Passport to the Tropics
Where: Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.
What: The event will feature live music, cigars and food samplings from Tampa Bay restaurants. There will be silent, live and Chinese auctions as well as wine tasting. Cost is $100 in advance, $115 at the door.
- Gasparilla Film Festival
Where: Tampa Theatre, Channelside Cinemas and the University of Tampa
When: Feb. 26 through March 7
What: Tampa Bay’s largest independent film festival with more than 120 films from over 30 countries. More than 40 filmmakers are scheduled to attend this year’s festivities.
Manatee
- Antique Appraisal Day
Where: South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton
When: Thursday, Feb. 5, noon to 4 p.m.
What: The event offers guests an opportunity to have treasures appraised by top professionals. One appraisal costs $5; six appraisals cost $25.
- Second Annual Anna Marie Island Art & Craft Festival
Where: 5801 Marina Way, Holmes Beach
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, and even commission that special piece of art work. On display will be life-size sculptures, paintings, fine handmade jewelry, unique pottery and photography. Proceeds benefit Butterfly Park.
- Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
Where: The fishing village of Cortez
When: Feb. 21-22
What: The annual festival features live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits and a seemingly endless supply of seafood.
Pasco
- Music and Motorcycles
Where: Downtown Zephyrhills
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 4 to 9 p.m.
What: Sponsored by Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., the show will include trophies and prizes with professional judging by the Rev. Jim. Bike show classes include Antique Class, Stock/Production, Custom Bikes, Radical Customs, Open, Import, Trike and Three-wheeled Motorcycles, Sport Bike and Bike Design, Touring, Ladies’ Bikes, Kids’ Choice and Best of Show.
- Farm Fest, Quilt Show and Annual Dade City Horse Pulling Championship
Where: Pioneer Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City,
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: The event will include the annual Draft Horse Pulling Competition on Saturday, 10 a.m.; cane grinding and syrup making; the Hoffman Challenge Traveling Quilt Collection; dolls, quilts and clothing; the Robert Kaufman Traveling Quilt Collection; works of local quilters; a quilt appraisal and trunk show; traditional craft demonstrations; children’s activities and live entertainment.
- Pasco County Fair
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
When: Feb. 16-22
What: The 62nd annual Pasco County Fair will include bluegrass and gospel music, a demolition derby, midway rides, a rodeo and several pageants, including a baby pageant, Miss Heart and Miss Pasco. Exhibits will include beef, dairy, swine, rabbit, cavy, poultry, sheep, goat, plant show and back porch.