Hernando
- Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest
Where: Linda Pedersen Park at Jenkins Creek, 6340 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8
What: Established to raise funds for the Weeki Wachee Area Club, Weeki Wachee Crime Watch and Hernando Environmental Land Protectors, this annual family festival features entertainment, swamp foods, arts and craft vendors, a costume contest and prize drawings.
Hillsborough
- Gasparilla Film Festival
Where: Tampa Theatre, Channelside Cinemas and the University of Tampa
When: 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.
- Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Where: Adjacent to the Museum of Science and Industry, 11315 46th Ave., Tampa
When: 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.
Manatee
- Gamble Plantation Historic State Park 49th Annual Open House
Where: Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton
When: Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Attendees will get a glimpse of the Old South during the day through the many lifestyle demonstrations of that time period. The ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be wearing costumes reminiscent of the era of the 1840s through 1870s while providing a narrative of the Gamble Mansion’s history. Additionally, the 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will be dressed in military uniforms re-enacting a Confederate encampment. The event also will include music and crafts.
- Terra Ceia Village Crafts Fair
Where: Terra Ceia Village RV Resort, 9303 Bayshore Road, Palmetto
When: Wednesday, March 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What: Annual arts and crafts festival.
- Gulf Coast Rhythm and RibFest
Where: Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
When: March 13-15
What: The third annual Gulf Coast Rhythm and RibFest will feature live musical performances by local, regional and national recording artists, a children's entertainment area, a car and bike show and finger-licking ribs from some of the nation’s best recipes. Entertainment will include performances by Trent Tomlinson, Mitch Clark and the House Rockers, The Grass Roots, One Night Rodeo, Koko Ray and the Soul Providers, Avant, Eric Darius and Molly Hatchet. Proceeds benefit United Community Centers Inc.
- Springfest
Where: 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Hosted by the Anna Maria Island Art League, the annual festival brings talented artists together with art lovers for a weekend of entertainment, art education, food and shopping for handcrafted works created by area artists.
Pasco
- Zephyrhills Celtic Festival and Highland Games
Where: Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8
What: The ninth annual Zephyrhills Celtic Festival and Highland Games will feature live entertainment and athletic competitions such as the Clachneart, the hammer throw and the caber toss. Entertainment will include performances by the Wyndbreakers, John Murdoch, Bobby Murray, the Hooligans, Rathkeltair, the Wild Highlanders, the Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums and Irish dancers.
- Little Everglades Steeplechase
Where: Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
When: Sunday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What: The event will include steeplechase horse races, Jack Russell terrier races, a carriage parade, a party pavilion with entertainment, a hat contest, children’s activities and a vendor village. Proceeds will benefit Diabetic Charitable Services, Pioneer Florida Museum and Village and Quantum Leap Farm Inc.
- Founders’ Day Celebration
Where: Main Street, Zephyrhills
When: March 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: This year, the Founders’ Day Parade’s theme will be “Dig It!” as the annual event remembers the 1960s in Zephyrhills.
- Chasco Fiesta
Where: New Port Richey
When: March 19-29
What: Stretched out over 11 days, the annual festival includes a wide range of activities and entertainment along the banks of the Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey. The event includes a traditional Native American festival float decorated watercraft in the boat parade, a street parade, the coronation ball, a beef barbecue, a concert showcasing country music stars, a street carnival, Native American arts and crafts show, golf and softball tournaments and a flea market and antique show.