Margarita Wars: Vote for “Best Margarita” in Tampa Bay after sampling participating contestants’ margaritas and Mexican-inspired appetizers. $65-$85, designated driver $30. 6pm Friday (May 17). James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-892-4200.
Science after dark: MOSI is offering hands-on fun for guests ages 18 and up. Enjoy a sip of science with included beer and wine selections, appetizers, and liquid nitrogen ice cream. The events are centered on scientific activities ranging from robotics to astronomy and chemical reactions. This month’s focus is on the science of flight. $30, $20 members. From 6pm to 9pm, Friday (May 17). Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6000.
Kevin Hart: The comedian, actor and entertainment mogul performs. $107.25 and up. 7pm from Saturday to Sunday (May 18th to 19th). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Kathy Griffin: Griffin brings his comedy show to Tampa. Don’t bring the kids, she warns, and don’t tell such jokes at work. $49.50 and up. 7:30 pm on Thursday (May 16). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Founder’s Day and Cuban Sandwich Eating Contest: JC Newman Cigar Company of Ybor City will celebrate the company’s founding by opening the factory doors for free tours. You can also explore the cigar museum across the street from Cigar Workers Park. Outside there will be live music, food trucks, lawn games and more. At 1 p.m., competitive eaters Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry take on DJ Drew Garabo of 102.5-FM The Bone and employees of JC Newman Cigars in a Cuban sandwich-eating challenge. Free. From 11am to 3pm, Saturday (May 18). Cigar Workers Park, 1530 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa. 813-248-2124.
Clear water threshers: The Threshers face the Daytona Tortugas. Stick around after the game for an Uncle Johns Band concert on Friday and after-game fireworks on Saturday. $9-$12. 6:30pm Tuesday (May 14), noon Wednesday (May 15), 6:30pm Thursday-Saturday (May 16-18), noon Sunday (May 19 ). BayCare Stadium, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. 727-467-4457.
Hedwig and the Furious Inch: This darkly humorous self-love story, fueled by a live band, explores gender identity, acceptance and freedom. Only over 18 years old. $50-$52. 7pm Wednesday-Thursday (May 15-16), 8pm Friday (May 17), 2pm and 8pm Saturday (May 18), 2pm Sunday (May 19). American Stage Theater Company at the Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. 727-823-7529.
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The Florida Orchestra: Under the direction of Michael Francis, the orchestra performs Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” with Jeffrey Multer (violin) and Yoni Draiblate (cello). Other selections include Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin” and the Brahms Double Concerto. $23-$75. 8pm Friday (May 17). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. It will also take place at 8pm on Saturday (May 18) at the Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, and at 7:30pm on Sunday (May 19) at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-892-3331.
In fashion: Formed in 1989 in Oakland, California, the group whose hits include “Don’t Let Go (Love)” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get it)” performs. $70 and up. 8pm on Wednesday (May 15). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
Zubrick Magic Theater: Illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick incorporate sleight of hand, large-scale illusions and comedy in this family-friendly show. $44-$160. 7pm-8:15pm Friday-Saturday (May 17-18), 2pm-3:15pm Sunday (May 19). Zubrick Magic Theatre, 1211 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 866-982-7425.
Classic Live Albums: This part features Queen’s “News of the World”.” $35-$50. 8pm on Friday (May 17). Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
August: Osage County: A missing father. A mother who takes pills. Three sisters keeping secrets. When the extended Weston family unexpectedly reunites following their father’s disappearance, the Oklahoman family estate is turned upside down. US$21 to US$27. 8pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday (May 17th to 18th). Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa.
Amon Amarth: The Swedish heavy metal band performs, along with Cannibal Corps, Obituary and Frozen Soul. $25.75 to $55.75. 6:30 pm on Saturday (May 18). Yuengling Center, 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.
Pete Pier Marketplace: The Marketplace features a variety of independent vendors selling clothing, handcrafted jewelry, specialty foods and more. No coverage. From 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Sunday (May 16th to 19th). St. Pete Pier, 600 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7248.
Tom Sandoval and the most extras: This is the latest musical project from the “Vanderpump Rules” actor-model-restaurant. $25-$45. 8pm Saturday (May 18). Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Food and Wine Festival: Guests can enjoy great food, a beer or cocktail and shows from Flo Rida (7pm on May 18th) and Vanilla Ice (6pm on May 19th). Included in entry (additional food). From 10am to 10pm, Saturday (May 18th), from 10am to 9pm, Sunday (May 19th). Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386.
CATstravaganza: Cats compete in a variety of categories, including Best Kitten and Best in Show. There will also be a rescue track for dogs and cats, Shopping Village, Loving Cats CATwalk, breed shows and much more. $25, $20 for seniors and ages 12-17. From 9am to 6pm, Saturday to Sunday (May 18th to 19th). Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St.
