Get Out: Weekend Events for Brandon

In between showings of the new Harry Potter movie - if you can get a ticket - there's plenty to see and do around the Greater Brandon area this weekend from The Showcase Players production of "West Side Story" to an Artist Trunk Sale sponsored by the Creative Native Gallery. There's also a reptile show just down the road at the Florida State Fairgrounds for those who didn't get enough slithering at Harry Potter.

"WEST SIDE STORY"

•When/Where: 7 p.m., July 16-17, Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive.

•Why Go: The Showcase Players, with the Florida Academy of Performing Arts, in residence at Music Showcase, takes to the stage with "West Side Story.” Show dates and ticket information online. Call: 813-490-2787.

•Cost: $10.

FAMILY TIME READING PROGRAM

•When/Where: 11-11:30 a.m., July 16, Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive.

•Why Go: Stories, action rhymes, songs and interactive activities make up this 30-minute program that celebrates a love of reading for children of all ages. Call: 813-273-3652.

•Cost: Free.

BOOK TO FILM DISCUSSION

•When/Where: 2-4:30 p.m., July 16, Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive.

•Why Go: A screening of a popular travel-related movie, followed by a discussion on the book. Based on a bestselling novel this movie follows a woman on a round-the-world journey to find herself after a painful divorce. Call: 813-273-3652.

•Cost: Free.

“A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM”

•When/Where: 8 p.m. July 16 (matinee 2 p.m. July 17), Plant City Entertainment, 101 North Thomas Street, Plant City.

•Why Go: The story of a slave’s desperate attempt to win his freedom. The slave, Pseudolus, attempts to help his young master, Hero, earn the love of a courtesan, Philia. Meanwhile, Pseudolus has to outsmart Hero's parents, the slave-master, Lycus, and the large man that has already paid for Philia, Miles Gloriosus. Call: 813-273-3652.

•Cost: Tickets available at the door.

REPTILE SHOW

•When/Where: 10 a.m., Florida State Fairgrounds, July 16-17, 4800 N. U.S. 301.

•Why Go: Repticon Tampa (The Florida International Reptile Show) at the Florida State Fairgrounds is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise. Participate in free raffles, animal seminars and kids' activities. Call: 863-268-4273.

•Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 12 and children 4 and under are admitted free.

ZUMBA CLASSES

•When/Where: 6-7 a.m., July 16, Dancin' Motion School of the Arts in Bloomingdale Commons, 127 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

•Why Go: Zumba with Damris.

•Cost: $5.

NEW WORLD CELTS MEETING

•When/Where: 7:30-8:30 p.m., July 16, O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 701 W. Lumsden Road.

•Why Go: The Brandon Chapter of the New World Celts meets the third Thursday of the month at O'Brien's. The charitable organization promotes Celtic history and culture. Membership is open to all. Call Dugg Smith, 813-291-2387 or e-mail dduggins95@yahoo.com.

•Cost: Free.

ARTIST TRUNK SALE

•When/Where: 3-5 p.m., July 17, , 619 Vonderburg Drive.

•Why Go: The Creative Native Gallery presents an art sale with eclectic pieces for the home, jewelry and even some Christmas items. There will also be live demonstrations from several of the gallery’s artists. The sale coincides with the gallery's June/July exhibit “The Artsy Dozen.” Only cash or checks are accepted during the sale. Call: 813-685-8888. Email: pam@thecreativnativegallery.com.

•Cost: Free.

YOGA WORKSHOPS

•When/Where:  4-6 p.m., July 17, , 1252 Kingsway Road.

•Why Go: In addition to the Sunday class, an athlete's stretch workshop is held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and a yoga program for children is held Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Call: 813-390-3887 or email barbara@asanayogaofbrandon.com.

• Cost: Free.