GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview March 24-27

With a variety of entertainment venues and restaurants in the area, there's no reason to spend the weekend at home. We've put together a list of fun things to do in Brandon and beyond.

Posted Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 11:53 am ET|Updated Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 11:54 am ET

It’s Thursday and the weekend’s just around the corner. If you’re still stumped on what to do, we’ve got some great ideas.

Where/When: The Brass Tap, 775 Brandon Town Center. Thursday at 9 p.m.
Why Go: Kick off the weekend a night early with live music at Brass Tap. Local acoustic rocker Scott Meyers will perform covers of popular classic and alternative rock covers throughout the evening.
Price: Free! Drink prices vary.

Where/When: The Farm U.S.A., 7818 Lithia Pinecrest Rd in Lithia. Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Why Go: An evening of Country Gospel and Bluegrass music is on tap at the Farm U.S.A. this weekend. The event will feature performances by A to J Bluegrass and Patsy & New Beginnings. If you have a musical gift, bring your instrument and join the live band session, or just sit back and have a good time. Free food and drinks will be available prior to the concert.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, 2080 Badlands Dr. Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Why Go: Learn to create meals rich in vibrant flavors using herbs and spices from around the world. The menu will feature beef curry, scallops in tarragon butter, nutmeg shortbread.
Price: $40

Where/When: Beef 'O' Bradys, 210 S Kings Ave. Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Why Go: Visit Beef O'Brady's this Saturday for an early pancake breakfast fundraiser benefiting Heather Bates Hall. The 27 year-old Brandon High School teacher and cheerleading coach was diagnosed with Melanoma. Proceeds will support Hall's medical expenses. In addition to breakfast, the fundraiser will feature a raffle with a variety of prizes, including an Apple iPad 2 and a Johnson Smoker.
Price: $5 per person.

Where/When: Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 410 N Franklin St. Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Why Go: Downtown Tampa will be transformed into a race track for the 2011 Tampa Twilight Criterium. The 0.8 mile course begins and ends at Lykes Gaslight Park . The event will feature live music, food and beer gardens, activities for children and much more.
Price: Spectators free. Riders $10-$43.

Where/When: Valrico Elementary School, 609 S. Miller Rd. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Why Go: The Valrico Elementary PTA invites families to its 2nd Annual Spring Jubilee. The event features fun and family-friendly activities, games, and local vendors. Kids will enjoy a day filled with bounce houses, rock walls, obstacle courses and hands-on crafts.
Price: Admission is free. Tickets for prizes and giveaways are $1 each or $5 for 6. Wristbands for activities are $20 all day.

Looking for more things to do this weekend? Check out our family friendly , refreshed every Wednesday.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here