Looking for fun and adventure this weekend? Here are our major picks of events taking place in the Orlando and Tampa Bay areas:
Orlando area
Orlando Tattoo Festival
Annual celebration of tattoos featuring more than 100 tattoo artists, live tattooing and piercing, art, live music and entertainment, the Miss Orlando Tattoo Pageant and more. $17.50-$50. When: 12 p.m. Saturday, July 23, and 12 p.m. Sunday, July 24. Where: Florida Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando.
Cardboard Art Festival
The fourth annual Cardboard Art Festival features arists who create fantastic works out of nothing but cardboard and imagination. $5 adults and $1 kids. When: Friday, July 22, 7 p.m., Sat., July 23, 12 p.m. -5 p.m. & 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Where: 80 W. Grant St., Orlando.
Summer Music Series
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is hosting the area's most talented musicians on the outdoor stage. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and tasting. Where: 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont. When: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Free admission.
Tampa Bay area
Metrocon
Now in its 14th year, Metrocon brings to the Tampa Bay area a pop culture convention focused on anime. For those unfamiliar with the term, anime is the unique animation style born in post-World War II Japan popularized by classics such as “Astro Boy” and “Speed Racer” and kept alive by everything from '80s super-robot shows like “Voltron” to '90s favorites “Sailor Moon” and ‘Pokémon” to current hits like “Attack on Titan.” Metrocon runs through Sunday and promises attendees opportunities to meet voice actors, attend panels, play interactive games and buy merchandise. Single day and weekend pass tickets can be purchased at the door for prices ranging from $10-$85.
Snooty the Manatee’s 68th Birthday Bash
The South Florida Museum is throwing a birthday soirée on Saturday, July 23, for Snooty, the oldest known manatee born in captivity, according to the Guiness Book of World Records. Come out for children’s games, art activities, food and a display of Snooty’s birthday cards, plus find out what treats Snooty gets in his “birthday cake." Admission to the museum costs $18, $16 for seniors, $14 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free.
Tampa Bay Home Show
Head to Tropicana Field on Sunday for this FREE event, touted as the largest home show on Florida’s West Coast. Meet the area’s top home improvement experts while you check out exhibits and seminars on the latest trends in remodeling. Attendees can also register for door prizes and giveaways. The event runs Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.