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Weekend best bets

Cool ideas for your time off.

By WILMA NORTON
Published February 24, 2006

The Renaissance rocks Tampa

The 16th century comes to life again for seven weekends, beginning Saturday, near the Museum of Science and Industry. New this year at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival: performing Bengal tigers and a daily six-course Feast of Fantasy (reservations required). Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 9 at Fowler Avenue and N 46th Street, Tampa. $12.95 advance or $15.95 gate; $12.95 seniors; $4.95 children advance, $7.95 gate; ages 4 and younger free. (813) 983-0111, 1-800-601-4848 or www.renaissancefest.com.

A delicious taste of old Ybor City

Ybor City celebrates its heritage Saturday with Fiesta Day, which includes arts and crafts, ethnic foods, entertainment, Flan Fest with sampling and contests, an International Parade of Flags at the start and end of the day and a Children's Fiesta. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Seventh Avenue. (813) 248-0721 or www.cc-events.org. Free.

Skip the pirates, bring the runners

The Gasparilla Distance Classic brings hundreds of top runners - amateur and pro - to Tampa Saturday. The 15K starts at 7:30 a.m. downtown. The 5K starts at 9:30 a.m. Late registration begins at 6 a.m. Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St. (813) 254-7866, www.tampabayrun.com.

Hurry over to the Festival of Speed

Those who dream of speed will find plenty to make them drool Sunday in Vinoy Park. The Festival of Speed brings more than 250 exotic automobiles, motorcycles and boats, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Maseratis, Mercedes-Benz Maybachs, and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the park, Fifth Avenue NE at Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. Free. For more related parties, today and Saturday, see www.festivalsofspeed.com.

Orchestra tunes up tribute to Ella

Jazz singer Patti Austin and the Florida Orchestra pay tribute to the late Ella Fitzgerald all weekend in pops concerts titled "For Ella." Performances are at 8 tonight at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; 8 p.m. Saturday at Pasadena Community Church, St. Petersburg; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. $15.50-$50.50. (813) 286-2403 or toll-free 1-800-662-7286.

Much more music

Also in the musical medley: Moody Blues, 8 tonight, Ruth Eckerd Hall. $57.50-$85. (727) 791-7400 . Village People, 8 tonight, Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg. $25. (727) 896-2276. Keith Urban, 7:30 tonight, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa. $39.75. (813) 301-2500. Eliza Gilkyson, 8 tonight, Friday Morning Musicale, Tampa. $20. (813) 238-8001. INXS, 8 p.m. Saturday, Ruth Eckerd Hall. $39.50-$49.50. (727) 791-7400. W.A.S.P. with Julliet , 9 p.m. Saturday, State Theatre, St. Petersburg. $20. (727) 895-3045.

[Last modified February 23, 2006, 15:38:59]