FAIRS & FESTS Florida State Fair: features shows, music, midway rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days; new entertainment includes a Live Shark Encounter Show, La Plaza Hispanic Village Cultural Expo, Florida Ranch Rodeo and Jack Russell terrier races; now through Feb. 16; $4 to $8; children 5 and younger get in free; Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa; (813) 621-7821 ...more

February 8, 2009

Whether checking out new artists or favorite old musicians, the Carrollwood Cultural Center has a range of upcoming events featuring music, theater and the visual arts. ...more

January 28, 2009

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens where Santa's helpers are busy transforming the 20-room 1930s Pinewood Estate into a magical wonderland. A favorite family tradition for the holidays, the Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour will be open Nov. 28 through Jan. 4. ...more

November 27, 2008

SEBRING — Seemingly, none of 28 kids at Highlands Little Theatre Monday would spend their summer break from school any other way than rehearsing for a play. While some of their fellow students were sleeping late, watching the tube or traveling, this troupe of dedicated child actors hits the boards daily, starting at 9 a.m. to practice for four July performances on the big stage at HLT. Bethany Finney, 14, is home-schooled in Avon Park. She chose to attend the South Florida Summer Theater Institute rather than spend the summer "doing nothing." ...more

June 24, 2008

About once a month, two dozen children invade the city public works building for a free lesson about nature, the environment and ecology. ...more

May 19, 2008