St. Petersburg, Russia, St. Petersburg, Florida: Namesake Cities celebrates both cities' important anniversaries. St. Petersburg, Russia is commemorating the 300th anniversary of its founding by Peter the Great in 1703 and St. Petersburg, FLorida is celebrating the centennial of its incorporation as a city in 1903. The exhibit highlights the many astounding parallels and differences between the two cities and their founders through panels, exhibit cases with artifacts from both Russia and Florida and a video. For more information, call 727-894-1052.

Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays battle teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Spring Training starts in March. Tickets are available for as low as $4. For more information, call 1-888-FAN-RAYS (326-7297) or 727-825-3250.

Barbara Sorensen is a ceramic sculptor whose interest in geological formations is reflected in her small, vessel referenced works, for which she was originally known. Several of Sorenson's new large-scale clay sculptures will be on display at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

A series of quilts, designed by nationally known artist Rebekka Seigel, honors twelve inspiring women of the 20th century. Honorees include Ella Fitzgerald, Babe Didrikson, Martha Graham, Lucille Ball and Barbara Jordan. For more information, call 727-822-3693.

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) presents a bi-lingual interactive science exhibit based on the Busy World of Richard Scarry books and animated television series. Kids can count, sort, weigh, build and play the part of a factory worker, crane operator and construction worker. For more information, call 813-987-6100.

Ringo Starr, the famous beatle drummer, gets a little help from his friends John Waite, Paul Carrack, Colin Hay, percussionist Sheila E and saxophonist Mark Rivera. Concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call 727-791-7355.

This statewide competitive exhibition celebrates Florida Craftsmen's 50th anniversary. The exhibit offers a survey of Florida's fine craft artists. For more information, call 727-821-7391.

The Palm Harbor Chamber hosts the golf tournament to help promote businesses in the area. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner, an awards presentation and gifts will follow. For more information, call 727-784-4287.

Lynn Mayne, Pat Looper, Becky Stevens and Terri Stewart present 35 handmade tapestry weavings, which are contemporary in nature, yet steeped in tradition. For more information, call 727-821-7391.

This exhibit focuses on the vibrant Miami art scene. In addition to recognizing the important Latin influence in the Miami area, the exhibit will also examine Miami as an international crossroads and the impact that phenomenon has had on the diversity of art being produced in the greater Miami community. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

This exhibit showcases aluminum spherical sculptures by artists Robert Giordano. All works are showcased in the courtyard sculpture garden. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

This kid-friendly event is hosted by the hands-on museum in downtown St. Petersburg. The exhibit include ghostly sights and surprises throughout the month. For more information, call 727-821-8992.

This tournament for children with disabilities is always held the first Saturday in October. Fishing will be done on Clearwater's Pier 60. To register, call the Clearwater Municipal Marina at 727-462-6954 between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. M-F. For more information, call 727-462-6954 or 727-789-5399.

The Fourth Annual Festival & Nature Expo features the best of Florida birding with 25 field trips throughout the region, internationally known bird and wildlife experts and an exciting Nature Expo. The Festival offers a conservation mission with proceeds going to the management of Shell Key Preserve, one of Florida's most important areas for shorebirds. For more information, call 727-464-7200.

In its 24th year, the annual Jazz Holiday brings together all veins of jazz music together in 4 days of free entertainment at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. From bebop to blues, from big band to the compositions of Frank Zappa, there is something for everyone. For more information, call 727-461-5200.

This autumn harvest will be held at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Park. There will be an old time farmers market and plenty of events and activities for adults and children. For more information, call 727-893-7326.

Cooking demonstrations and roasting stations in the garden will offer free samples of freshly roasted hot peppers. Vendors will offer samples and products for sale, including hot sauces, salsas and jerk seasonings. Cripple Creek Growers, the largest grower of hot peppers in the southeastern U.S, will have over 80 varieties of sweet, hot and pungent peppers to sample; Jene's Tropicals will sell a variety of spice trees and The Misting Shed will offer a variety of common and unusual herbs for sale. Calypso music will be featured in the garden as well as educational programs on using spices and herbs. For more information, call 727-551-3100.

This weekend festival features German music, food, beer and wine, along with full midway, carnival, art/crafters, American food and business vendors. Come enjoy the interactive games and activities such as log sawing, keg hurling, stein holding and the annual Waitress Races. For more information, call 813-855-4233.

Free concert and fireworks in Vinoy Park on Beach Drive. There will also be a canned food drive for Tampa Bay Harvest. The show begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-662-7286.

Held every year on the last Saturday in October, this year's event is the 31st Annual Outdoor Peoples Fair with arts, music and games and is a celebration of peace, freedom, justice and creativity. Located at Lakeview Park on Lake Maggiore, 20th St. & 26th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 727-327-6726 or 727- 896-0310.

This 5K event runs along the coast of Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds from the race benefit the Clean Beaches Council and the Blue Wave Program. Blue Wave is the nation's first environmental beach management program. For more information, call 727-464-7200.

The Pinellas County Historical Society presents this jubilee with more than 125 craftspeople displaying and selling their homemade goods. The event features pioneer and Victorian craft demonstrations, live entertainment, a petting zoo, historic house tours and food. The jubilee runs 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

The Tarpon Springs Historical Society conducts guided tours of this historic cemetery with re-enactments of selected early residents. Portrayals of these historic figures give visitors an unusual overview of the area’s history. There is no charge for the tour, which runs 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 727-943-4624.

This festival will feature food, children's activities, entertainment, a display about the heritage of the fishing industry in Madeira Beach and an art show. This event was formerly known as the John's Pass Village Seafood Festival. For more information, call 727-394-0756.

The inaugural PGA Chrysler Championship with a purse of $4.8 million will be held on the Copperhead Course at the Westin Innisbrook Resort. The event will feature some of the top names in professional golf one week before the PGA tour championship. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to area charities. For more information, call 727-942-5566.

London's original creative team brings this production of Starlight Express to the Tampa Bay area. This Broadway musical features two hours of speed, spectacle, excitement and energy. It is a story of hope and love, filled with thrills, stunts and roller-racing action. For more information, call 813-229-7827.

Come enjoy a naturally scary evening with a creepy crawly show, storytelling, a great pumpkin patch and treats for the little goblins. For more information, call 727-551-3100.

This is the ideal time to rediscover St. Petersburg's vibrant arts community with discounts on museum admissions, theater performances and dining, more than 25 special events, holiday gallery tours, kids events and spellbinding exhibitions and performances. "Art Stops" include Florida Craftsmen Gallery, The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, more than 25 galleries and downtown museums -- The Florida Holocaust Museum, Florida International Museum, Great Explorations, Museum of Fine Arts, Peir Aquarium, Salvador Dali Museum and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. All of the cultural sites are connected by a ride on the Looper, St. Petersburg's pink open-air downtown trolley. For more information, call 727-893-7171.

In its 24th year, this festival offers art, crafts and food. Held at the Boyd Hill Nature Park, it also has exhibits and children's activities. Hours both days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 727-893-7326.

The St. Petersburg Times hosts this annual event that features book talks, national and regional authors, book appraisals, music and poet performances and children's storyland. The event is free, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 727-445-4142.

This exhibit highlights Florida Craftsmen members' work and gives craft art lovers an opportunity to view and purchase a variety of works from more than 250 of the state's best craftspeople. One-of-a-kind artwork is available in a wide range of mediums. For more information, call 727-821-7391.

The Madeira Beach American Legion Post #273 and the Madeira Beach Elks Lodge #1912 will host the 6th Annual Veteran’s Day Boat Parade. More than 100 boats are expected to participate in the flotilla. The marshalling of boats will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Elks Lagoon, one mile south of Madeira Beach Causeway, and will proceed through the Intracoastal Waterway. Good spots for viewing the parade include John's Pass, American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach, Elks Lodge 1912 in Madeira Beach and the channel between Isle of Palms and Isle of Capri in Treasure Island. For more information, call 727-392-8998.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at the Arts Center annual Holiday Show. See specially created works by many artists. Glass ornaments and photographs will also be on display. Limited edition hand-printed holiday cards custom-made for the Arts Center will debut during the holiday show. For more information, call 727-822-7872.

National recording artists and world-famous barbecue are featured at Vinoy Park. Ribfest is the site for some of the finest barbecue chefs in the country to showcase their special eating delights. The event features a barbecue contest, music and more. For more information, call 727-528-3828.

This event in its 13th year features live music from nationally prominent bands focusing on traditional jazz and swing. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and the Radisson Suite Resort host this musical festival. For more information, call 727-595-1611.

The Turkey Trot celebrates its 25th anniversary with an anticipated 10,000 runners trotting through Clearwater. The event features a one-mile "Gobbler" run, 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) "Wingding" and 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) "Turkey Trot." Proceeds from the St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot will be donated to many local charities. Runners are welcome to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items in the stadium on race day. All collected foods will be given to the food pantry program. For more information, call 727-442-5838.

This free walking holiday lights display will encompass Pier 60 Park and will take place during the normal Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival hours. All of the year round festivities (local artisans and crafters and Key West-style street performers) will be included in the holiday program. The event will also feature special holiday events like Beach Santa photos, Snow Days, caroling and children's activities. For more information, call 727-449-1036.

Enjoy Tchaikovsky's holiday classic in all its glory. The event is performed by the West Florida Youth Ballet. The show times for the event are Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sun. 2 p.m. For more information call 813-587-6751.

John's Pass Village transforms into Christmas Village for this month long celebration. There will be a tree lighting on Dec. 6th with Santa Claus arriving by firetruck. Stores offer special discounts during this weekend and a Tropical Santa Photo Opportunity is available every weekend. For more information, call 727-394-0756.

This month-long festival of beautiful decorations, choirs of carolers, holiday entertainment, a large Christmas parade and more is a tradition in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information, call 727-821-6164.

This exhibition surveys works from artist Jim Roche's early "Potted Mama" plant series, his narrative based audio-performance works. Works will be presented in photographic form, as well as in assemblage, drawings and mixed-media. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

The Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce hosts this yearly event that is traditionally held the first weekend in December. More than 240 artists will participate in the crafts fair and thousands of art patrons are expected to attend. For more information, call 727-784-4287.

Celebrate the holiday season with tours of the beautifically decorated Victorian and pioneer homes at Heritage Village, nature walks and exhibits at the Florida Botanical Gardens, train displays, a holiday craft sale at the Extension Service, a holiday film series at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, multicultural exhibits, ornament making stations, storytelling, music, food and much more! Most activities are from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., but the holiday lighting ceremony starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Florida Botanical Gardens. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

Cars from the 1900s to the present will be judged and awarded prizes at this third annual car, truck and motorcycle show. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a Christmas present for a child. The show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 727-525-8061.

We have not received the official date for this event, but it is usually held in December. Thousands of people walking, running and jogging along St. Petersburg’s waterfront during an evening filled with glowing luminaries and the sounds of sleigh bells in the air. The course starts and finishes at The Pier with festive music on the first floor rear patio. There is a registration fee of $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For more information on registration, call 727-821-4819.

The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement celebrates the holidays with a craft show, music, food, and more from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can also see a working sawmill, blacksmith shop, cane carving and Horse N' Around petting farm at this historical site. Children will enjoy hay rides with Santa from 2- 4 p.m., story telling at 5:45 p.m., and everyone can enter to win a completely decorated Christmas tree. For more information, call 727-893-7326.

This exhibit explores how the nation's pastime mirror and influences our evolving culture. The more than 500 artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame include the legendary "Abner Doubleday baseball," the first ball pitched by Cy Young in the first World Series in 1903; historic photographs and artifacts from Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio and more; baseball nostalgia of all kinds; interactive displays and items that illustrate the history of baseball in Tampa Bay. For more information, call 727-822-3693.

The exhibition features seventy-five works on paper by sixty-four artists who have been creating art since the 1930s. Artists represented include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Elizabeth Catlett, and Howardena Pindell. For more information, call 727-896-2667.

Luminaries around Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs are lighted during Christmas Eve making the walkways of Craig Park glow with the holiday spirit. For more information, call 727-943-5523.

Downtown St. Petersburg comes together with more than 20 venues featured in this alcohol-free celebration for adults and children alike. Centered around the Pier and Vinoy basin, First Night features everything from fire sculptures to music, dancing, poetry, puppetry, theater, art, games and fireworks. For more information, call 727-823-8906.

The Coliseum is hosting a New Year's Eve Celebration featuring Donna the Buffalo, a six-member band of electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, accordian, fiddle, bass, drums and rubboard on a journey that began with old-time Appalachian music. For more information, call 727-892-5202.

Eclectic Ybor City is the site of this festive celebration featuring the TECO Energy Parade, a pep rally by the marching bands, cheerleaders and a spectacular fireworks show. The parade will feature floats and thirty marching bands. This free family event starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along 7th Avenue. The fireworks show blasts off at 8:15 p.m. For more information, call 813-874-2695.

The fifth Florida African American Heritage Celebration will feature the sounds of gospel, jazz/blues and traditional African drumming and dance; the aromas of authentic ethnic recipes; an exciting marketplace with arts and crafts and other merchandise with African and African American themes and styles and hands-on activities and visual and performing art workshops for adults and children. The event is at Pinewood Cultural Park in Largo, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

This conference will gather distinguished scholars during the year of the centennial of surrealist painter Salvador Dali's birth to frame the work of this most controversial of 20th century artists in newly informed contexts. For more information, call 727-823-3767.

The Salvador Dali Museum is marking its 22nd anniversary with the 3rd annual DaliFest, featuring reduced admission to the museum, three exhibitions, food and activities for everyone. Admission is $4. A free outdoor festival includes live music, flamenco dancing and kids' activities. For more information, call 727-823-3767.

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, it is the epic musical story of the fugitive Jean Valjean, who is pitted against the cruel and self-righteous Inspector Javert in a lifelong struggle to evade capture. For more information, call 813-229-7827.

Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Gulfport showcases the galleries and shops that make up its ArtVillage. Guests can browse and enjoy a festive evening featuring art, music and more in this pedestrian-friendly historic district. More than 40 galleries, studios, boutiques and restaurants are featured in this monthly event from 6-10 p.m. Most shops serve free treats and refreshments. For more information, call 727-321-7741.

St. Petersburg closes its main street for a street party on Central Avenue and Third Street in the heart of downtown. This block party features free live music from 5:30 to 10 p.m. For more information, call 727-895-0051.

Every 4th Saturday of the month, Gulfport showcases the galleries and shops that make up its ArtVillage and features a sidewalk sale. Guests can visit the many wonderful shops that feature original paintings, pottery, handmade jewelry, wearable art, sculptures, hand blown glass, collectibles and much more at this village gathering. Gulfport's Art Village features shops, restaurants, cafes and nightspots on Beach Blvd. The sale runs 11 - 3p.m. For more information, call 727-321-0830.