Community Calendar

Florida has a long and rich history of pirates plundering its shores, cities and shipping lanes, giving rise to imaginary pirate heroes and spawning sensational legends and myths. But how much of it is true? Exaggerations of true pirate histories have been told and retold for centuries. Digging deep into the true history of piracy along the Florida coast, best-selling author Robert Jacob has unearthed a treasure of information that reveals the truths, explains the legends, and identifies the myths about Florida pirates from Sir Francis Drake to José Gaspar. Come aboard for a captivating adventure into the world of pirate lore. If you thought you knew all about the Florida pirates, you’re in for some surprising revelations that will leave you even more intrigued! Florida Conversations is presented both in-person and streamed live via Zoom and Facebook Live at 6:30 p.m. from the History Center’s TECO Hall. Free with registration thanks to the support from the TBHC Endowment Fund at USF, USF Libraries Florida Studies Center, and AARP Florida. Media support provided by WUSF Public Media.

The annual Sarasota Winter Carnival is returning for the 4th year, this January 2022! Happening from January 13th-17th. Located in Parking Lot 4 (East Grand Entrance) of The Mall at University Town Center. Carnival Details: The carnival is FREE to enter. Carnival Ride Wristbands & Tickets can be purchased online (The ticket link will be available soon) or from any ticket booth on site. Visit Dreamland Amusements for more Carnival info. Beer & Burger Festival Details: On Saturday (January 15th), the 3rd Annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival will be open from 12 pm-8 pm, right next to the carnival. Beer & Burger tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the gate ($15 per adult). For ANY event, vendor, or sponsor info, please contact (727) 674-1464 or Brett@FloridaPenguinProductions.com

The annual Sarasota Winter Carnival is returning for the 4th year, this January 2022! Happening from January 13th-17th. Located in Parking Lot 4 (East Grand Entrance) of The Mall at University Town Center. Carnival Details: The carnival is FREE to enter. Carnival Ride Wristbands & Tickets can be purchased online (The ticket link will be available soon) or from any ticket booth on site. Visit Dreamland Amusements for more Carnival info. Beer & Burger Festival Details: On Saturday (January 15th), the 3rd Annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival will be open from 12 pm-8 pm, right next to the carnival. Beer & Burger tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the gate ($15 per adult). For ANY event, vendor, or sponsor info, please contact (727) 674-1464 or Brett@FloridaPenguinProductions.com

Join us for the second annual Great Florida Bigfoot Conference on January 22, 2022 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Doors open at 9 am. The fun does not end until 6:00 pm. Speakers include Mireya Mayor, Loren Coleman, Lyle Blackburn and The Mid-Florida Bigfoot Research Group and master of ceremonies, RPG!

The annual Sarasota Winter Carnival is returning for the 4th year, this January 2022! Happening from January 13th-17th. Located in Parking Lot 4 (East Grand Entrance) of The Mall at University Town Center. Carnival Details: The carnival is FREE to enter. Carnival Ride Wristbands & Tickets can be purchased online (The ticket link will be available soon) or from any ticket booth on site. Visit Dreamland Amusements for more Carnival info. Beer & Burger Festival Details: On Saturday (January 15th), the 3rd Annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival will be open from 12 pm-8 pm, right next to the carnival. Beer & Burger tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite or at the gate ($15 per adult). For ANY event, vendor, or sponsor info, please contact (727) 674-1464 or Brett@FloridaPenguinProductions.com

From the car and truck show to kumquat pies, the 2022 Annual Kumquat Festival packs a load of fun into a single day at the heart of charming downtown Dade City, Florida. With more than 200 vendors all socially distanced six feet apart, delicious food from local restaurants, vendors and food trucks, an interactive Kid’s Coral, quilt show, farmer’s market, health and wellness area, and even kumquat beer, it’s a day that is as entertaining as saying the name of the quirky little fruit it honors. It's the family-friendly alternative to Gasparilla.

Get ready for an exciting weekend filled with an assortment of tacos, delicious indulgences, and tasty competitions all while being entertained by live bands on stage. The fun begins Saturday, January 29 and continues Sunday, January 30 from 10am to 5 pm. We’ve gathered the best local food trucks for the ultimate taco experience featuring rich, enchanting combinations of flavor, color and texture that leave your taste buds craving more. Zesty contests include Favorite Taco Vendor, and the Jalapeno Pepper Eating Challenge. Amateur chefs are invited to enter their best Salsas on Saturday & Hot Sauces on Sunday. The competition will be fierce as contenders vie for the awards in each category. The event is pet and family friendly, and admission and parking are complimentary. For more information, please text Michele at 813-299-3600.

Get ready for an exciting weekend filled with an assortment of tacos, delicious indulgences, and tasty competitions all while being entertained by live bands on stage. The fun begins Saturday, January 29 and continues Sunday, January 30 from 10am to 5 pm. We’ve gathered the best local food trucks for the ultimate taco experience featuring rich, enchanting combinations of flavor, color and texture that leave your taste buds craving more. Zesty contests include Favorite Taco Vendor, and the Jalapeno Pepper Eating Challenge. Amateur chefs are invited to enter their best Salsas on Saturday & Hot Sauces on Sunday. The competition will be fierce as contenders vie for the awards in each category. The event is pet and family friendly, and admission and parking are complimentary. For more information, please text Michele at 813-299-3600.

After a nearly twenty-four-month intermission, Powerstories Theatre returns on February 3- 20 with the production REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES by Josefina López. This crowd-pleasing comedy gem examines the bond between five headstrong and determined Latinx women in a small sewing factory in East Los Angeles. Under the direction of Linda Edmundo, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES features Alejandra Sepúlveda Colón as Ana, Michelle Crowder-Soellner as Estela, Lillian Almodovar as Carmen, Lupita Hahn as Pancha, and Natalia Cruz De Dios as Rosali.

Please join us for the 26th annual Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow and Native American Festival at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market in Auburndale, FL. The event features crafts, intertribal dance competitions, historic village displays, workshops and over 60 exhibitors. The event is held in the Big Top circus tent over two big weekends - rain or shine. Dates: January 28 -30 & February 4 -6, 2022 Festival Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Location: 1052 US Hwy 92 West, Auburndale, FL Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact us at 863-665-0062 | imwauburndale@gmail.com http://www.spiritofthebuffalopowwow.com