Best Events Around the Sunrise Side of Tampa Bay

Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass will welcome the arrival of the Republican National Convention in Tampa with a new show entitled "Politics, Patriotism and Pop Art." Opening reception is Friday Aug. 24 and it runs through Sept. 29. On view will be themed art by notables such as Michael Vollbracht, Peter Max, Nancy Pollock, Bernie Taupin and others. To read more, click here.

Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the Labor Day Weekend festivities at R.E. Olds Park on Saturday, Sept. 1. Old-fashioned family fun starts at 5 pm with rides, food concessions and live music. The event ends with a brilliant fireworks show over the bay at 9 pm.

Head to Highlander Park in Dunedin every Friday in September at 7 pm for the free Starlight Concert. Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars; concessions available or bring a picnic basket, a blanket, or lawn chairs. Admission is free.

Sept 7: Legendary JC's
Sept 14: Vodkanauts
Sept 21: Bus Stop Band
Sept 28: Late Night Brass

It's all glamour and glitz at the Fire & Ice Gala benefit for the ALPHA House of Pinellas County on Saturday, September 8, at 6 pm at The Club at Treasure Island. Elegant attire in red and/or white is requested.

The evening includes a cocktail reception and silent auction, dinner and dancing. Tickets $100; for more information, call (727) 822-8190 ext 202.

The Dalí Museum's Zodiac Group is hosting its most-attended event of the year, Liquid Desires, on Saturday, September 8. The 1930's Paris-themed event will feature craft beer, wine, French food, and live music from 8 -11 p.m. Tickets are $75. Visit liquiddesires.thedali.org to purchase tickets or for more event details.

Join the hip and trendy September 10-15 at St. Pete Art & Fashion Week, a series of art and runway fashion shows at various locations throughout downtown St. Petersburg. The fundraiser benefits the Children's Dream Fund and features art workshops, boutique shows, art shows, and live music along with a premiere fashion art gala. For more information, go to www.stpeteartandfashionweek.com

Play with clay and enjoy an array of live entertainment, artists, culinary delights and beverages at Eat Rich, Play Dirty on Saturday, September 15, at the restored Historic Train Station in downtown St. Petersburg. This adults-only party will be at the Train Station Center for Clay, 420 22nd Street S. from 7 to 10 pm. and is a benefit for the Morean Arts Center and PARC. For ticket information, go to www.moreanartscenter.org

If you're a working woman and looking for a relaxing getaway with the girls, head to the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun gala hosted by the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday, September 15, ladies will gather at the Riverside Grille House, 10 W. Dodecanese Blvd, in Tarpon Springs, from noon to 6 p.m. Some of the activities include a fashion show, brunch, a shopping spree, and a cocktail party. For ticket information, visit www.palmharborcc.org or call (727) 784-4287.

Safety Harbor's Third Friday Music Series celebrates Renaissance Night on September 21. Performers in period costumes will entertain the crowds along Main Street from 6 -10 pm, while minstrels and magicians make merry at the gazebo. Arts and and crafts vendors and plenty of food and grog will abound. Visit www.CityofSafetyHarbor.com for more information.

Enjoy an evening of power shopping, networking and fun at "Love That Dress," a fundraiser for Pinellas PACE Center for Girls. Hundreds of gently used dresses will be for sale as you enjoy informal modeling, a silent auction, and exhibits by local artists and vendors. Make a beeline to the St. Petersburg Marriott, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. N, from 4 to 8 pm and bring your pocketbook! Drop off your used dresses through August 31 by calling (727) 456-1566.

The roar and excitement of high-power offshore powerboat racing is coming to Clearwater Beach! Watch as some 40 teams compete on a 2.5-mile course and enjoy race-related activities and entertainment all weekend at Coachman Park. VIP package tickets are available through the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (727) 461-0011 and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce (727) 447-7600. Go to www.ClearwaterSuperBoat.com for more information.

Destination Tampa Bay is giving away tickets to the Clearwater Jazz Holiday set for October 18-21 at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. Headliners this year include Bonnie Raitt, the Avett Brothers, Mindi Abair and Jeff Golub. Get in the drawing for tickets by signing our Guest Book online here. Go to clearwaterjazz.com to check out this year's lineup and to order advance tickets.