Wednesday, March 1
MBA Orlando brings you their Monthly Networking Mixers (First Wednesday of every month), this month held at Edge Factory. (7111 Grand National Dr. #100 Orlando, 32819) The Networkers feature Hors D ’Oeuvres, Cash Bar, Individualized Networking Member Minutes: an opportunity for member businesses to present their elevator pitch at the Mixer, and Speed Networking: the first ten members to sign up at each mixer get an exclusive chance to network with each other, group speed dating style. This is a great way to get to know your chamber, its members and what MBA Orlando is all about. Admission is free for all members and only $20 for guests.
Freefall Theatre (6099 Central Ave, St Petersburg) presents Red Velvet running through March 26. For more information call 727-498-5205
Thursday, March 2
Sarasota Film Festival presents G2H2 (Gay Guy Happy Hour) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Starlite Room (1001 Cocoanut Ave Sarasota, 34236). The night will feature a $10 cover which includes appetizers, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and live entertainment by the Plump Sisters.
Central Florida Fair will open today and remain open until Sunday, March 19. The fair opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 p.m. on weekends. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This year, The Central Florida Fair presents 90s R&B sensation Tony, Toni Tone at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, rockers Puddle of Mud on Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. and the 6th Annual Orlando Caribbean Festival which gets kicked off at the fair on Saturday, March 11. For more information about the Central Florida Fair including performance tickets, entrance to the fair, and a complete schedule of events, visit them at CentralFloridaFair.com
Dunedin Lanes (405 Patricia Ace, Dunedin) presents Pride Bowling (The First Thursday of every month) from 10 p.m. -2 a.m., with $10 unlimited Cosmic Bowling, and $5 for non-bowlers. This is an 18+ event and features a fabulous Drag Queen show at midnight starring Jocelyn, Monica and Amy.
Friday, March 3
The Parliament House presents “Werk Queen” with your hosts from the hit web series “Hey Queen” Jonny Mcgovern and Lady “Red” Couture. This will be an evening of hilarious song parodies, gay ditties, dragtastic lipsyncs, stand-up comedy and behind the scenes dish. Taking place at the Footlight Theater at 8pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Phouse.ticketleap.com
Joey’s Show Will Go On is a docu-drama film about long-time Tampa Female impersonator Joey Brooks. The film will be featured at the Gasparilla International Film Festival at 9:45 p.m. at Theater 1 – PPK/Contender Studios Theater (1600 E. 8th Ave, Ybor City).
Wena’s Nightclub and Show Bar presents Jade Jolie, of RuPaul’s Drag Race tonight and on night March 4
Saturday March 4
The Straz Center presents The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes at the Carol Morsani Hall. Fans of The Princess Bride join the heroic Westley (actor Cary Elwes) in a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the iconic film. After a screening of the movie, Elwes engages in a moderated discussion on classic scenes, revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics! Tickets start at $25, and a limited number of VIP packages are available and include the best seats in the house, a Meet and Greet with Cary Elwes and a signed copy of his best-selling book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.
Parliament House presents their yearly Mardi Gras party and the annual Parade Spectacular featuring Mardi Gras Queen and King, Trinity K. Bonet and Axel Andrews.
Sunday, March 5
The Flamingo Resort presents a benefit for one of their own, Alexis Dela Mer, Miss St Pete F.I. at Large at 7 p.m. The benefit is to raise money to send Alexis to Miss Florida F.I. at Large and will feature entertainers and raffles.
Tuesday, March 7
The Straz Center presents Something Rotten! showing until March 12 at Carol Morsani Hall. With 10 Tony nominations including Best Musical, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is a “big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in the ‘90s – the 1590s – this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom (Tony nominee Rob McClure and Broadway’s Josh Grisetti), two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare (Tony nominee Adam Pascal) keeps getting all the hits. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is “Broadway’s funniest musical comedy in at least 400 YEARS!” (Time Out New York). Tickets start at $31.
The Dr. Phillips Center presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid from today until March 12. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical. Tickets start at $33.75 and can be purchased at DrPhillipsCenter.org
United Skates (5121N Armenia Ave, Tampa) presents Pride Skate (first Tuesday of every month) from 8 p.m. -11 p.m. The night will feature all your favorite high energy skating songs with DJ Greg Anderson and an all-new hour of late night funk.
Thursday, March 9
Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce presents “Health & Wellness Panel Dinner” at The Centre Club in Tampa’s Westshore at 6:30 p.m. Hear from their panel of medical experts, in collaboration with Florida Wellness, on various health and wellness topics especially tailored to our community. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. To purchase tickets or for more info go to: DiversityTampaBay.org/event-2459527
Saturday, March 11
Barcodes Orlando in College Park, will be celebrating their eighth anniversary. They will be giving away numerous items hourly starting at 9 p.m. Some of their fabulous prizes include; a two night stay at Flamingo Resort in St. Pete, a two night stay at Parliament House in Orlando, numerous “novelty” items from their store as well as items from their beer vendors. The grand prize will be $500 cash.
Thursday, March 9
Ybor City Barbering Company (2409 E 7th, Tampa) presents a RuPauls Drag Race Season 9 Viewing Party from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, March 11
The Flamingo Resort presents a Studio 54 party featuring DJ Johnny Cruz, and they invite you to be a part of the show and dress in your best 80’s outfit. Showtime will be at 11:30 p.m. with Iman as hostess and featuring the Blu Theater Players.
Monday, March 13
The 13th annual Miss Gay North USofA Classic Pageant will take place at 8 p.m. (registration at 3 p.m. and interview at 4) at the Parliament House. The night will star Michelle St Johns (Miss Gay North USofA Classic 2016), Nancy Taylor (Miss Gay USofA Classic 2016) as well as Tommie Ross, Anita Mann, Misty Knight, Tina Devore, Amy Demilo, Chelsea Delray, Ginger Manchester, Chevelle Brooks and Sierra Nichols as well as Emcee Darcell Stevens. For more information contact Bobbie at 260-615-9803.
Thursday, March 16
Premiere Travel, Carnival Cruises, and Florida Cane Distillery present Hotpsots Central’s “Out For Business” (Central Florida’s Newest LGBT Business Mixer) at Dapper Duck (28 South Orange Avenue) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There is no admission and everyone gets a complimentary cocktail and small bites. Come mix and mingle with other business professionals. Somebody will win a fabulous prize!
Friday, March 17
The Flamingo Resort celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a fabulous show featuring hostess Ashlee T Bangkx and starring Kenya Black, Iman and Isaiah Sanchez Hilton.
Saturday, March 25
TAMPA PRIDE 2017 with the theme “Community Super Heroes” includes the Festival Expo starting at 10 a.m. Over 150 vendors at HCC Parking Lot and on 8th Ave between 14th and 18th Street in historic Ybor City; Tampa pride Tribute to the Community, at Noon honoring the historic Key West eight color rainbow flag, Tampa Bay Rainbow Marching Band, Honoring Orlando pulse victims with First Responders and an invite to both the owner of Pulse Night Club and both Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer doing the emotional presentation in front of Centro Ybor. Grand Marshals are former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and community leader Joey Brooks. The Grand Marshal Couple is Hotspots Media Publisher/owner, Peter Clark and partner, Cleto Beuren. “Recognized LGBTA Community Supporter Award “ winners are former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman and retired Ybor City Development Corp manager Vince Pardo. Tampa Pride Diversity Parade at 1 pm with floats, celebrities, corporations, churches, organizations, and walkers as the 160 units march down the famous 7th Ave. through the GaYBOR District.
