Bars? We got your bars. Right here.

BARS

SARASOTA

Bacco's Tuscan Cuisine

Italian ambience and cuisine. Al Hixon Jazz Jam with Richard Drexler and Mark Neuenschwander, 7 p.m. Mon. (J). 23 N. Lemon Ave. 365-7380.

Bacalao Sports Grill and Bar

Latin food, full bar. The Metro Connection with Joe Bruno, trumpet; Charlie Dee, sax; Greg Lecewicz, trombone; Lane Ruiz, drums; Sherell McCants, bass; Eddy Tobin, piano, 8 p.m. Tues. 1100 N. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. 366-0157.

BC Recovery Room

Serves beer and wine, light snacks. Panama Pete & Manatee Mike, 9 p.m. Fri. (O) / The Fret Brothers, 9 p.m. Sat. (O) / Carolyn, 9 p.m. Fri. (O). 2119 Siesta Drive. 364-8653.

Cafe 1660 in the Osprey Inn

A restaurant and bar with full menu. Sam Domicolo, 7 p.m. Wed. (R). 1660 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. 966-1693.

Café L'Europe

Restaurant with gourmet cuisine, outdoor dining. John Rinell, 7 p.m. Wed. (I). 431 St. Armands Circle. 388-4415; cafeleurope .net.

Canvas Café

A casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar featuring seasonal American cuisine. Starving Artist Nights, 6 p.m. Tues. (J) / Old Record Night, 9 p.m. Wed. (DJ) / Los Rumberos, 6:30 p.m. Fri. (L). 1912 Adams Lane. 957-0609; canvascafesrq.com.

Chez Sylvie's

Serves organic gourmet, French cuisine, wine, beer, coffee and tea. Kitt and Mike Moran, 7 p.m. today, Wed. (J). 2881 Clark Road. 923-9020.

Coach & Horses British Pub

Eighteen English and Irish beers on draft, English and American food, Irish music. Terry Savastano, 9 p.m. Fri. (F). 6240 N. Lockwood Ridge Road. 358-1353.

Cork

Refined dining in sophisticated atmosphere. Allan Corey, 7 p.m. Tues.-Sun. (J). St. Armands Circle, 388-2675; corkonthe circle.com.

Esca

Restaurant, full bar. Disco La Femme with DJ Ms Rabid and Friends, 10 p.m. today (DJ) / DJ Kief, 10 p.m. Fri. (H) / DJ Shambala and Friends, 10 p.m. Sat. (DJ) / Spontaneous Habit, 10 p.m. Tues. (J) / DJ Secret Squirrel, Sugarpill & Guests, 10 p.m. Wed. (RA). 1888 Main St. 365-3722; escasrq.com.

Euphemia Haye's Haye Loft Lounge

Upscale lounge and dining. Dean Miller, 7:30 p.m. today, Tues., Wed. (J) / Carol Ettman, 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.(J) / Mike Markaverich, 7:30 p.m. Sun. (J) / Eddie Tobin, 7:30 p.m. Mon. (J). 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-3633; euphe miahaye.com/HayeLoft.

15 South Straight Up Martini Bar

Variety of music, drinks and food. Benny Ribaudo, 7 p.m. today-Sat. (J) / Luigi Toth, 7 p.m. Sun.-Wed. (J). 15 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle. 388-1555; 15southristorante.com.

5 O'Clock Club

Sarasota mainstay offers nightly music for all ages, full bar. Not From Here, 5:30 p.m. Fri. (R) / Chameleon, 10 p.m. Fri. (R) / Identity Krisis, 10 p.m. Sat. (R) / Al Fuller's Blues Jam, 10 p.m. Mon. (B) / 3 Peace, 10 p.m. Wed. (R). 1930 Hillview St. 366-5555; 5oclockclub.net.

Gecko's Grill & Pub

Seafood, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, full bar. DeeJay Dave, 10:30 p.m. Fri. (DJ). 4870 S. Tamiami Trail. 923-8896; geckosgrill.com.

Gilligan's Island Bar & Grill

Island bar serves baskets of food, variety of music. RPM, 6 p.m. today, Tues. (R) / 504, 6 p.m. Fri. (R) / Acoustic Pete Blues Trio, 2 p.m. Sat. (R) / Roadblock, 6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. (R) / 606 Retro Duo, 6 p.m. Wed. (R). 5253 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. 346-8122; gilligansislandbar.com.

Irish Rover

Traditional Irish food, beer, entertainment. Paul Duffy and Bobby Vesey, 8:30 p.m. today-Sat. (F) / Paul Duffy, 8 p.m. Tues. (F) / Bobby Vesey, 7:30 p.m. Wed. (F). 6518 Gateway Ave. 926-1060; irish roversarasota.com.

Le Barge

Cruise the bay on this double-decker boat and see the sights of Sarasota. Marina Jack Basin, Main Street at U.S. 41, Sarasota. Sly McLeod, 7 p.m. Sat. (R) / Max McCann, 6:30 p.m. Mon. (R) / Dan Crawford, 6:30 p.m. Tues. (R) / BC Hathaway, 6:30 p.m. Wed. (R). 366-6116; lebargetropicalcruises .com.

Mattison's City Grille

Outdoor eatery in downtown offers variety of music. The Venturas, 7:30 p.m. today (J) / Eclipse, 8 p.m. Fri., 7 p.m. Wed. (R) / Kool Breeze, 8 p.m. Sat. (B) / Debbie Keeton Jazz Group, 7 p.m. Sun. (J) / Straight Up, 7 p.m. Mon. (R) / Jennifer Leigh and Her New Digs, 7 p.m. Tues. (R) / Sly McLeod, 6 p.m. Tues. (R). 1 N. Lemon Ave. 330-0440; mattisons.com.

Mother's Musical Bakery

Folk venue and whole-grain bakery serves organic food, coffee, beer and wine. Dennis and Daniel Brock, 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (F). 6517 Superior Ave. 924-0102.

Monkey Room

Part of Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. Jeff Lanz and Mark Cravens, 6 p.m. today, Tues.-Sat. (J) / Scottie McFarland, 6 p.m. Sun.-Mon. (J) / Debbie Keeton and Gary Deary, 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (J). 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-5558; colonybeachresort.com.

Old Packinghouse Café

Favorite of locals with hamburgers, pasta, country-fried food. Connie Dillon & Tom Stamper, 7 p.m. today (C) / Swamp Grass, 7 p.m. Fri. (C) / The Al Fuller Band, 7 p.m. Sat. (B) / Open mike with Rick Alvis, 7 p.m. Mon. (O) / Randy Tracy's Trio of Doom, 7 p.m. Tues. (O) / The Florida Mountain Boys, 7 p.m. Wed. (C). 987 S. Packinghouse Road. 371-9358; oldpacking house.net.

O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill

Tiki bar and grill on the bay. Boaters welcome. The Bethere Brothers, noon Sat. (F). 5 Bayfront Drive at U.S. 41. 953-7505.

Osprey Inn Tiki Bar

Serving food and drinks. Sam Domicolo, 4 p.m. Sun. (I). 1660 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. 966-2121.

Pastimes Pub

Full liquor bar specializing in live music. Nick Lavalle, 9 p.m. today (R) / Teddy Lee, 9 p.m. Fri. (R) / The Boneshakers, 9 p.m. Sat. (R) / Open mike with Tuff Sons, 9 p.m. Sun. (O) / Electro Shock, 9 p.m. Tues. (DJ) / DJ Melicious, 10 p.m. Wed. (DJ). 6540 Superior Ave. 924-7782; myspace.com/pastimespub.

The Rhino Rhoom

Located in Gilligan's. DJ Mike Anthony, 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (DJ) / Saturday Night Crush with Tony Faline and DJ Ekko, 10 p.m. Sat. (DJ). 5253 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. 346-8122; myspace.com/rhinorhoom.

Rumba Restaurant and Lounge

Caters to younger crowd with food, drinks and alternative music. Robert Howes, 8 p.m. today (R). 1120 N. Washington Blvd. 952-1120.

Rustic Grill Aqua Lounge

Serves new American cuisine, full bar. Sarah Combs, 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (F). 400 N. Lemon Ave. 906-1111; rusticgrillsarasota .com.

Sahib Shrine Lounge

Full menu and bar. Art Talbot, 6 p.m. Tues. (O). 600 N. Beneva Road. 366-4449.

The Shamrock

An original Sarasota pub and patio, featuring Irish, domestic and premium brews and wine. Jukebox and darts. DJ Shamrockable, 8 p.m. Sat. (DJ) / Open Jam with Brian Bly, 4 p.m. Sun. (R). 2257 Ringling Blvd. 952-1730; myspace.com/thesham rocksarasota.

Speakeasy

Light-fare menu, full-service bar. Josh Helmouth, 5 p.m. Fri. (F) / Elevated, 9 p.m. Sun. (R). 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. 346-1379; speakeasysiestakey.com.

Villa Sorrento's Italian Delight

Luigi Toth, 6 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (J). 1756 N. Honore Ave. 371-2300.

VENICE/ENGLEWOOD

Cafe Venice

Restaurant and wine bar on the island serves soups, tapas, salads, entrées and wine. Sam Domicolo, 8 p.m. Fri. (R). 116 W. Venice Ave., Venice. 484-1855; cafe veniceontheisland.com.

The Harmony House -- Holiday House

Restaurant and bar. Dave Pruyn Trio with Charlie Prawdzik and Mark Neuenschwander. 7 p.m. Tues. (J). 455 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice. 412-3000.

Honoluana Island Grill

Bar and restaurant on Venice Island. Jimi Banks, 6 p.m. today, Tues. (I) / Al Fuller Band, 7 p.m. Fri. (R) / Max McCann & The Displacements, 7 p.m. Sat. (B) / Karaoke with Bruno, 7 p.m. Wed. (O). 222 Airport Ave. E., Venice. 483-3553; honoluana .com.

Saltwater Café

Seafood, pizza, burgers, full bar in marine décor. DooWop Denny, 7 p.m. Sat. (R). 1071 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis. 488-3775; saltwatercafe.com.

T.J. Carney's Pub & Grill

Irish pub offers Irish Reuben, steaks to grouper, dance music for 40s and up. G-Force, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m. Wed. (R). 231 W. Venice Ave., Venice. 480-9244.

MANATEE

Clancy's Irish Pub & Grill

Traditional Irish pub with mostly acoustic music. Terry Helm, 6 p.m. Mon. (F) / Double Down, 6 p.m. Tues. (R) / Jay Crawford, 6 p.m. Wed. (I). 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton. 794-2489.

D.Coy Ducks

Longtime island tavern specializing in rock and blues. Dr. Dave Band, 9 p.m. Fri. (R). 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 778-5888.

Mattison's Riverside

Fine dining indoors and outdoors with a casual setting. Serves seafood and American food, plus a full wine and sushi bar. Doc and Buster, 6 p.m. today (R) / Kool Breeze, 8 p.m. Fri. (R&B) / Jennifer Leigh and Her New Digs, 8 p.m. Sat. (R). 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. 748-8087; matti sons.com.

Ooh la la! Bistro

Continental dining, upscale bistro with beer and wine. Diane Linscott, Kym Purling and Billy Pillucere, 6 p.m. Mon. (J). 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. 778-5320; freshoriginals.com.

Rasher Tierney's

Irish pub with big-screen TVs and dart boards. Walter McDonough, 7 p.m. Wed. (F). 5106 14th St. W., Bradenton. 752-1531; rashertierneys.com.

Tequila Beach Sport Grille

Subway Jumpers, 9 p.m. Sat. (R) / Trivia Night, 8 p.m. Tues. 7423 W. Manatee Ave., Bradenton. 794-1400.

Woody's River Roo

Outdoor riverfront pub specializes in sandwiches, burgers, easy-rock music. Taylor-Taylor, 5 p.m. today (R)/ Straight Up, 2 p.m. Sat. (R) / Mitch Clark, 7 p.m. Sat. (B) / Jack Tamberine, 3 p.m. Sun. (C) / Riff Raff, 5 p.m. Wed. (R). 5717 18th St. E., Ellenton. 722-2391; woodysriverroo.com.

Zio's Pizzeria & Martini Bar

Old-world Italian pizzeria, restaurant and martini bar. Shotgun Orchestra, 9 p.m. today (R) / Mitch Clark & the House Rockers, 9 p.m. Fri. (R) / Git 'r' Dunz 9 p.m. Sat. (R) / Sophisticated Jazz, 5:30 p.m. Mon. (J) / Roadblock, 9 p.m. Tues. (RA). 533 14th St. W., Bradenton. 708-9001; zios flausa.com.

CONCERTS

SARASOTA

"Jazz at Two"

With Carol Ettman Quartet, Fri. Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail. $8; $4 for Jazz Club of Sarasota members. 366-1552; jazzclubsarasota.com.

"Jazz at Two Sunday"

2-4 p.m. Sun. Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way. $12.50 advance; $15 door; $7.50 for Jazz Club of Sarasota members. 552-5325; jazzclubsaraso ta.com.

MANATEE

USF Sarasota-Manatee campus concert

Music by The Gumbo Boogie Band, Big Night Out and Rhythm Method. 6 p.m. Fri USF Sarasota-Manatee USF, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Proceeds benefit Joining Our Youth (JOY) and Mothers Helping Mothers. $5. 359-4717.

Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout

Mark Hummel and The Blues Survivors, with guests Rick Estrin, Curtis Salgado and Bobby Ray Bishop. 8 p.m. Fri. Ace's Lounge, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 795-3886; 4aceslounge.com.

The Imperials and Country Jamboree Band

7 p.m. Sat. Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. $6. 756-6942.

TAMPA BAY

Avril Lavigne

With Boys Like Girls. 7 p.m. Sat. Ford Amphitheater, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. $20-$45. (813) 287-8844.

Earth, Wind & Fire

7 p.m. Sun. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. $49-$95. (727) 791-7400; rutheckerdhall.com.

Panic! At the Disco

7 p.m. Tues. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. $35. (727) 791-7400; rutheckerdhall.com.

All Time Low

With The Matches, Sonny, Forever The Sickest Kids. 6 p.m. Sun. Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. $16. (727) 895-3045.

COMING

Clutch

With Kamchatka. Doors open 7 p.m. April 24. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $21 advance, $23 day of show. (727) 895-3045.

Live in Concert: One Night of Queen

Two-hour show re-creates and celebrates the music of the rock group Queen. 8 p.m. April 25. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $40, $45. (800) 826-9303; vanwezel.org.

"Smooth Jazz on St. Armands"

With Les Sabler and City Heat. 6-9 p.m. April 25. Bring chair or blanket. No food, coolers or open containers. Free. 388-1554.

Venice Symphony Pops

8 p.m. April 25 and 4, 8 p.m. April 26. Church of the Nazarene, Venice. $16, $20, $23. 488-1010.

Anti-Flag

With Street Dogs, The Briggs and Fake Problems. Doors open 6:30 p.m. April 25. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $18. (727) 895-3045.

Alesana

Skyeatsairplane, Lovehatehero, Our Last Night. Doors open 6:30 p.m. April 27. The Orpheum, 1902 Republica de Cuba Ave., Ybor City, Tampa. $12. (813) 248-9500.

Sheryl Crow

8 p.m. April 29. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. $46-$96. (727) 791-7400; rutheckerd hall.com.

COMEDY

SARASOTA

Carl Faulkenberry

7:30 p.m. today. McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 3333 N. Tamiami Trail. $8. 925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com.

Sean Morey

Comedy singer-songwriter. 7:30, 9:45 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 7:30 p.m. Sun. McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 3333 N. Tamiami Trail. $15, $18. 925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com.

Family Night with Ron Guzzi

7 p.m. Mon. McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 3333 N. Tamiami Trail. $10 adults, $5 children. 925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com.

Michael Mack

Stand-up mixed with musical comedy. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-April 24; 7:30, 9:45 p.m. April 25-26; 7:30 p.m. April 27. McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 3333 N. Tamiami Trail. $6-$12. 925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com.

TAMPA BAY

Gary Gulman

8 p.m. today; 8, 10:30 p.m. Fri.; 7:30, 10 p.m. Sat. and 7 p.m. Sun. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., C-112, Centro Ybor. $14-$18. (813) 864-4000; improvtampa .com.

Rich Guzzi Comedy Hypnosis

8 p.m. Tues. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., C-112, Centro Ybor. $10. (813) 864-4000; improvtampa.com.

Brian Bradley

8 p.m. Wed. Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., C-112, Centro Ybor. $10. (813) 864-4000; improvtampa.com.

COMING

Ralphie May

April 24-27. Tampa Improv, Centro Ybor. $18-$22. (813) 864-4000; improvtampa .com.

MISC.

SARASOTA

Sidewalk Sale

10 a.m. Fri. Historic Burns Square, Pineapple and Orange Avenues. 330-0877.

Sarasota Bromeliad Society Show & Sale

27th Annual Sarasota Bromeliad Society Show and Sale. 10 a.m. Fri.-Sun. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. Free with garden admission. 955-7533.

Breakfast Fly-In

7:30-11:30 a.m. Sat. Dolphin Aviation hangar at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, 8191 N. Tamiami Trail. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. 746-7000.

SPARCC's Santa's Workshop Sale

A liquidation of Christmas decorations from a home previously featured on the Holiday Tour of Homes. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. SPARCC Treasure Chest, 1426 Fruitville Road. 953-7800.

Earth Day Celebration at New Gate School

Live bands, 40 green vendors, arts and crafts for kids and family, prizes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. New Gate School Clark Road Campus, 11011 Clark Road. 922-4949; newgate.org.

Earth Day Sunset Celebration

Music by The Chill Billies. 4 p.m. Sat. Crowley Museum and Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road. $20 adults, $10 children 11-18, 10 and under free. 322-1000, Option 2; crowleymuseumnaturectr.org.

19th annual Earth Day Celebration

Guided walks, exhibits, food vendors, Earth-friendly merchandise, photo contest, games, contests and activities for kids, etc. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Oscar Scherer State Park. 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Free; park entry fees will be waived for the entire day. 483-5956.

Acoustic/folk music concerts

Music by Myakka, 2 p.m. Sun. Books-A-Million, Sarasota Pavilion Shopping Center, 6591 S. Tamiami Trail. Free. 342-6419.

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Free Water Ski Show

A free water ski show filled with jumps, twists, barefoot skiers, and human pyramids. 2 p.m. Sun. Ski-A-Rees Stadium, City Island. 388-1666.

Bowling in Boxers

10th Annual Bowling in Boxers to benefit ALSO Out Youth and the Sarasota Film Society's Gay and Lesbian Film Celebration. 7 p.m. Sun. AMF Gulf Gate Lanes, 7221 Tamiami Trial. 359-3236. $15.

MANATEE

De Soto Heritage Festival

The county's biggest annual festival commemorates Hernando de Soto. Upcoming events: Festival Musical, Saturday, and Grand Ball, April 25, both at Bradenton Municipal Auditorium; the De Soto 5K run, preceding the Grand Parade, 6:30 p.m. April 26. Parade begins at Manatee High School and travels along Manatee Avenue to downtown Bradenton. 747-1998; desotohq.com.

Reading programs for children

10 a.m. storytime for children from toddlers through age 6 (theme: "Rain and Rainbows"), early literacy time at 10:30 a.m. today. Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. 748-5555.

Manatee County Retired Educators Association Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today. Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. Members who volunteer will discuss their community service. $8.50. 713-6675.

Evening wade fishing trip

7-9 p.m. today. Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto. 748-4501, Ext. 4615.

Senior Health and Safety Fair

1 p.m. Fri. Freedom Village Continuing Care Retirement Community, 6406 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. Vision and blood pressure screenings, hearing aid cleaning, mobility aid demonstration and File of Life kits. Parking available at Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W., with shuttle bus service to/from Freedom Village.

Lori Krull Memorial 5K Run and health fair

7 a.m.-noon Sat. Bradenton Preparatory Academy, 7900 40th Ave. W., Bradenton. Registration at 7 a.m., 5K run at 8 a.m. Open to runners of all ages with awards presented to male and female winners in each of 11 age divisions. Race registration is $15. Free health fair, 8 a.m.-noon. 792-7838.

Great American Cleanup

9 a.m.-noon Sat. in Manatee County. Check-in locations are Bradenton Woman's Club, Bradenton Church of Christ, pavilions on the north side of the Palma Sola Causeway, Kingfish Boat Ramp on State Road 64 on Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria City Hall, Cortez FISH Preserve, Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach, Jiggs' Landing, Palmetto City Hall, Emerson Point Conservation Park and Terra Ceia by Crab Trap I. Multicultural festival for volunteers from noon-3 p.m. Lamb and Sutton parks, 10th Avenue West and Seventh Street, Palmetto. 795-8272; mana teebeautiful.com.

Florida International Reptile Show

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Manatee Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. $8 adults, $5 children 5-12. 722-3244; repticon.com.

Earth Day celebration

Features guided nature walks, a native plant sale, displays by environmental organizations and children's activities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Felts Audubon Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Free. 729-2222, 737-3169.

"One Trunk Circus" program

10 a.m. Sat. Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W. Presented by Karen Bell of Circus Sarasota and hosted by Friends of the Library. 722-3333.

Rossi Park Music Festival

Gates open at 12:30 p.m.; festival 1-8 p.m. Sat. Amphitheater at Rossi Waterfront Park, on the Manatee River between First Street West and Ninth Street West in Bradenton. Performances by Chris Otto as Powderfinger 1-3 p.m.; The Key Rats, 3:30-5:30 p.m., and Kettle of Fish, 6-8 p.m. A fundraiser for the Humane Society of Manatee County. $10; age 15 and younger free. 747-8808; rossimusicfestival.org.

Ilan the Magician

2 p.m. Sat. South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton. "Magical World of Wonder" show. Free. 755-3892.

De Soto Heritage Festival Musical and Fashion Show

"Spice Up Your Life" features the 2008 Queen's Court performing dance routines and modeling fashions. 2:30, 7:30 p.m. Sat. Bradenton Municipal Auditorium, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd. $8. 747-1998; deso tohq.com.

Classic car and truck show

5 p.m. Sat. in the parking lot at Beef O' Bradys, 1795 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton. Free for spectators, $5 car entry. 746-8346.

Tropical Nights 2008

6-11 p.m. Sat. at the home of Darrell and Mary Ann Turner in northwest Bradenton. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee presents Tropical Nights on Bourbon Street. Sponsorship opportunities available. 749-0100.

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Relay for Life of Lakewood Ranch

6 p.m. Fri. through noon Sat. Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. 745-1214, Ext. 5805 Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The market will feature gourmet foods, produce, assorted cheeses, bakery products, seafood and plants and flowers. (727) 461-7674.

The Magic of Ilan

Saturday morning Kids Cabaret presents "Unleashing the Imagination." 10:30-11:15 a.m. Sat. East Village Cabaret, 6265 Lake Osprey Drive. $8. 373-3933.

VENICE

"Toddler Tale Time"

Songs, finger plays, rhymes, storytelling and playtime for ages 1 to 3 and their parents. 9:30-10:15 a.m., 10:45-11:30 a.m. Fri. Jacaranda Public Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd. Free; space limited. 861-1278.

Our Mother's House garage and bake sale

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities, 221 N. Harbor Drive, Venice. 412-0804.

People for Trees Festival '08

The 10th annual Tree Festival celebrating the trees of Florida. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Dallas White Park, Greenwood Ave., North Port. Free. 426-9752.

Earth Day Celebration

With vendors, live music and ceremony, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. in the parking lot at Nirvana, 353 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. 474-3171.

Fried fish dinner

5-8 p.m. Sat. American Legion Post 159, 1770 E. Venice Ave. $7.50. 488-1157.

The Guitar Cottage acoustic jam

Bluegrass, folk and old-time music. 7-9 p.m. Sat. Bring your chair. The Guitar Cottage, 530 W. Green St., Englewood. 475-4300.

Family Fun Fishing Tournament

For ages kindergarten to fifth grade (must be accompanied by an adult). 9-11 a.m. Sat. Venice Fishing Pier, South Harbor Drive. Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Venice. Free admission and bait; bring own fishing gear. . Prizes. 485-1314.

Breast Cancer benefit

2-8 p.m. Sun. Hamburger and fries, music by Sound Investment 4-7 p.m., auction, raffles. American Legion Post 159, 1770 E. Venice Ave., Venice. $5. Call 488-1157.

ATTRACTIONS

SARASOTA

Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary

A safe haven for big cats, bears and other animals in need. Training demonstrations Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine. Gates open at 12:30 p.m., demonstrations start at 1:30 p.m. $12; $10 for seniors 65 and older; $5 for children 12 and under. 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. 371-6377; Big CatHabitat.org.

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

Nature trails and a boardwalk offer a close-up view of five natural Florida habitats in this 185-acre preserve. Self-guided walks 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today-Sun. $5 for self-guided walk; $3 ages 5-12; free for under age 5 and members. 16405 Myakka Road, 13 miles east of I-75 and Fruitville Road. 322-1000; crowleymuseumnaturectr.org.

Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions

Visitors are welcome to watch the Winter Training Sessions through April 30. Free; donations accepted. Show times: 3 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m. Sat. 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City. 322-1501; hlipizzans .com.

Historic Spanish Point

Offers guided and self-guided tours of a 30-acre archaeological, historical and environmental museum located on Little Sarasota Bay. Indian mounds, pioneer buildings and the gardens of Mrs. Potter Palmer with picnic facilities, nature trails and an exhibit gallery. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. $9; $8 seniors 65 and older and Florida residents; $3 ages 6-12; under 6 free. 500 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (visitors center at 337 N. Tamiami Trail). 966-5214; historicspanishpoint.org.

Mote Aquarium

Sharks, manatees, sea turtles, sea horses, jellyfish and more. Two touch exhibits allow children to handle sea creatures and to pet sting rays. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Mote Marine Laboratory, west end of Ken Thompson Park (City Island), Sarasota. $17 adults; $16 seniors over 65; $12 youth ages 4-12; under 4 and Mote Members free. 388-4441; mote.org.

Myakka River State Park

Bird walks, picnic areas, historic cabins, camping areas, fishing holes and more take visitors back in time to Old Florida. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Admission is $5 per vehicle for two to eight people. 13208 S.R. 72 (nine miles east of I-75). 361-6511; myakkariver.org

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Acres of gardens and nature trails with animals make this tropical park a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and great photo taking. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $14 adults; $13 seniors 62 and older; $10 ages 3-12, under 3 free. 3701 Bay Shore Road. 355-5305; sarasotajunglegardens.com.

Selby Botanical Gardens

Extensive indoor and outdoor gardens specializing in orchids, bromeliads, ferns and other exotic flora of the tropics. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $12; $6 ages 6 to 11; under 6 free. 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 366-5731, Ext. 236; selby.org.

MANATEE

Around the Bend Nature Tours

Interpretive nature walks and field trips focusing on the culture and heritage of Manatee County. $9 each to be in a group of 10 ($10 with lunch). 1815 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. 794-8773; aroundbend.com.

Gamble Mansion Plantation

State historical site and Confederate memorial. Antebellum plantation home is the oldest building on Florida's west coast. Open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. today-Mon. Park open until sundown. Guided tours of mansion at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and hourly 1-4 p.m. $5; $3 ages 6 to 12. 3708 Patten Ave. (off U.S. 301), Ellenton, west of I-75. 723-4536; floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation.

Manatee Village Historical Park

Explore what life was like for the early pioneers of Manatee County with boat making, turpentine production and blacksmithing. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sun. Free. 604 15th St. E., Bradenton. 749-7165.

Palmetto Historical Park

A one-room schoolhouse, agricultural exhibits, Palmetto's first post office and more provide a glimpse of what life was like in the early 1900s. Open 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and the first and third Saturdays of the month. Guided tours available. Free. 723-4991.

TAMPA BAY

Busch Gardens Africa

Amusement park and zoo spanning 300 acres. Also features water rides, roller coasters, a marketplace and live entertainment. Hours vary. Florida residents: $64.95; $54.95 ages 3 to 9. 3000 E. Busch Blvd. (S.R. 580), Tampa, 2 miles west of I-75 (Exit 54). (888) 800-5447; buschgardens.com.

Children's Museum of Tampa

Kid City (including a bank, a restaurant, a fire station and more) features hands-on learning exhibits for children of all ages. Open 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m Fri.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. $5. 7550 N. Boulevard, Tampa. (813) 935-8441; flachildrensmuseum.com.

Cypress Gardens

Garden and water park includes Splash Island, Hurricane wooden roller-coaster, Citrus Line Railroad and topiary trail. Opens at 10 a.m. daily; closing varies. $34.95; $29.95 seniors 55 and older and ages 3 to 9, free ages 2 and under. 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. (863) 324-2111; cypressgardens.com.

Dinosaur World

Old Florida attraction features more than 150 life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures, picnic areas and a fossil dig. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. $12.75; $9.75 ages 3-12; $10.75 ages 60 and older. I-4, Exit 17, Plant City. (813) 717-9865; dinoworld.net.

Florida Aquarium

Three-story, glass-domed aquarium features live exhibits of Florida's ecosystem and aquatic habitats. Children's water park located outdoors. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $17.95; $14.95 ages 60 and older; $12.95 ages 3 to 12, free 2 and under. Eco-Tours (weather permitting): $19.95; $18.95 ages 60 and older; $14.95 under 12. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 273-4000; flaquarium.org.

Lowry Park Zoo

Komodo dragons, rhinos, giraffes, elephants and hippopotami are a few of the animals on display. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Regular admission is $18.95; $17.95 ages 60 and older; $14.50 ages 3 to 11, free for children 2 and under. Free parking. 1101 W. Sligh Ave. (813) 935-8552; lowryparkzoo.com.

Science Center of Pinellas

Hands-on marine tank, wetland exhibit, a 16th-century Native American village, planetarium, native species and more. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. $5. 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. (727) 384-0027; sciencecenterofpinellas.com.

Sunken Gardens

St. Petersburg's "oldest living museum" features a 100-year-old botanical garden, horticultural programs and more. Open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. $8; $6 ages 55 and older; $4 ages 2-11. 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. (727) 551-3100; stpete.org/sunken.

Weeki Wachee Springs

Old Florida attraction with live mermaid shows, animal shows, boat rides, water park and more celebrates 60th anniversary. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. $13.95 adults; $10.95 ages 3 to 10; free 2 and under. 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 596-2062; weekiwachee.com.

ORLANDO

SeaWorld Orlando

Theme park provides encounters with Shamu the killer whale, dolphins, sting rays, penguins, sharks and more. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. $67.95; $57.95 ages 3-9. (Discounts available for Florida residents.) 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando (off I-4). (407) 351-3600; seaworld.com.

Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure

Theme park based on movies with roller coasters, interactive rides and more. Spider-Man and his comic-book pals are in Islands of Adventure. Mardi Gras at Universal Studios through Sat., tickets start at $36.95. Opens 9 a.m. daily; closing times vary. $72.40 per park; $60.69 ages 3-9. (Online discounts available for Florida residents.) 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando (off I-4). (407) 363-8000; universalorlando.com.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios and more make Disney World one of the most popular attractions worldwide. Opens at 9 a.m. daily; closing times vary. $71 per park; $60 ages 3-9. (Discounts available for Florida residents.) Lake Buena Vista, accessible from U.S. 192 and several exits off I-4, south of Orlando. (407) 824-2222; disneyworld.disney.go.com.

Wet 'n Wild

Miles of water rides. Hours vary. $39.95; $33.95 ages 3-9; $32.95 seniors 60 and older; children 2 and under free. 6200 International Drive, Orlando (off I-4). (407) 351-1800; wetnwildorlando.com.