This Week in Tampa Bay: Sugar Sand, Sondheim, and the Start of April (March 30 – April 5)

This Week in Tampa Bay: Sugar Sand, Sondheim, and the Start of April (March 30 – April 5)

Spring is in full swing across Pinellas County, and this week brings a solid mix of outdoor festivals, live theater, and community events worth marking on your calendar. Whether you're chasing sand sculptures on Clearwater Beach or catching a show under the stars in St. Pete, there's plenty happening.

Here's what's worth your time this week.

Sugar Sand Festival Keeps Rolling (Through April 12)

If you haven't made it to Pier 60 yet, you've still got time — but the clock is ticking. The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival on Clearwater Beach runs through April 12 and features more than 100 sand sculptures from 17 world-class artists, all built around this year's theme: "United in Sand: Celebrating Sports and Spirit."

The walk-through exhibit under the tent costs $16 (kids under 5 are free), but there's plenty of free stuff around it — concerts, beach yoga, sand sculpting classes, and Salsa and Bachata Sundays. Fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. every Saturday, with a big finale show planned for closing night on April 12.

Pro tip: weekday visits are way less crowded. The exhibit is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday/Saturday until 10 p.m.

Into the Woods at Demens Landing

American Stage's annual outdoor production is one of the best traditions in St. Pete, and this year they're doing Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods at Demens Landing Park. The show runs through April 26 with performances at 7:30 p.m.

Bring a blanket or chair, grab a spot on the waterfront, and enjoy a full live orchestra under the open sky. Tickets run $43–$63. If you've never done "Stage in the Park," this is the year — Sondheim under the stars is about as good as outdoor theater gets.

Busch Gardens Food, Wine & Garden Festival

The annual Food, Wine & Garden Festival at Busch Gardens is running on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through May 10. It's one of the better food events in the area — a rotating menu of small plates and drinks, live concerts, and garden-themed displays scattered throughout the park.

The festival is included with park admission. Concert lineups rotate each weekend, so check the Busch Gardens event page for this week's acts.

Saturday Morning Market — St. Pete

The Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang Stadium runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it's still one of the best free things to do on a weekend morning. Fresh produce, local vendors, handmade goods, hot food — the works. Rain or shine.

If you're looking for a low-key Saturday, this is it.

Pinellas County Pop-Up Disaster Recovery (April 2)

For residents still dealing with hurricane recovery, Pinellas County is hosting a pop-up disaster assistance event in Palm Harbor on Thursday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's part of the People First Hurricane Recovery program. If you or someone you know is still navigating the process, this is a good opportunity to get in-person help.

Looking Ahead: Tampa Bay Blues Festival (April 10–12)

Mark your calendar — the 30th Annual Tampa Bay Blues Festival returns to Vinoy Waterfront Park in St. Pete on April 10–12. It's one of the area's signature music events and a great excuse to spend a weekend on the waterfront.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're into sand sculptures, Sondheim, or a plate of something new at Busch Gardens, this week has something for everyone in the Tampa Bay area. Spring is short — get out and enjoy it while the weather cooperates.

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