Top things to do in Tampa Bay this week: Clearwater powerboat races, Cuban sandwiches

Science of the Cuban Sandwich: This mouthwatering journey through the history and science behind Tampa Bay's iconic Cuban sandwiches includes live music, a science demonstration to uncover the secrets behind the perfect Cuban sandwich, and sandwich samples at this party for age 18 and older only. $20-$30. 6-9 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 28). Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. (813) 987-6000. mosi.org .

XInsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals: For the past decade, fans on Clearwater Beach have witnessed great offshore powerboat racing. Now a new alignment with Race World Offshore expands opportunities with the Gulf Coast and Key West communities. Race day sees 50,000 people and over 2,500 boats lining the beaches of the 2.5-mile-long race course with fireworks, parties, parades and more. The Jolley Trolley will run from Pier 60 to the entrance to Sand Key Park, where the race boats are based. The one-way fare is $2.25. Races can be viewed along Sand Key Beach or off Pier 60 for free. Friday (Sept. 27) has no races, but boats can be viewed in the dry pits in Sand Key Park and there's an opening party at Bar Tiki in Clearwater Beach. Saturday 1-3 p.m. has testing, qualifying and two races. Sunday (Sept. 29) features eight races 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater. (727) 593-5536. myclearwaterparks.com .

Staind & Breaking Benjamin: The two titans of the early 2000s rock scene perform with special guest Daughtry. $34.50-$169.50. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 25). MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4801 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. (813) 740-2446.

Melissa Etheridge: The acoustic guitar legend co-headlines with Jewel. $51-$127. 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 26). BayCare Sound, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. (727) 791-7400.

Hootie & the Blowfish: Darius Rucker temporarily sheds his country music persona to rejoin his light rock buddies for a tour. Edwin McCain also appears. $39.75-$209.75. 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 26). MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, 4801 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. (813) 740-2446.

Pop: For lovers of nostalgia and pop icons, visit St. Petersburg's funky FloridaRama gallery for a free exhibit running through Oct. 5 called , a nostalgic journey through the lens of consumerism. You'll find giant versions of toys, candy and icons from the '70s in humorous contrast for how the emotional manipulation of nostalgia influences our culture. The Factory at FloridaRama, 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Free. Open noon-7:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, noon-7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. thefactorystpete.com .

Ray LaMontagne: The Grammy winning singer-songwriter is joined by special guest The Secret Sisters. $43-$133. 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 26) . Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 300-2000.

Shrek: The Musical: The Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire is based on the animated film. $35-$100. 7 p.m. Thursday. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. (727) 791-7400.

Ring of Fire: The jukebox musical that'll take you on a wild ride through the music of one of America's most iconic singer-songwriters, Johnny Cash. Runs Sept. 25-Oct. 20, presented by American Stage Theatre at Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. Ticket prices vary by performance. (727) 823-7529. Americanstage.org .

Museum Day at Cracker Country: It's free entry on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Visitors will discover rural Florida history through hands-on activities and pioneer chores, tour on-site historic buildings including the 1885 Carlton House, 1891 General Store,1898 Okahumpka Train depot and sit in on a one-room schoolhouse lesson. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. Parking $10. Food trucks will also be available. 4800 U.S. 301 N, Tampa.

Donnell Rawlings: First recognized for his hilarious sketches as Ashy Larry on "Chappelle's Show," he also co-stars on Starz's "Black Mafia Family" with Snoop Dogg and Eminem. $37-$47. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday. Tampa Funny Bone, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. (813) 864-4000.

Marlon Wayans: The actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director can currently be seen in Netflix's "The Curse Of Bridge Hollow," which he produced and stars in. $39-$125. 8 p.m. Friday. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. (727) 791-7400.

St. Pete Opera: Under the direction of Mark Sforzini, the group presents "Samson and Delilah," a story of love and vengeance. Takes place in part of the Dangerous Liaisons trio. $15-$125. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-3590.

Benise: Friday (Sept. 27), 7:30 p.m. Duke Energy Center for the Arts — Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $36. TheMahaffey.com .

Yngwie Malmsteen: The world-renowned guitarist from Stockholm celebrates the 40th anniversary of his Grammy-nominated album "Rising Force." $35-$55. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. (727) 791-7400.

Annie: The seven-time Tony Award winner follows a little orphan girl who wins everyone's heart. $26-$32. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. (813) 265-4000. app.arts-people.com

Viva Tampa Hispanic Heritage Festival: A family, art, culinary and cultural festival celebrating Tampa Bay's Hispanic communities. Guests will enjoy a variety of Latin culinary tastes, musical entertainment and local Latin artisans. $9.95 to $49.95, age 6 and younger free. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. vivatampabayfestival.com.

Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo: The third annual "Bringing Black Books Beyond" event is geared to help Black authors overcome any obstacle they may face while publishing. Includes workshops by author Jeff White, comic book creator Marcus H. Roberts and bookseller Tonisha Kimble. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2005 N Lamar Ave., Tampa. tbbae.com.

Kehlani: The two-time Grammy-nominated R&B artist has 20 gold and platinum certifications. $44.75-$119.75. 8 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 28). Yuengling Center, 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. (813) 974-3111. yuenglingcenter.com

Pinellas Paws for Prevention: Bring your leashed dog for a short walk followed by story time, arts and crafts for kids and pups, and pet photography. Unleashed dogs are allowed only in the dog park. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Walsingham Park Shelter 7, 12615 102nd Ave. N, Largo. (727) 549-6142. afsp.org

Sing-along "Encanto:" The 2021 Disney hit tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who lives hidden in the mountains of Colombia and a magical house. For the first time, Disney has created an authorized sing-along version with lyrics animated and presented at the bottom of the screen. $14.50 3 p.m. Sunday. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. (813) 274-8286. tampatheatre.org

Tango Lovers: Volver 2 features award-winning tango singer Guillermo Fernandez. It weaves the essence of tango through a display of dance, music and artistry. $36-$92. 7 p.m. Sunday. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 300-2000.

Intergenerational Drum Circle: All abilities and ages are invited to drum, sing, dance and laugh while making great music. Drums and other percussion instruments provided. $1 Rec Card; $2 No Card. Noon-2 p.m. Monday. Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 298-3299. dunedingov.com

Buena Vista Social Orchestra: Under the direction of Jesus "Aguaje" Ramos, this new stage production features key players from throughout the history of The Buena Vista Social Club. 8 p.m. Monday. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 300-2000. themahaffey.com

Mechanic Guided Tour: The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum's longtime mechanic, Andy, guides an in-depth tour of some of the most innovative cars in engineering history. $30, $25 members. 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday (Oct. 1). Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park. (727) 579-8226. tbauto.org

Everglow: The six member K-pop girl group debuted with its first single album, "Arrival of Everglow," and its lead single track, "Bon Bon Chocolat." $63-$113. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct, 1). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 300-2000.

The Boy Who Loved Batman: An inspirational comedy about a crazy journey that goes from New Jersey to Hollywood, comic books to the silver screen. $75. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 1) . The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. (813) 229-7827.

Scream-A-Geddon: Six attractions in one location. Haunts include Rage 3D, Ravenhill Asylum, Bloodwater Bayou, Breach, Demon's Revenge and Zombie Paintball Assault. Other features include a Monster Midway and a haunted beer garden. Dates without an end time indicated end at 1 a.m. Starting at $28.95. Opens 7 p.m. Thursday-Tuesday. 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. (813) 452-5412.

Howl-O-Scream: Busch Gardens' annual multi-scare zone Halloween party returns with new haunted houses and themes. Starting at $39.99. 7 p.m.-Sunday. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. (813) 884-4386.

Clearwater Latin Jazz Fest: Featuring award-winning musicians from Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the United States, including Renesito Avich and Friends, Mauricio Rodriguez and The MJR Latin Project, and O Som Do Jazz with Andrea Moraes Manson and Jose Valentino Ruiz. Free. 7 p.m. Friday. BayCare Sound, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. (727) 791-7400

The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League: Through Oct. 20 at the Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater. The price for buffet and show is $50 including tax. Onsite catering is provided by Banquet Masters. Call (727) 446-5898 for reservations and specific dates available. earlybirddinnertheater.com .

Sexyy Red: Wednesday (Sept. 25), 7 p.m. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $45.75. ticketmaster.com .

The Florida Orchestra: Soundwaves Chamber Orchestra Series: The Intimate Mahler — Symphony No. 1; Thursday (Sept. 26), 7:30 p.m. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Tickets are $25. Visit newtampaartscenter.org .

The Best of Both Worlds — Musical Fashion Show: Friday (Sept. 27), 9 p.m. FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $35. Visit Eventbrite.com .

Lawrence: Friday (Sept. 27), Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Visit jannuslive.com or call (727) 565-0550.

Violent Femmes: Saturday (Sept. 28), Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Gates open at 7 p.m. Visit jannuslive.com or call (727) 565-0550.

The Man from Stratford: Sept. 19-Oct. 6, TheatreFor, 1863 N Highland Ave., Clearwater. Tickets are $30. Call (727) 203-5248 or visit theatrefor.com .

Beat: Saturday (Sept. 28), 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets start at $43.25.

The Blues Is Alright Tour: featuring King George, Tucka and more; Friday (Sept. 27), 8 p.m., Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $55. Visit ticketmaster.com .

Pinellas Community Band and Pinellas Clarinet Choir: Fall concert; Thursday (Sept. 19), 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Dunedin, Fellowship Hall, 411 Wood St., Dunedin. Visit dunedinmusicsociety.org .

Tannahill Weavers: Saturday (Sept. 28), 7 p.m., Scottish Cultural Center, 917 Louden Ave., Dunedin. Tickets start at $25. Visit Eventbrite.com .

Graham Bonnet with The Marco Mendoza Band: Friday (Sept. 27), 8 p.m., Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Tickets start at $24.50. Visit LargoArts.com or call (727) 587-6793.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Thursday-Friday (Sept. 26-27), Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Call (727) 842-6777 or visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com .

This '70s Show: Saturday (Sept. 28), 7 p.m., Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Tickets start at $30. Call (727) 842-6777. richeysuncoasttheatre.com .

Literary Movie Day: "Sense and Sensibility," Sunday (Sept. 29), 2 p.m., Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Tickets start at $6. Call (727) 842-6777. richeysuncoasttheatre.com .

Dayseeker: Tuesday (Oct. 1), 7 p.m., Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Visit jannuslive.com .

Everglow: Tuesday (Oct. 1), 7:30 p.m., Duke Energy Center for the Arts — Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $63. Visit TheMahaffey.com .

Sepultura: Wednesday (Oct. 2), 7 p.m., Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Tickets are $28.50 in advance. jannuslive.com .

Paul Virzi: Wednesday-Saturday (Sept. 26-28), Side Splitters, 12938 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Call (813) 960-1197 or visit sidesplitterscomedy.com .

Steinway Piano Series: The Roam Duo; Friday (Sept. 27), 7:30 p.m., New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Tickets are $20. Visit www.newtampaartscenter.org .

Necronomicon 2024: Friday-Sunday (Sept. 27-29), Embassy Suites USF, 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa. Programming hours are Friday, noon- midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Single-day membership is $30. Weekend membership costs $60. necronomicontampa.org .

James Hancock III: Saturday (Sept. 28), 6 p.m., Side Splitters, 12938 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Call (813) 960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com .

Marc Price: Friday (Sept. 27), 7 and 9:30 p.m., Side Splitters at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Theatre 7, Wesley Chapel. For pricing and to make reservations, call (813) 960-1197 or visit sidesplitterscomedy.com .

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: An after-hours party with trick-or-treating throughout the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and laser display, and the Boo to You Halloween Parade. Disney-themed costumes are recommended. No scary masks completely covering face or toy weapons. $119-$199. 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 934-7639.

Brick or Treat: Costumed kids can trick-or-treat throughout Legoland. There's also character meet-and-greets, selfies and a limited time "Monstrous Morsels" menu. Starting at $84. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Legoland Florida, One Legoland Way, Winter Haven. (888) 690-5346.