Weekend Planner: Backstreet Boys, Nutcracker Auditions, Rum, Comic Con

Things to keep in mind as the weekend takes off.

Nutcracker Auditions — The Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance (TADA), in collaboration with Tampa Bay Dance Theatre, invites community dancers to audition for their annual production of The Nutcracker. Auditions in four age categories are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24. Read this Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch event announcement for more details.


Get Your Geek On — Comic book and superhero fans might want to check this one out. Tampa Bay Comic Con takes the spotlight at the Tampa Convention Center Friday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 25. The event boasts 75,000 square feet of “comics, cosplay, videos, toys, action figures, video games” and more. Find out more about it on the event’s website.

Get a Laugh for School Supplies — Side Splitters Comedy Club in Carrollwood is rolling out the red carpet for donors in its school supply drive. Just bring new supplies for free admission to a show at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. For more details, check out the full story on TBO.com.

Backstreet Boys — Can’t get enough of that boy band sounds? This blast from the past hits the stage at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Friday, Aug. 23. Some tickets are still available via Stub Hub.

Summer of Rum — Looking for a distinctly adult event to check out this weekend? The Summer of Rum festival takes place Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4 to 11 p.m. at The Heights Waterfront, 1910 N. Ola Ave. With entertainment and five “rum zones,” it’s sure to be an experience. Check out the event website for more details.

Plan for Afternoon Storms: — The National Weather Service says our pattern of afternoon storms is likely to continue well into the weekend. That means beach-goers might want to hit the surf a little early. Do be careful out there. The forecasters say frequent lighting, gusty winds and heavy rains are possible throughout the Bay.