Movies, motorcars and MegaCon

This weekend is jam-packed with special events and celebrity guests, so Scene & Heard offers its selection of how to make the most of the festivities.

Thursday

Gasparilla International Film Festival

The Fifth Annual Gasparilla Film Festival kicks off a weekend of independent films on Thursday with an Opening Night VIP Reception. Enjoy beer, wine and food from some of Tampa’s best restaurants, a screening of “The Music Never Stopped” and the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to character actor M. Emmet Walsh. Check the festival website for screening information for other films throughout the weekend.

Time: Doors open on Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m.

Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Price: VIP Reception tickets are $55, other screenings range from free to $10

Website: Gasparilla International Film Festival

Friday

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

The American Stage Theatre Company will be performing Edward Albee’s play that many critics consider one of the best works of non-musical theatre in American history. The play revolves around two couples as they meet for late-night drinks and the alcohol begins to reveal honest portrayals of their personalities. With the death of Elizabeth Taylor this week, pay homage to the Hollywood legend who played main character Martha in the play’s 1966 film adaptation.

Time: Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m.

Location: American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg FL 33707

Price: $29-$50

Website: American Stage Theatre Company

Saturday

William Shatner at MegaCon

Sci-Fi and comic book fans will be pleased by the guests at this year’s Mega Con, including Spiderman creator Stan Lee and Captain Kirk actor William Shatner. For the mere price of $495, diehard Trekkies can opt for the Captains Reception package which includes a personal meet-and-greet with Shatner, a signed and personalized limited edition print of images from his career and a professional photo taken with you and the leader of the Starship Enterprise.

Time: William Shatner makes his appearance on Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m.. Check the website for additional exhibit days and times.

Location: Orange County Convention Center West Concourse, 9800 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819

Price: Admission is $25 daily; $60 for three days

Website: MegaCon

Sunday

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The seventh annual IndyCar Grand Prix roars through the streets of St. Pete all weekend, but Sunday marks the final day of racing and festivities. Catch a glimpse of some of the fastest cars and drivers in the world on the 1.8 mile long course, as well as a professional air show as stunt fliers take to the skies.

Time: 8 a.m.

Location: Downtown St. Petersburg

Price: $25-$110

Website: Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg