The Alley Cat Players, based in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood, have a reputation for innovation. The group's latest endeavor: dramatic poetry readings in area parks. Actors will perform poems of Nancy Willard, an award-winning author of adult and children's books and poems, at 3 p.m. Saturday (8/19) in Rivercrest Park, at the corner of Osbourne Avenue and River Boulevard in Tampa. The program will be repeated at 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at Demens Landing, Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S, St. Petersburg. Both are free, and picnicking is encouraged. See alleycatplayers.org or call (813) 231-8478.
Tampa Bay Uncorked, a group of young adult wine enthusiasts, hosts its second annual WineRave on Friday (8/18) with wines from all over the world, appetizers and music by Czar's in-house deejay. One particularly fun area will use jelly beans with wine pairings to show how varietals get their flavor. Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels. 8 to 11 p.m.; Czar, 1420 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For information, go to www.tampabayuncorked.org.
It's woof, woof, woof for the home team on Saturday (8/19) at Bark at the Ballpark, where you can take your dog to the Clearwater Threshers minor league baseball game against the Sarasota Reds. There also will be obedience demonstrations, a dog-owner look-alike contest, silent auction and Frosty Paws frozen dog treats. The party benefits Humane Society of Pinellas County. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and game starts at 7:05. Bright House Networks Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. $3-$8 for humans; $3 per dog. (727) 467-4457.
Check out the prettiest pooches around when more than 100 breeds of American Kennel Club-certified dogs compete in the AKC All Breed Dog Show 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (8/19-20) at the Florida State Fairgrounds, U.S. 301 off Interstate 4, Tampa (use U.S. 301 entrance). $3, $1 under age 12; parking $5. (813) 621-7821.
The three B's - bikes, barbecue and beer - are the attraction at the the Seminole Hard Rock's Biker Bash from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday (8/20). There will be a wide array of dealers, builders and vendors, as well as a 10-class bike contest featuring trophies and prizes. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is at 5223 Orient Road. Call (813) 627-7625.
Masala Night features Bollywood music, including Bhangra (India's version of pop music), and a fashion show at a party catering to local professionals. It starts at 9 p.m. Friday (8/18) at Shalimar Indian Restaurant, 204 S Morgan St., in downtown Tampa; $15. Call 642-3313.
There will be live music to play shuffleboard by on Friday (8/18) when the eight-piece ska/punk band Can't Do It entertains the crowd at St. Pete Shuffle. The event is free and family-friendly. 7 to 11 p.m at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N.
