Today's best bets

FAIRS, FESTIVALS & MORE

The 109th annual Florida State Fair "Discover the Fun": Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa

The 2013 Florida State Fair "Discover the Fun," a salute to the state's best in the agriculture and equestrian industry, is ongoing through Feb. 18, and will include an abundance of exciting shows, thrilling rides, food, shopping, and a concert series on select nights featuring top bands, including Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and the Bellamy Brothers. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions. Admission tickets: $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-11, children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Ride armbands: $25. Parking is free. Information, call 813-621-7821 or toll-free 1-800-345-3247.

Lent fish fry dinners: Holy Cross Church, 504 26th St. W., Palmetto

The Knights of Columbus Council 7414 will host Friday fish fry dinners during Lent, 4:30-7 p.m.through March 21. Cost: free-will donation. Information: 941-722-8253.

"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night": Towles Court, Sarasota

"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night" will be 6-9 p.m. today and every third Friday of the month featuring live performances by Sarasota's premier entertainers and performing arts organizations and enjoy shopping at a unique mix of boutiques, galleries, and salons. Businesses will be open with extended hours. Admission is free. Information: 941-366-7040 or www.DSAsarasota.com.

Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 Motorcross: Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa

Nuclear Cowboyz, the only high octane-fueled touring cast of action-packed freestyle motorcross, trials and quad riders ever assembled, will perform in aerial feats, gravity-defying stunts, and electrifying pyrotechnic and laser displays synchronized to an energizing soundtrack 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children ages 2-15. Information: 800-745-3000 or visit www.nuclearcowboyz.com.

Film Fridays at the South Florida Museum: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

South Florida Museum celebrates the films of 1948 commemorating the museum's 65th anniversary with "A Foreign Affair" at 6 p.m. today. Upcoming films in the series include "Force of Evil," Feb. 22, "The Lady from Shanghai," March 8, "Oliver Twist," March 15, and "Easter Parade," March 22. All movie times are 6 p.m. Tickets: $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Information: 941-746-4131, ext. 0, or www.southfloridamusuem.org.

DANCES

Bayshore Recreation Center: 6919 26th St. W., Bradenton

A senior dance will be held 10 a.m.-noon today and every Friday through April. Music will be provided by Ernie Litz. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Admission: $4. Information: 941-753-0313 or 941-756-9255.

Bradenton Tropical Palms: 2310 14th St. W., Bradenton

Bradenton Tropical Palm will host a dance in the Beall Auditorium at 7 p. m. today with live music by Shine On. Cost: $5. Information: 941-748-7423.

Bradenton Woman's Club: 1705 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Dance to live music 8-11 p.m. Fridays. Cost is $8. Lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. Open to the public. Singles are welcome. BYOB, sodas available. Smoke-free facility. Proceeds will benefit renovation of the clubhouse, built in 1921. Information: 941-773-0177 or www.bradentonwomansclub.com.

Bella Danza Dance and Ballroom: 5702 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Beginner group lessons are offered 6-7 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $8. Group lessons 7-8 p.m. and social dance with complimentary beverage and snacks, 8-10 p.m. Cost: $8 each session. Information: 941-465-1031.

Colony Cove: Harmony Hall, 7615 Lakeshore Dr., Ellenton

Colony Cove will host a dance 7-10 p.m. today with live music by a 13-piece big band. Tickets: $5 at the door. Information: 941-447-0153.

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers Market at San Marco Plaza: 8215 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch

The San Marco Plaza Farmers Market is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays featuring products from more than 25 local farms and vendors, including fresh produce, fresh seafood, cut flowers, coffees, pottery, herbs and much more. Information: 941-799-4213.

SOCIAL CLUBS

American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24: 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton

Dance party 7-10 p.m. today, featuring live entertainment by Jack Tamburin. Meatloaf dinner, every third Friday of the month. Information: 941-794-3489.

VFW Palma Sola Post 10141: 5105 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Sweetheart Dance at 7 p.m. today with Smokey Daniels Band. Information: 941-794-6394.