Attraction briefs: April 9-15

ATTRACTION BRIEFS

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort: Let the good times roll this spring at Universal Orlando Resort's 2015 Mardi Gras celebration through April 18, featuring thrilling concerts from some of the biggest names in music, coupled with the essence of the legendary Bayou bash. On select nights guests will experience a family-friendly version of the "Newlins"-inspired festival and can top off their day in the theme parks with delicious Cajun cuisine in the French Quarter Courtyard, performances by Bourbon Street bands. an awe-inspiring parade and a live concert. The concert schedule: The Band Perry, April 11; and Trey Songz, April 18. For detailed information, hours and ticket prices, call 888-343-8991 or universalorlando.com/celebration. The park is located at 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando.

From Florence, Italy... "The Divine Michelangelo and Da Vinci: Side by Side Exhibition": On loan from the Museum of Leonardo Da Vinci in Florence, Italy, the "Divine Michelangelo and Da Vinci Side by Side exhibition" is now open through April 30 at the Bradenton Auditorium and illustrates the startling genius of the two Renaissance masterminds. The exhibit displays Michelangelo's and Da Vinci's most important works and sculptures, which are original cast reproductions created directly from the masters' works by the National Academy of Cast Making in Florence. The intention of the exhibition is to provide visitors with an unparalleled experience by immersing the viewer into the lives of two of the world's greatest artists that ever lived. Exhibition hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $15.95 adults, $13.95 seniors and teachers, $11.95 children ages 4-12, children ages 3 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Information: 941-209-1236 or discoverdavinci.com. The auditorium is at 1005 First Ave. W., Bradenton.

"Zoominations": Join Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for "Zoominations," a Chinese Lantern Festival of Lights, the first of its kind in the Southeastern U.S. now through May 31. Colossal by day and radiant after dark, guests will discover 30 spectacular scenes representing traditional Chinese dragons and folklore along with larger-than-life replicas of Zoo animals. Zoominations will also feature performances by Chinese acrobats and an artisan market with unique handmade crafts. Zoominations is part of the Chinese New Year celebration. For ticket prices and detailed information: 813-935-8552 or lowryparkzoo.org. The park is at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

Wizard of Oz Traveling Exhibit: Join the Glazer Children Museum as they host their first traveling exhibit based on the film "Wizard of Oz" 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 30. The exhibit includes interactive areas such as Gale Farm, Munchkinland, Crossroads, Witches Castle, and Emerald City. The exhibit is included with general admission to the Museum. General admission: $15 adults, $9.50 children. Information: 813-443-3809 or glazermuseum.org. The Museum is located at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa.

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival: Busch Gardens is introducing some flavor to its Food and Wine Festival as in addition to taking taste buds on a culinary adventure, guests can enjoy live concerts Saturdays and Sundays through April 26. The star-studded line-up, live concerts through April will include: KC and the Sunshine Band, April 11; Josh Turner, April 12; Austin Mahone, April 18; Daddy Yankee, April 19; Daughtry, April 25; and Aloe Blacc, April 26. Headlining concerts begin at 6 p.m. and additional local bands and live DJs will perform when the Festival opens at noon each event day. The event is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverages are not included with park admission and are available for an extra fee. For additional information, park hours and ticket prices: 813-987-5090 or buschgardens.com. The park is at 10165 N. Malcolm McKinley Dr., Tampa.

Party for the Planet: Celebrate the living Earth at the Zoo with a day of family fun and discovery at Party for the Planet 5 p.m. April 18. Learn new ways to connect to the environment and make a difference in conservation by spending the day with the animals who share our planet. Enjoy a wide variety of animal enrichment activities, educational displays and exhibits throughout the Zoo. The event is included with regular admission. Information: 813-935-8552 or lowryparkzoo.org. The park is at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

"Wild Days" with "Jungle Jack" Hanna at Busch Gardens: The internationally known animal "Jungle Jack" Hanna will host two days of animal shows, autograph signing and special meet-and-greets and will share animal facts and his travel tales during his "Wild Days" shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Stanleyville Theater. The event is included with any Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. For detailed information, call 888-800-5447 or buschgardens.com. The park is at 10165 N. Malcolm McKinley Dr., Tampa.

Seventh annual Waves of Glory: Wet 'n Wild will host the seventh annual "Waves of Glory," a day of fun, faith and fellowship, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 2. The event will feature a Battle of the Bands competition 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and headliners contemporary Christian artist Tim Timmons and modern Christian rock artists Plumb performing 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Beach Club Stage. The Battle of the Bands competition lineup: Katie Danielle, Tim Serdynski, Daniel, We are Vessel, The Band Justus, Nightshift, My Savior Story, and 7th Surrender. Tickets: $39, includes full day admission to the park. Information: 407-351-1800 or wetnwildorlando.com/events. The park is at 6200 International Dr., Orlando.

Bank of America "Museums on Us": Bank of America's "Museums on Us" is offering cardholders free admission to some of the most exciting cultural venues in the United States May 2-3. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can get free access to more than 150 participating museums in 94 cities and include the Florida Holocaust Museum and Tampa Museum of Art in Tampa and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission. The offer is valid for cardholders only, guests are not eligible. The program excludes fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend of each month. Information: museums.bankofamerica.com.

RealRail Train Displays: Come enjoy the operating train displays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, except on holiday weekends, at 6804 14th St. W., Bradenton. Admission is free. Tax free donations are accepted. Information: realrail.com.

The Cowfish opening: Universal CityWalk's newest restaurant, The Cowfish, is now officially open, bringing the nation's original "Sushi Burger Bar" to the heart of Universal Orlando's entertainment complex. Guests dining at The Cowfish can savor signature creations from an exciting menu that offers something for everyone, including innovative sushi rolls, unique craft burgers, and "Burgushi" a cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi that offers the best of both worlds. The Cowfish in located on the first floor of CityWalk next to Red Oven Pizza Bakery. Universal Orlando CityWalk is located at 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. For detailed information, location, opening hours and ticket prices visit UniversalOrlando.com.

Special Birthday Offer at Lowry Park Zoo: Celebrate your birthday in a wild style at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and enjoy free daytime admission into the Zoo with 1,000 animal friends. Guest must present acceptable proof of birth date: driver's license, birth certificate, passport or military ID. Offer must be redeemed on the individual's actual birthday with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Offer is not available with other offers or discounts. Information: 813-935-8552 or lowryparkzoo.org. The park is at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

MOSI "3D-Printing the Future" The Exhibition: "3D Printing the Future-The Exhibition" in display now at The Museum of Science and Industry, illustrating 3D printing's boundless and mind blowing potential to re-shape how we live, work and play. Visitors can try their hand at this transformative technology inside a hands-on workshop and will be offered an inspiring glimpse of the future through 3D-printed objects, live demonstrations, and an in-depth look at how 3D printing technology works, how it is used, and the amazing possibilities for the future. Visitors will see 3D printers in action as they take an immersive walk through all applications of 3D printing, including, 3D Medicine, 3D Science and Technology, 3D Archeology, 3D Everyday, 3D Workshop, and 3D Live Showcase. Admission: $22.95 adults, $20.95 seniors ages 60 and older, $18.95 children ages 2-12. Information: 813-987-600 or mosi.org. The museum is at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

Bearadise Ranch: Bearadise Ranch is home to the famous Welde family bears, and established in 1926 to educate and generate public awareness for habitat preservation and conservation for all bear species. The public can learn about bears and gain an appreciation for them on tours 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with educational presentations as part of the tour offering plenty of photographic opportunities for the nature lover or bear enthusiast. Donations: $8 adults, $6 children ages 5-12, children ages 4 and younger are admitted free. Reservations are required. The ranch is at 6908 245th St. E., Myakka City, Information: 941-322-2462 or bearadiseranch.com.

Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery: Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery is a Certified Florida Farm Winery and is Florida's premier certified "Master Level" Green winery. Wines are 97 percent hand crafted from 100 percent whole fresh Manatee County grown grapes and are bottled in recycled/repurposed wine bottles. The winery offers seven varieties of the native Muscadine grapes and makes 11 different wines: red, white and rose, including red and white sparkling wines and whole fresh fruit wines. The winery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week and offers complimentary wine tastings and tours. The winery is at 8905 Bunker Hill Road, Duette. Information: 941-776-0418 or bunkerhillvineyard.com.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Attraction briefs: April 9-15."