By Riley Benson
For many University of South Florida St. Petersburg students, traveling back home for every holiday isn’t always an option.
This upcoming Easter, the city will be bursting with festivities for students seeking a memorable holiday experience. From traditional egg hunts to dog parties, the city offers a plethora of activities. Students can join in on the celebration of Easter with a array of events sure to excite all ages, and feel the Easter spirit.
Spring Festival & Egg Hunt by City on a Hill Church
Saturday, Mar. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at City on a Hill Church, 4265 13th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.
About a 15 minute drive from campus, City on a Hill Church will host its annual free Easter event. This family friendly event, features an egg hunt, petting zoo, inflatable games and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Saturday, Mar. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails, 1111 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
While not Easter themed, the Mezzo Market is St. Pete’s largest monthly street market with over 125 vendors, including boutique shops, vintage goods, handmade products, plants, food, drinks, and live DJ. This event is walkable from campus, located by Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails, on Central Ave.
St. Pete Pier Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, Mar. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pete Pier.
The Spring Festival celebrates Easter for kids, and adults alike. Outside of the activities for kids, like an egg hunt and a bounce house, there will be live music and the Rockin’ Roller Rink. With the exception of a few activities, the event is free for everyone to attend, and is walking distance from campus.
The egg hunt is a free, ticketed experience that can be reserved online. Egg hunts will occur every hour starting at 11:30 a.m., and only children 12 and under can participate.
The Rockin’ Roller Rink is a paid experience, that will continue past Easter till Apr. 14. Prices for skating start at $15, and can be purchased ahead of time on it’s site.
Sunday, Mar. 31 at 10 a.m. at the Mahaffey Theater.
The Mahaffey Theater is hosting an Easter Celebration Service that’s free to all. Doors open at 9 a.m. for hot chocolate, cookies and a photo booth. The Mahaffey is a close 5 minute walk from campus, and right next to the Dalí Museum.
Easter Egg Hunt at Driftwood Cafe
Sunday, Mar. 31 at 10 a.m. at Driftwood Cafe on the St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave NE Ground Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
This is a free family event, with the café’s notmal menu of coffee and breakfast items, available for purchase. Driftwood is located on the St. Pete Pier, which is a 20 minute walk from campus. Driftwood is locally owned and operated.
Boyd Hill Edible Plant Walk & Picnic
Sunday, Mar. 31 at 10 a.m. at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
Another event that isn’t specifically themed around the holiday, but still an amazing experience to learn more about the Spring season (and edible plants). Hosted by the West Coast FL Chapter of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), there will be a guided plant walk, and potluck style picnic. The event is $8 for AHG members and $10 for all non-members, and you pay at the entrance to the park. All who attended are encouraged to bring their own dish to share with the other attendees.
Easter Brunch Buffet at The Birchwood
Sunday, Mar. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Located on Beach Drive to celebrate Easter, The Birchwood is hosting a formal Brunch Buffet in their Grand Ballroom that features food from prime rib and seafood to omelettes and waffles. The event is a little pricey — $75 per adult and $20 per child, 12 and under. The restaurant is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from campus.
Immersive Easter Egg Hunt at Fairgrounds St. Pete
Sunday, Mar. 31 at 2 p.m. at Fairgrounds St. Pete, 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
Fairgrounds is hosting its first easter egg hunt, included in general admission tickets. This immersive experience has participants search for surprise-filled eggs, with the chance to find a golden egg. The golden egg contains a chance to win a free return visit to the Fairgrounds. General admission is free for children under 4, $22 for children 4-12, $25 for students, Florida residents and active duty, with the other general admission being $27.
Sunday, Mar. 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dog Bar St. Pete, 2300 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
Dog owners get ready to join the “paw-ty.” This 21 and up-only event will include fun raffles, a food truck and all the foam bubbles needed to have a great time. There is a $7 charge per dog to enter and all first-time visitors need to register on the Dog Bar St. Pete site.
