The calendar of any Greater Tampa Bay art lover is likely to be festooned with festivals. This is an artsy way of saying that GTB is one of the nation’s hottest zones for the celebration of creative human expression — art.
From traditional oil painting to body art and glass blowing, GTB is like a living museum that, every so often, just cannot keep quiet about its most talented artisans. Give these artists a chance and check below for a list of eight annual art festivals. Each of these events dares aficionados to stay home for the weekend — good luck with that.
SHINE Mural Festival
SHINE Mural Festival is a special event that converts the facades of St. Petersburg architecture into an open-air exhibit — with block after block of gorgeous, high-class street art worthy of Banksy.
Where: Throughout St. Petersburg
When: Oct. 15-24, 2021
Cost: Free
25th annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
The Dunedin Art Festival sees hundreds of booths come to life with every imaginable form of art. Paintings, woodcraft, sculpture and plenty more make an appearance.
Where: 271 Main Street, Dunedin
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 8-9, 2022
Cost: Free
Tampa Tattoo Arts Convention
The Tampa Tattoo Arts Convention is a simmering den of body art and ink-to-skin enthusiasts showcasing their customized exteriors. They even give tattoos on the spot.
Where: West Hall of the Tampa Convention Center
When: 2 to 11 p.m. Oct. 22; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 23; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 24; 2021
Cost: $20 per day or $40 for a three-day pass
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
A true live event experience, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts boasts a hugely diverse portfolio of art across many media — all set to live music and sprinkled with interactive experiences.
Where: Julian B. Lane, Riverfront Park, Tampa
When: March 5-6, 2022
Cost: Free
St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival
The St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival gives more than 100 artists from across the United States a shot at displaying their work in an outdoor gallery that buzzes with excited patrons, collectors and art aficionados.
Where: South Straub Park, St. Petersburg
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19-20, 2022
Cost: Free
Bradenton Riverwalk Arts & Crafts Festival
Bradenton’s Riverwalk Arts & Crafts Festival features everything an art enthusiast expects of a proper artisan’s event, including ceramics, glasswork, candles and even artfully crafted dipping sauce.
Where: 452 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 6-7, 2021
Cost: Free
Coquina Beach Arts & Crafts Festival
Powerful creativity is on display at the Coquina Beach Arts & Crafts Festival, a beach-based art fair that is sure to satisfy the appetite of hungry art lovers.
Where: Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 29-30
Cost: Free
St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts
St. Petersburg is an endless fount of arts & culture, and its two-day Holiday of the Arts event is a creative festival in all but name.
Where: Williams Park, St. Petersburg
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 2021
Cost: Free
By Drew Mortier
