Spring is around the corner, which means it is almost peak festival season in Greater Tampa Bay. From seafood to strawberries to live music and airshows, plus everything in between, there is a festival for every local or visitor.
While flowers bloom, kick off the month of March with plenty of art, music, great food and even better company. Here are the festivals happening in 2023.
The March Madness of Festivals
Gasparilla Music Festival
WHAT: Gasparilla brings a three-day music festival in downtown Tampa featuring the best in local and national talent.
WHEN: Date TBD
WHERE: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa
Florida Strawberry Festival
WHAT: Come celebrate the great Florida strawberry with exhibits, rides, attractions and live entertainment.
WHEN: March 2-12
WHERE: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
WHAT: The IndyCar season-opening event, the Firestone Grand Prix, races through the streets on a waterfront street course.
WHEN: March 2-5
WHERE: Downtown St. Petersburg
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
WHAT: A giant outdoor museum showcasing pottery, photography, painting and mixed media transformed by artists.
WHEN: March 4-5
WHERE: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd., Tampa
Tampa Bay Beer Week
WHAT: A dynamic craft brewing scene around GTB will feature festivals, competitions, tastings and special beer releases.
WHEN: March 4-12
WHERE: Multiple locations along the Ale Trail, listed on the event website
River O’ Green Fest
WHAT: The Hillsborough River will turn green for Saint Patrick’s Day at this all-ages party where there will be live something for everyone.
WHEN: Date TBD
WHERE: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa
Reggae Rise Up
WHAT: The all-ages festival brings together some of the biggest names in reggae.
WHEN: March 16-19
WHERE: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg
Gasparilla International Film Festival
WHAT: The GTB Tampa theater and arts community comes together and offers attendees opportunities to check out screenings, seminars and Q&As with film executives.
WHEN: March 23-26
WHERE: Multiple locations
Tampa Pride Diversity Parade
WHAT: Celebrate pride along the brick-lined streets with this annual family-friendly event featuring floats, music and live performances.
WHEN: March 25
WHERE: Ybor City, east from the corner of Nuccio Parkway and E. 7th Avenue, down E. 7th Avenue to N. 20th Street, turning north to finish
April Showers Bring More Flowers and Festivals
The festivities continue into April with flowers, wine and the blues. What could be better than that?
Bern’s Winefest No. 26
WHAT: The area’s premier wine-tasting event is a celebration of culinary experiences from the most talented chefs, complemented by the best wines from around the world.
WHEN: April 14-23
WHERE: 2208 W.. Morrison Ave., Tampa
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
WHAT: Listen to the blues along the St. Pete waterfront, including Robert Cray and Tower of Power.
WHEN: April 14-16
WHERE: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg
Winefest of Italy
WHAT: Festa Italiana celebrates Italian culture and heritage with their Winefest. Sample more than 100 wines, most of which are from Italy; enjoy Italian food from local restaurants and caterers; taste craft cocktails; participate in the silent auction; and purchase bottles of wine.
WHEN: Date TBD
WHERE: The Italian Club, 1731 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
Merry in May
Greater Tampa Bay’s peak festival season wraps up with an annual Riverwalk and the Sunset Music festival. What an ideal combination to usher in the summertime.
Riverfest
WHAT: This free event includes family-friendly activities and events showcasing GTB’s vibrant culture, music and cuisine.
WHEN: May 5-6
WHERE: Tampa Riverwalk
Sunset Music Festival
WHAT: Sunset is a famous player in the electronic music scene, bringing prominent names in music to GTB for a fun weekend, including great beats and bright colors.
WHEN: May 27-28
WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
By Meredith Biesinger.
