Every year, many quality festivals and events take place around the Tampa Bay area of Florida. The locals love any excuse to get together and have a good time while soaking up the year-round sunny weather.
There is just about something for everyone in terms of Tampa events, from food to craft beer to cultural celebrations. Every weekend is a possible adventure in the making.
The festivals are so popular that they drive travelers to this beautiful region of Florida.
Read on to find out five key events in the Tampa area happening in 2019, open for tourists and locals alike.
Top Tampa Area Events in 2019
Overall, there are too many events and festivals in Tampa Bay to even name. However, there are a few that are quite famous even at the national level.
Check out these five annual Tampa Events that continue to thrive year in and year out.
1. Gasparilla Pirate Festival
By far the most famous event that takes place in Tampa, Flor is Gasparilla, which takes place at the end of January and continues until early March.
This festival has been going on in Tampa for nearly 115 years, dating back to its inception in 1904.
It includes three parades total, but the famous one is known as “The Parade of the Pirates.” It occurs during the last Saturday of January, holding the title of the third-largest parade in the nation, with up to 300,000 people attending.
The entire event celebrates a mythical Spanish pirate named José Gaspar who is said to have sailed the seas towards the beginning of the 1800s.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest will have even the skeptics embracing eyepatches and using a friendly “Ahoy Matey!” in every potential pirate-ty interaction.
2. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 8-10, 2019, takes place on the waterfront street course in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. This race is among the most respected motorsports events in North America. The race features a festival-like atmosphere with the fastest racing cars in the world, celebrity athletes, live entertainment, as well as interactive activities.
The weekend event includes IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, and American Le Mans professional auto racing on the streets and downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg, concerts, air shows, family entertainment, kids rides, beer garden, driver autograph sessions, exhibits and more. It’s known as the “World’s Fastest Spring Break Party!!”
3. 25th Annual Tampa Bay Blues Festival
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is one of the world’s preeminent blues music events. This year it will feature six national blues bands including Boz Scaggs, Jonny Lang, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and more.
Set against the tropical backdrop of Vinoy Park on the shores of Tampa Bay this year’s festival takes place April 12-14, 2019. Plan to attend three great days of blues by the bay!
4. Tampa Riverfest
Nestled along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Riverfest is truly an annual event to enjoy during early May. It includes a full music lineup, plenty of vendors, competitions, and fun for all ages.
You won’t want to miss this event that shows you what Tampa has to offer, from the event itself to all the activities, partnering museums and businesses that host during this Spring weekend.
5. Margarita Fest
Florida is well-known for its favorable climate and gorgeous beaches, and almost nothing pairs better with these than a tasty margarita.
If you’re looking for a weekend of sun and cold drinks, look no further than this May’s Margarita festival in Tampa.
Final Thoughts on Tampa Bay Events
The Tampa Bay area is a culturally diverse area full of opportunities for weekend recreation, from notable events to beaches to trails. This region ranks well as a place to live, and locals say that it’s like a vacation all year long, especially with all of its events.Interested in visiting or moving to this thriving nook of Florida? Contact us today to inquire about our affordable moving services.