What’s Up

So you’ve reached your final Florida destination, now what? Well, hold tight because this is one Florida destination where the fun never stops! In fact, there are probably more events and festivals going on in the Greater Tampa Area than in any other Florida destination. Here’s a quick list of fun Greater Tampa Areas’ happenings that you won’t want to miss!

Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.

DAILY

Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival
Clearwater: This fun, nightly sunset celebration features artisans, crafters, street performers, live music and more. Starts two hours before sunset until two hours after sunset (approximately 5 – 9:30 pm) at Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd. Info: 727-449-1036; sunsetpier60.com.

WEEKLY

Every Saturday
Ybor City Saturday Market
Ybor City: Centered in Tampa’s Historic District, this is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay Area. Takes place from 9 am – 1 pm (May – Sept) and from 9 am – 3 pm (Oct – April) in Centennial Park, 1901 N 19th St. Info: ybormarket.com.

Every Saturday & Sunday
Saigon Night Market
Clearwater: This amazing multicultural food fest features authentic dishes from the region’s best local chefs, as well as live music, karaoke and more! Takes place on Sa from 5 –11 pm; and on Su from 4 – 10 pm at 14100 US Hwy 19N. Info: bit.ly/saigonnightmkt.

Every Sunday
Ocala Polo
Ocala: Enjoy a picnic or tailgate from food trucks as ponies and riders take to the field in an amazing display of equine speed and agility in one of the world’s oldest known sports, including the halftime divot stomp! Kicks off at 6 pm at the Ocala Polo Club, 11008 S Hwy 475. Info and tickets: 352-362-0282 ocalapolo.com.

Monthly

Third Thursday
Third Thursday Market
Tampa: This hip, fun nighttime gourmet food event features food trucks, cocktails, live music and more! Takes place from 6 –10 pm at 1208 E Kennedy Blvd. Info: tampabaymarkets.com.

Third Thursday
Sip and Shop
Ocala: Merchants and restaurants stay open late for shopping and complimentary cocktails. Show your receipt from participating retailers and get 15% off at select downtown eateries and bars. Takes place from 5 – 8 pm in Downtown Ocala. Info: ocalamainstreet.org.

First Friday
Sip & Shop
Sarasota: This lively evening is filled with shopping, sipping, and dining delights. Takes place from 4 – 7 pm along the 1300 –1500 blocks of Main St, as well as on 1st & 2nd Sts, Pineapple, Palm Ave, Central Ave., and Lemon Ave. Info: destinationdowntown sarasota.com.

Second Saturday
The Market Marie
Clearwater: More than 65 small, local vendors offer up delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, candles and soaps, pet treats, home goods and more. Takes place from 10 am – 2 pm at at the Market Marie, 710 Court St. Info: themarketmarie.com.

Third Saturday
Indie Faire Maker’s Market
Gulfport: Discover local, handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, pottery, locally sourced botanicals and mores at this expansive downtown arts market. Takes place from 5 – 9 pm on Beach Blvd S between 28th Ave S and Shore Blvd. Info: visitgulfportflorida.com.

First Sunday
Hyde Park Essentials Market
Hyde Park: Browse more than 100 vendors offering fresh and organic fruits and veggies, locally prepared foods, handcrafted and artisan home décor, gifts and more. Takes place from10 am – 3 pm at 742 S Village Circle. Info: tampabaymarkets.com.

Second Sunday
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market
Tampa: Shop a wide variety of unique gifts, clothes, healthy living products and more from popular market vendors. Takes place from 11am – 3pm at 4500 N Nebraska Ave. Info: tampabaymarkets.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

January 31
Gasparilla Invasion and Pirate Fest
Tampa: A fleet of swashbuckling pirates sail into Tampa Bay to invade downtown and receive the Key to the City. It’s a full day of revelry and pillaging including a wild After Party with live music and entertainment. Invasion takes place from 11:30 am – 7:30 pm at various downtown locations. After Party happens from 10 am – 8 pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, (Ashley Dr and Twiggs St) and at also at MacDill Park (Ashley Dr and Whiting St). Info: gasparillapiratefest.com.

January 31
Gasparilla Parade of Pirates
Tampa: After bands of merry pirates conquer the city with a triumphant invasion, the party continues with a celebration march down Bayshore Blvd for a 4.5-mile journey through downtown Tampa along the beautiful Hillsborough Bay. Takes place from 2 – 5:30 pm. Info: gasparillapiratefest.com.

January 31
Suncoast Scots Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Sarasota: This lively celebration of Scottish & Celtic heritage is a full day of Celtic music, a bagpiping competition, heavy athletic events (with athletes throwing telephone poles), Scottish and Irish Dancing Competitions and more. Takes place from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Info: suncoastscotts.com.

February 5 – 16
Florida State Fair
Tampa: Celebrate the best in Florida agriculture, horticulture, crafts, cooking, livestock and 4H. A thrilling midway, tractor pulls, sheep shearing, cow milking contests, equestrian events, and all of your favorite fair food makes for a great time! Takes place M – Th from 11am – 9 pm; and on F – Su from 10 am – 9 pm at Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301 N. Tickets and Info: floriidastatefair.com.

February 15
21st Annual Festivals of Speed
St Pete: Some of the world’s most exotic cars, motorcycles, and watercraft are on display along the sparkling waterfront. Stroll the show, sip on fine wines, savor delicious bites, enjoy live music or smoke a premium blend in the outdoor cigar lounge. Takes place from 11 am – 3 pm at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE. Info: festivalofspeed.com.

February 20 – 22
St Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival
St Pete: Gourmet seafood preparations; exquisite wines and craft cocktails; live music and a vibrant arts marketplace makes for a great weekend! Takes place on F from 4 – 10; on Sa from 11 am – 10 pm; and on Su from 11 am – 6 pm at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE. Info: paragonfestivals.com.

February 27 – March 1
Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg
St Pete: World-class racers burn rubber along St Pete’s downtown waterfront. Snag driver autographs, tour the Speed Zone and Gasoline Alley, stroll the IndyCar Series Fan Village and enjoy live entertainment is this week-long celebration of speed. Takes place daily from 8 am – 5 pm. Info: gpstpete.com.

OTHER FLORIDA HAPPENINGS

January 28 – February 1
17th Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival
Key West: Voted one of the Best Food & Wine Festivals in the US, this creative series of wine and food events showcases a diverse range of wines and inventive cuisine hosted by their passionate creators at iconic Island locations. Over 20 unique events, including waterfront, tastings, Winemaker/Chef collaborations and local funky events present an authentic taste of Key West. Info: keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.

February 6 – 8
Artfest Fort Myers
Historic Downtown Fort Myers: Southwest Florida’s Premier Art Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary on the spectacular downtown waterfront and showcases the works of 200+ outstanding national artists. Also includes a high school art competition, children’s craft area, sidewalk chalk extravaganza and more. Opening Night Party kicks things off on F from 6 – 9 pm and includes a special Pops Concert. The festival continues on Sa from 10 am – 5 pm and on Su from from 10 am – 4 pm at Edwards Dr and Hendry St. Info: ArtFestFortMyers.com.

February 15
68th DAYTONA 500
Daytona Beach: Don’t miss the 68th running of “The Great American Race!” Historic performances, spectacular racing, amazing memories, and being here in person will stay with you for a lifetime. Takes place at Daytona International Speedway, the “World Center of Racing,” at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd. Info: 800-748- 7467; daytonainternationalspeedway.com.