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EXPLORE | | | | | | | Old Hyde Park Village Art Festival1509 Swann Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-251-3500 | | | | | Description: Twice a year, during late February and early October, Old Hyde Park Village invites visitors to wander along its pathways, perusing the artwork of approximately 150 artists. Throughout the weekend, spectators may examine and purchase pieces in a variety of media, including photography, oils and watercolors. The cafes and shops of the Village are open for the course of the event. A great way to find unusual artwork for your home or office.
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| | | | | | Description: This Hispanic interpretation of Halloween celebrates Tampa's title as the "Big Guava." Taking place late in October in Ybor City, the event begins with a parade (known as the "Mama Guava Stumble") of wildly attired characters, and then shifts to a street party that completely inundates the historic neighborhood. There are also concerts and live entertainment. Early during the day, events for kids and families are planned, but the late-night atmosphere is a little too decadent for young ones. The parade is free; the street party does charge an admission fee.
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| Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival2401 19th Ave NW
Ruskin,
FL
33570
813-645-3608 | | | | | Description: Each November, restaurants and vendors gather along Tampa Bay to serve up some of the area's best seafood. During the alcohol-free two-day event, eager visitors line up to sample crab, shrimp, conch, grouper and other ocean delicacies. There's also an arts and crafts exhibit, musical entertainment and attractions for the children. Parking is free, but there is an admission charge for the event. Food prices are additional.
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| 1600 E 8th Ave
Tampa,
FL
33605
813-248-3712 | | | | | Description: Ybor City's historical ties to the cigar industry run deep, and this fall festival celebrates that tradition by bringing in representatives from companies like Cuesta Rey, Arturo Fuente and Rocky Patel. In addition to the cigar and smoking accessory vendors, the event also features a cigar-rolling demonstration, charity beer garden, food vendors, a game zone and tours of the Ybor City Museum.
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| 615 Channelside Dr
Tampa,
FL
33602
813-223-4250 | | | | | Description: Channelside's official ushering in of the New Year, Light Up Tampa Bay gets folks' spirits soaring with great live entertainment, a professional fireworks show and, of course, a Times Square-style "ball drop." In addition to the fun stuff going on outside, many of the bars and restaurants in channelside will be hosting parties of their own. Even the Florida Aquarium gets into the act by throwing its Aqua-Eve soiree, complete with foood and beverage stalls, music and a champagne toast.
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| 4201 Dale Mabry Hwy N
Tampa,
FL
33607
813-874-2695 | | | | | Description: This New Year's Day event pits the Wisconsin Badgers and Tennessee Volunteers against each other in post-season play. Televised around the country, the game has become a local football attraction, with a variety of events centered around it. As both schools tend to "travel" well, get tickets early if you plan on attending.
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| Gasparilla Pirate FestivalBayshore Blvd and Downtown
Tampa,
FL
| | | | | Description: Perhaps Tampa's most-anticipated festival, this exuberant event is the city's answer to Mardi Gras. Held in late January or early February, it features a fleet of invading boats, manned by marauding "pirates" who infiltrate the city and initiate a carnival atmosphere. The event commemorates the state's pirate heritage with elaborate costumes, street parades and entertainment. There's also a brunch, games, rides and activities for spectators of all ages.
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| 4800 US Hwy 301 N
Tampa,
FL
33610
813-621-7821 | | | | | Description: This two-week annual event highlights Florida's agricultural life and focuses on livestock expositions and arts and crafts displays. However, there are also tons of rides and concerts and a bonanza of food. Known as the Southeast's largest fair, Florida's offering has one of the country's largest midways, and kids and adults alike thrill to the event. In addition to the exciting rides, botanical displays, competitions and judgings of all sorts are on the agenda. Free parking.
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| Florida Strawberry Festival2200 W Reynolds St
Plant City,
FL
33567
| | | | | Description: For ten days each spring, this local festival pays tribute to shortcake's best friend. As you might expect, the tasty fruit is available in a variety of recipes and treats, but there's more to the festival than just eating. Country music concerts by big name entertainers are a huge draw, and there's also a pageant, an art show, competitions, cook-offs and numerous games and rides. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the occasion annually, and area farmers easily see that their efforts have been well-received.
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| 1600 E 8th Ave
Tampa,
FL
33605
813-248-0721 | | | | | Description: Held in Centennial Park (along 9th Avenue between 13th and 15 Streets), these seasonal festivals and juried shows have attracted artists and craftspeople from all over the country. Indeed, each season the Tampa's Latin historic district comes alive with the sounds of fun times as people peruse tents and tables vending everything from tasty grub and hand-rolled cigars to original art, hand-made crafts and even fresh flowers.
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