5 Tips for the Gasparilla Music Festival in Downtown Tampa

It’s not over yet Tampa, the Gasparilla Music Festival is just around the corner, and here are 5 tips to help you navigate the craze of downtown Tampa!

Tip #1: Buy Early

If you haven’t checked recently, you can see that most, if not all, of the VIP tickets are sold out. All that’s left for this premiere downtown Tampa event is general admission tickets ranging from $30-60. Since you are most likely going to this event as General Admission, here is…

Tip #2: Take note of the various entry points and the parking situation.

Gasparilla has a great map that shows where different entry points are for different types of admission. Here is a link to the map of downtown Tampa to help you.

As for parking, good luck, but as long as you have good walking feet, you’ll be alright. Consider biking down if you’re nearby.

Pro Tip–If you’ve got good walking feet, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk along the Tampa River Walk from the wonderful venue Armature Works (which is also a great place for any and every meal of the day). The walk from there will take you all the way!

If none of that is possible, just follow the instructions for parking at the Festival here.

Tip #3: Know where to get great food!

Or maybe you’ll be doing more drinking with the amazing local beer sponsor Cigar City Brewing, or putting down Tito’s Vodka Cocktails. Whatever you fancy–you are definitely going to need food. Local vendors are chosen from all over the Bay Area–downtown, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Ybor, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and beyond! Our biased favorites taken directly from Gasparilla Music Fest are:

For Breakfast: Doughnuts and coffee at Hot Donut Co.

To cool off, go get yourself the AMAZING Whatever Pops – Gourmet Ice Pops.

For your meat lovers: Holy Hog BBQ – Smoked Pork Tacos, Loaded Chicharrones & Mac & Cheese

For Classic Latinx Tampa – Nico’s Arepas Grill – Gluten Free Arepas, Cachapas & Tequenos

For Cubans and Grouper Sandwiches Big Ray’s Fish Camp & Cafe Hey (who will also be serving Vegan Truffle Mac & Cheese!)

For a full list check out the downtown Tampa Gasparilla Music Fest website.

Tip #4: Get Comfy.

So, you’re not allowed to bring in your own food, but you are absolutely allowed to bring in things to keep you comfy on the greenspace of Curtis Hixton Park in downtown Tampa. Feel free to bring your own blankets, chairs, water (sealed, of course), strollers, and cameras.

Tip #5: Check the schedule, and enjoy your favorite or new favorite musical talents! Sit back, relax, eat, drink, and enjoy!

If you are still looking for more great tips and frequently asked questions about Gasparilla in downtown Tampa, check out the Gasparilla Music Festival website, and check the FAQ.