~IIFA awards hosted in Tampa Bay – April 23rd to 26th ~
Fest – Celebrate the diversity & abundance of Indian culture in Tampa Bay at Asia Fest on 26th April 2014. Experience the tastes, sights & sounds of 16 unique countries from all over Asia including India
Treasure awaits you in Tampa Bay! Once the world’s Cigar Capital, Tampa Bay, Florida, is a vibrant region that takes pride in its rich, cultural heritage. Tourists can experience delicious culinary cuisine, serene river excursions, thrilling attractions and exceptional shopping. Explore by land, air or sea – share your treasures, discover new ones and unlock something new & mystic!!! This year happens to be extra special since for the first time in history an India Film Awards (IIFA Awards) ceremony will be hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. The International Indian Film Academy Awards, also known as the IIFA Awards will be presented here and a whole lot of Bollywood superstars are expected to arrive here for the awards ceremony which is going to be an extra grand gala celebration. While you are in Tampa don’t forget to experience to celebrate the diversity & abundance of Indian culture in Tampa Bay at Asia Fest on 26th April 2014. Experience the tastes, sights & sounds of 16 unique countries from all over Asia including India
MARCH 2014
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts – 1st to 2nd March 2014
Downtown Tampa Bay, Florida
Held annually during the first weekend in March in downtown Tampa, it is a true showcase. Featured art includes ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. The esteemed event also features the works of local young artists, a weekend full of live entertainment and a children’s art activity area. http://gasparillaarts.com/
Manatee Festival of the Arts – 8th to 9th March 2014
Apollo Beach, Tampa, Florida
Look for art in paintings, photography, glass-work, wood carvings, and jewelry.
Displays from 80 artists and crafters will be there including local artists Fred Rothenbush, Barbara DePullo, Charlene Madsen, William Poling, Diana Gayer, Thomas Mueller, Pamela Vasques, Al Selke Jr. and Ron Deel. Every year features live entertainment, food and an expanded children’s hands-on arts area including fish rubbings by Apollo Beach Elementary teacher Margit Redlawsk.
http://gotheretravel.wordpress.com/2012/12/16/2013-apollo-beach-manatee-festival-of-the-arts/
Rough Riders St. Patricks Day Parade – 15th March 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
The Rough Riders believe in giving back to the community. Members contribute time, money, and effort to several local and national charities. Whether assisting with the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, the Ronald McDonald House or others, it’s common to see uniformed Rough Riders lending a hand. They are best known for our own Teddy Bear runs where members hop on the Teddy Bear Express bus to deliver teddy bears to patients in hospitals. http://www.tampa-roughriders.org/
Gasparilla International Film Festival – 18th to 23rd March 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has grown into an entertaining and educational year-round entity in Tampa Bay. Well-known for its annual film festival, GIFF promotes film arts to our local community through year-round education and entertainment events. More than just the annual competition, GIFF supports the film industry and offers a variety of opportunities for you to discover film.http://www.visittampabay.com/tampa-events/gasparilla-season/gasparilla-international-film-festival/
Cuban Sandwich Festival – 22nd to 23rd March 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
A true cultural festival featuring over 75 Food, Art & Cultural Exhibitors. Come to Ybor City to taste the Cuban sandwiches for yourself! Graze your way down 7th Avenue and try each restaurant’s version of the Cuban sandwich. http://www.latin-times.com/page/tampabaycubansandwichfestivalpt1
Beerfest – 29th March 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
This famous beer fest in Tampa will feature an assortment of craft beers from a handful of breweries throughout the state handing out samples and gunning to win the Best Florida Beer Championship. In addition, the festival will play host to an assortment of live music, food, entertainment, and more all throughout the day.
http://www.813area.com/tampa/ybor-city/events/160008/florida-brewers-guild-beer-fest-2013.htm
Honda Grand Prix St Petersburg – 30th March
St. Petersburg, Florida
Featuring racing at a combination of superspeedways, short ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits, the IndyCar Series offers its international lineup of drivers the most diverse challenges in motorsports. The top point scorer is crowned the series champion and receives a $1 million bonus.
http://www.indycar.com/Schedule/2013/IZOD-IndyCar-Series/Honda-Grand-Prix-Of-St-Petersburg
APRIL 2014
Best of Tampa Bay – 5th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
Since its inception, Best of Tampa Bay – the Straz Center’s signature fundraising event and Tampa’s longest running culinary fundraiser – has generated more than $2 million to benefit the Center’s programs. Because of events like Best of Tampa Bay, everyone in our community has the chance to discover the life-changing impact of the performing arts.http://www.strazcenter.org/bestoftampabay
Festa Italiana – 5th to 6th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
Festa Italiana started in the spring of 1997 and is an annual multi-day event that benefits The Italian Club of Tampa (L’Unione Italiana) Restoration Fund. What started as just a one day celebration now spans over the course of four days and concludes with the main Festa Italiana event on the final day. Event attendees will experience the finest in live entertainment, family activities, wine and the Tampa Bay area’s restaurants and cuisine.http://www.festaitalianatampa.com/
Tampa Bay Blues Festival – 11th to 13th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is one of the world’s finest blues music events, staged in the tropical setting of Vinoy Park on the shores of Tampa Bay. Three great days of Blues by the Bay. http://tampabaybluesfest.com/
IIFA Awards – 23rd to 26th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
The International Indian Film Academy Awards, also known as the IIFA Awards, are a set of awards presented annually by the International Indian Film Academy to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood, the Hindi language film industry. The event was last held at Macau in the year 2013. In 2014, IIFA would visit Tampa Bay, USA and become the first Indian Award Show to do so.http://www.iifa.com/
Bern’s Winefest – 24th to 28th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
The wines of Winefest are chosen by Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits’ General Manager, Kevin Pelley. Each year he begins in January hand-picking the best wines from around the globe to offer the day of the Grand Tasting. For the past ten years, under his guidance, Bern’s Grand Tasting has offered more than 200 fantastic wines accompanied by Bern’s and SideBern’s delicious culinary creations. Kevin also ensures that the wine shop has every single one of those wines from the tasting available for purchase. For that afternoon, Bern’s also features a case discount to all Winefest guests. http://www.bernswinefest.com/The-Wines-of-Winefest
Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races – 26th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
Local Teams compete with paddlers from across the United States of America and Canada to be Tampa Bay’s No 1 dragon boat team.http://www.panamdragonboat.com/
AsiaFest – 26th April 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
Celebrate the diversity & abundance of Asian culture in Florida & around Tampa Bay at Asia Fest 2014. Experience the tastes, sights & sounds of 16 unique countries from all over Asia including China, India, Japan, Korea, Lyos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand & Vietnam. Entertainment includes brilliantly colorful dance performances, traditional music & 4th annual Miss Asia Fest Competition. http://www.asiafest-tampabay.com/wp/
MAY 2014
Funshine Music Festival – 2nd to 4th May 2014
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Bay, Florida
This annual extravaganza at the Florida State Fairgrounds takes place over multiple stages, and in between shows, you can enjoy over 60 fantastic attractions and thrill rides. Though many fans come out to hear the phenomenal musicians, this festival showcases everything from delectable cuisines at the Food Truck Terrace to a silent disco. http://www.wadeshows.com/event-details.asp?eventID=220
Sea Grapes Fine Wine & Food Festival – 3rd May 2014
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay, Florida
Sea Grapes is an annual event that supports the Aquarium’s education and conservation programs that in turn will help the community in countless ways. But of course, it wouldn’t be the “Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival” if it didn’t have delicious food and beverages. Restaurants from around the Bay area will be on hand offering some of their best cuisine. Restaurants will include: 717 South, Busch Gardens, Bonefish Grill, Seasons 52, Splitsville, Taps, The Melting Pot, The Martini Republic, Time for Wine, Timpano Italian Chophouse, The Cupcake Spot, and many more.http://www.examiner.com/article/sea-grapes-fine-wine-and-food-festival-2012
Tampa Bay Magarita Festival – 24th May 2014
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, Florida
Celebrate Tampa Bay’s favorite drink with a line up of awesome bands, beach volleyball, fireworks and a selection of premium margaritas in all flavors and ways you can imagine made by our trained Margarita Expert bartenders! http://www.tampamargaritafest.com/#!howto/c12dk
Sunset Music Festival – 24th to 25th May 2014
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Tampa’s premier dance music event returns to Raymond James Stadium as a two-day festival featuring world renowned talent, top-notch production, and high quality sound. http://smftampa.com/
WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave – 9th to 10th May 2014
Tampa Bay, Florida
WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave will once again take over the streets of Ybor City to celebrate bringing together some of the best local, national and international musical talent. As a favorite amongst local music lovers, Tropical Heatwave serves up two days full of fun and adventure as artists of all styles come together to entertain the masses. As you cruise through historic Ybor City, you can enjoy the beautiful sounds of familiar artists, while enjoying the thrill of discovering new artists as well. Vendors line the streets to show off their arts and crafts, and there is no shortage of tasty delights that will soothe any palate.http://www.yelp.com/events/tampa-the-32nd-annual-wmnf-tropical-heatwave-2013
Cuban Cultural Fest – Tampa Bay, Florida
The festival celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of the island nation that have been nurtured and kept alive by Cuban Americans living in the Tampa Bay area. Cuban artists, musicians and performers will provide entertainment alongside mouth-watering cuisine. It will showcase fashion, film, music, dance, art, food, drinks, cigars, crafts and trade.http://seminoleheights.patch.com/groups/events/p/ev–cuban-cultural-fest
Brews with Attitude – Tampa, Florida
Over 100 Craft Beers to sample from Tampa’s favorite Food Trucks, Live Entertainment ,Meet The Brewer and receive a complimentary photo, Premier of a mystery brew that is not available in the market and a variety of hand rolled cigars and more…http://www.yelp.com/events/tampa-brews-with-attitude-craft-beer-festival
JUNE 2014
Island Nights – June to August 2014
Adventure Island, Busch Gardens’ waterpark, Florida
Enjoy island music, entertainment and food three nights a week and play late every night this summer at Adventure Island, Busch Gardens’ waterpark. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m. exotic birds and larger-than-life stilt walkers greet guests, and entertaining artisans and a steel drum band stroll throughout the park. it’s a vacation from the everyday as Busch Gardens’ waterpark transforms into a sunset celebration with music, authentic entertainment and inspiring cuisine. Spike Zone! Play evening volleyball while the sun sets. It’ll be hard to believe, but you’re not at the beach, you’re right in the heart of Tampa.http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/are-you-ready-island-nights
Summer Nights – June to August 2014
Busch Gardens, Florida
Celebrate the perfect end to the evening with an amazing fireworks finale. Busch Gardens lights up the sky every night of the event with an incredible aerial display set to popular music. The best views are in Gwazi Park, right after the nightly Kinetix show, but the fireworks are visible from all over the park. A music and acrobatic show and rides.http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/summer-nights-bring-nightly-fireworks-busch-gardens-tampa-bay
JULY 2014
July 4 Fireworks
Tampa bay, Florida
Independence Day, commonly referred to as Fourth of July is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. USA celebrates July 4th in Tampa Florida with fireworks, parades, backyard BBQ, fairs, baseball games, shopping for great deals, or enjoying a nice evening out with friends and family. http://www.813area.com/july4th/
AUGUST 2014
Dine Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay, Florida
Delight in two weeks of exclusive prix fixe menus defined by delicious appetizers, enticing entrees and divine desserts at Tampa Bay’s own restaurant week. Dine Tampa Bay has over 90 participating restaurants for 2013. Choose from classic favorites to the latest culinary hot spots serving fondue, tapas & sushi, to the award-winning restaurants of South Tampa a gourmet gems on the beaches. http://www.dinetampabay.com/
Wazoo – Tampa Bay, Florida
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just on a quest to quench your thirst, WaZoo is the place for you! The fun-times flow all night as you enjoy great food from Bay Area restaurants, live music presented by World of Beer and encounters with some Zoo-Venturous guests. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/wazoo/
