Category: Events

Margarita Wars coming July 26th to TPepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Creative Loafing Tampa. I have partnered with them for their upcoming Margarita Wars and have received tickets in exchange for my post about their upcoming event and cross-promotions. Opinions are my own and do not reflect Creative Loafing or affiliates.

Ready to sip some margaritas? Creative Loafing is back with their annual Margarita Wars on Friday, July 26th at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa from 7PM to 10PM. More than 15 of Tampa Bay’s mixologists will duke it out for who makes the best margs in town. All guests will enjoy unlimited samples of margaritas as well as food samples, entertainment, and voting in the Best Margarita competition.

Tickets are now on-sale. Prices will rise at the door if available on the event date. VIP includes an extra hour of admission as well as a VIP-area, swag, one beer, a $25 voucher to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, and more. It’s a great way to beat the rush and start the party early.

Use discount code CARLOSEATS to get $5 off your ticket until June 30th.

Event name: Margarita Wars

Venue: TPepin’s Hospitality Centre

Date & Time: Friday, July 26th, 7PM to 10PM, VIP starts at 6PM

Address: 4121 North 50th Street Tampa, Florida

Ages: 21+

Cost: $45+

Buy tickets: http://tampabayeventtickets.com/events/93473861/margarita-wars-2019

Website: http://margaritawarstampabay.com

Advertisements

Meet the Chefs 2019: Meet and Mingle with Tampa Bay Chefs

Creative Loafing‘s annual food event, Meet The Chefs, is approaching quickly at The Vault in Downtown Tampa and will occur on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 from 7PM-10PM. VIP is already sold out and GA is selling quickly as well.

General Admission includes small plates by each chef and more as well as an opportunity to meet them at the event (hence the name). The event is for ages 21 years and older and is rain or shine.

Some items on the menu include Gnocchi alla Vaccinara, Tete de Moine Rosette with lavender honey, Scallop Crudo with meyer lemon and dried herbs, Burnt End Arepas, Southern Lump Crab Cakes, Beef Tartare, and more.

Tickets are $55 in advance and will increase at the door. This event does sell out though so make sure you buy your tickets early if you want to attend.

Participating restaurants:

Event Name: Meet The Chefs 2019

Venue: The Vault

Date & Time: Wednesday, June 12th, 2019, 7PM-10PM

Address: 611 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602

Ages: 21+

Buy tickets: https://tampabayeventtickets.com/events/93356217/meet-the-chefs-2019

Ōra King TYEE Salmon Dinner this Friday at TBBC Westchase

Tampa Bay Brewing Co. (TBBC) is hosting an Ōra King TYEE Salmon Dinner this Friday, May 17th, 2019 at TBBC Westchase.

This high-quality salmon is normally reserved for James Beard Award and Michelin Star restaurants only. TBBC is the first brewery in the country, and the first restaurant in Tampa to offer the salmon on its menu according to the owners of TBBC.

Dinner preparations will include a TYEE salmon tartare, TYEE salmon sous-vide, and a smoked TYEE salmon cheese-cake. Guests will also be treated to a series of specialty beers, brewed specifically to pair with each dish, including a kiwi-infused lager, smoked lager with lime zest, vanilla mango berliner, and a vanilla stout.

About the fish: “The TYEE salmon was first discovered in the Campbell River of British Columbia in 1924, the Ōra King TYEE has a longer life-cycle and grows to more than double the size of an Ōra King salmon. The Ōra King TYEE is cultivated and harvested in New Zealand with only 2 scheduled to be harvested in the month of May. Because of their longer-life cycle, Ōra King TYEE have a more developed flavor and oil profile.

The flesh is refined with dramatic white marbling and the natural oil content in the belly is notably high, drawing comparisons to Bluefin tuna. The people that have experience this fish have remarked on its delicate flavor and clean, herbaceous palate. They, also, describe the texture as having a distinctive ‘bite’ without losing the inherent creaminess.”

Tickets are extremely limited to the dinner and have mostly sold out already.

https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_61777742_284943682594_1_original

Venue: TBBC Westchase

Date & Time: Friday, May 17th 2019, 7PM to 11PM

Address: 13937 Monroes Business Park, Tampa, FL 33635

Cost: $100 per person

Ages: 21+ and older

Buy tickets: tbbc_tyee.eventbrite.com

NEWS: Whiskey Business coming May 31st to St. Pete

Whiskey Business is coming May 31st to St. Petersburg at Nova 535. The event will take place from 7PM to 10PM. VIP guests will enjoy an extra hour of partying starting at 6PM. Enjoy live music, burlesque shows, small bites from local restaurants, interactive seminars, and more.

Participating whiskey brands:

  • American Barrels Bourbon
  • Balcones Distilling
  • Bruichladdich Islay Single Malt
  • Cooper’s Craft
  • Cotherman Distilling Co.
  • Dark Door Spirits
  • FishHawk Spirits
  • Four Roses Bourbon
  • Jack Daniel’s
  • Kozuba & Sons
  • Misunderstood Whiskey
  • Old Forester
  • Old St. Pete
  • Palm Ridge Reserve
  • Sugar Works Distillery
  • Timber Creek Distillery
  • Tomatin
  • Uncle Nearest
  • Whistlepig
  • Woodford Reserve
  • and more

More info: http://whiskeybusinesstampabay.com/

3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Formal this Saturday at Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails

The 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Formal is upon us this Saturday May 4th from 4PM-8PM at Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails (1111 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida 33705). FREE admission. Live music will be provided by Boxcar Hollow. $6 mint juleps will be available as a special deal with Old Forester. $4 Peronis. Enjoy a raw bar with Modern Brine.

There will be awards for:

  • Best Derby Hat
  • Best Derby Outfit (Men)
  • Best Derby Outfit (Women)
  • Best Derby Dog

GUIDE: Where to celebrate Easter 2019 in Tampa Bay

Looking for something to do for Easter Sunday 2019 in Tampa Bay? Numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars are having events with buffets. Most have options for kids as well.

easter1

Here are some options:

  • Shepard’s OCEAN FLAME: This Clearwater Beach spot is serving your favorites from 10AM-9PM and offering brunch items until 2:30pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach 33767. (727) 442-5107. http://bit.ly/shepoceanflame
  • Bizou Brasserie: Bizou’s Easter brunch buffet in Downtown Tampa will be served from 10AM to 3PM. Buffet prices are inclusive of all non-alcoholic beverages. Bloody Marys and Mimosas will be offered for $6 each (after 11AM) during brunch. Buffet is $45+ for adults and kids over age 12, $22+ for ages 5-12 years old, and FREE for kids ages 4 and under. Reservations are highly recommended, as preferred dining times fill up quickly. 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 227-9555. https://www.opentable.com/bizou-brasserie.
  • GameTime: Head over to Ybor City for Easter brunch with Sonic the Hedgehog, everyone’s favorite mascot. Take a picture and enjoy a delicious buffet on Easter Sunday, April 21st from 10AM to 3PM. Enjoy food and entertainment for all ages. Only $16.99 per adult, and $9.99 per child under 12 years old. 1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. (813) 241-9675.
  • Rusty Pelican: Enjoy a waterfront Easter Sunday Champagne Buffet from 9:30AM to 4PM. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children ages 5 to 12. On the menu: Applewood Smoked Prime Rib, Pesto Crusted Leg of Lamb, Honey Glazed Salmon, Crab Legs, Raw Bar, Decadent Desserts, Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary Bar, Photo Booth, and more. 2425 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. (813) 281-1943. http://bit.ly/2UdieSI
  • FarmTable Cucina: Enjoy a special Easter brunch for $89 per person from 11AM to 3PM, which includes bottomless mimosas. On the menu: Seafood Bar, Bowtie Pasta, Potato Salad, Roasted Beet Salad, Caprese, Panzanella, Breakfast Pastries, Breads, Desserts, and more. 179 2nd Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 523-6297. http://farmtablecucina.com/reservation/
  • Sirata Beach Resort: Head to the beach for an annual Easter Buffet Brunch. Enjoy fun, food, and festivities for the entire family. $49.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids. and $39.95 for Seniors. Add an unlimited Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar for just $20. 5300 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706. (727) 363-5100. http://bit.ly/SirataEasterBrunch

NEWS: Tampa Bay Lightning Kickoff Party this Wednesday at Curtis Hixon Park

Come out this Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 for the Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Playoffs Kickoff Party at Curtis Hixon Park with the National Hockey League (NHL).

GRAMMY, award-winning band, Cage the Elephants, will be playing at the party. The first of a series of concerts and musical performances the NHL is planning for the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The concert will take place at 5:15PM EST and is a FREE, non-ticketed event. Fans can join the conversation by using the official hashtag #StanleyCup.

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/2354151724604226/

Here is a schedule for the playoffs:

56319238_10156813321852819_4182287781017419776_o

Official Florida Blueberry Festival coming to Kissimmee March 28th-March 31st

Can you feel the sunshine? The official Florida Blueberry Festival is coming to Kissimmee from March 28th to the 31st of 2019 at Formosa’s Garden Event Center. Florida Blueberry Season is from late March to April of every year.

BLUEBERRY-Crowd-8-4539

BLUEBERRY-Auntie-Oxidant-1-4610

The festival was founded in 2010 and has built a successful for 7 years in Brooksville before relocating this year to Kissimmee.

Over 60,000 people have attended the festival in the past. The event was originally created as a way to promote the burgeoning Florida blueberry industry.

BLUEBERRY-Market-Wine-4-5051

The event is now a 4-day festival and will feature a Wine Bar presented by The Island Grove Wine Company, a Beer Garden with both craft and domestic choices, Festival Fare Food Court with food concessions, retail, information exhibitors, as as well as fine arts and crafts.

There will be a Juried Art Show presented by Tampa Bay Magazine with a prize of $6,000 up for grabs.

The festival is outdoors and shirt & shoes are required, but dress for the outdoors.

Food vendors include Blueberry Junction, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Garrett’s Kettle Corn, Cinnamon City, Wisconsin Fried Cheese, Fried Dough Factory, Barbie’s Ice Cream, Swain’s Pizza On A Stick, Blooming Potato’s & French Fries, and more. Come hungry.

FAQ:

  • Tickets cost $10 for admission and $10 for parking and are now available. There is also a special-rate for RV parking.
  • Kids ages 9 and under are FREE.
  • The event is handicap accessible with ADA handicapped parking and portable restrooms available.
  • 3 locations will be available for private-nursing/baby changing for guests.
  • Blankets and folding chairs are allowed.
  • Beer and wine will be available for purchase with valid identification.
  • Event is rain or shine. No refunds will be given.
  • ATMs will be available on-site for a fee.

There will be Florida Blueberries, Florida Blueberry Pie, Blueberry plants, and other blueberry goods as well as a VIP Hospitality Pavillion.

The event will benefit Florida Blueberry Growers Association, The Community Hope Center, The Sunshine Foundation, Autism Society of Greater Orlando, and local non-profits working as staff.

Event name: Official Florida Blueberry Festival

Venue: Formosa’s Garden Event Center

Address: 3050 Formosa Gardens Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747

Date & Time: March 28th, 5PM-10PM, March 29th-March 30th, 10AM-10PM, March 31st, 2019, 10AM-5PM

Cost: $10 admission, $10 parking, Kids ages 9 and under are FREE

Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/2FjQK4F

Entertainment: http://floridablueberryfestival.org/entertainment.php

8th Annual International Cuban Sandwich Festival coming March 30-31st

Are you ready to eat all the Cuban sandwiches? I sure am.

The time is coming for the 8th Annual International Cuban Sandwich Festival on Saturday, March 30th and Sunday, March 31st in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is home to the original Cuban Sandwich.

Competitors will arrive from around the world including countries as far away as South Korea to compete for the best traditional and non-traditional. New to this year is the Home Chef Competition.

The event is organized by Latin Times Media.

Taste of the Cuban Sandwich

Saturday will feature the Taste of the Cuban Sandwich at Centro Asturiano on the edge of Ybor City with 25 vendors serving Cuban sandwiches from 11AM to 6PM. The organizers will break the world record for the largest Cuban sandwich with a sandwich that will be over 175 feet long.

17758373_1327092014046710_8378623263855675840_o

17620415_1327084600714118_5843835479088537750_o.jpg

The sandwich will be donated to feed the homeless per festival tradition.

Taste of the Cuban Sandwich offers FREE admission for attendees and is family-friendly.

17434923_1327088494047062_3646452420912591701_o

There will also be a KIDS Cuban Sandwich Showdown organized by Junior Chefs of America.

International Cuban Sandwich Festival

Sunday is the big affair with the International Cuban Sandwich Festival competition happening at Centennial Park (1800 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605) in Historic Ybor City from 11AM to 6PM.

Over 100 food, cultural, and business vendors will fill the historic park for a day to remember. Live music and performances will occur throughout and their will be domino tournaments. Come hungry! General Admission is FREE.

VIP tickets are available and includes sampling of the Cuban Sandwich contest entries and refreshments as well as mingling with judges, red carpet access, and more. Tickets start at $25 for kids and $45 for adults. Family packages are available. Buy VIP: http://bit.ly/2HK8fxV

Event name: 8th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival

Date & Time: Saturday, March 30th, 11AM-6PM and Sunday, March 31st, 11AM-6PM

Buy VIP tickets: http://bit.ly/2HK8fxV

Ages: All ages welcome

Website: http://www.thecubansandwichfestival.com/

Rise Rise Up Florida 2019 Music Festival March 15th to March 17th

Reggae Rise Up Florida music festival is Friday, March 15th to Sunday, March 17th at Vinoy Park in Downtown St. Petersburg. Enjoy 3 days filled with music, food, art, activities, and good vibes.

Up to 12,000 guests are expected to attend the festival each day. Limited tickets are still available for General Admission and VIP.

Headliners include Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, and Rebelution.  Other acts include Steel Pulse, Pepper, Common Kings, Ziggy Marley, Method Man and Redman, J. Boog, Tribal Seeds, Trevor Hall, Fortunate Hall, and more.

VIP tickets include an official Reggae Rise Up VIP wristband, expedited festival entry, access to the VIP Lounge, Reggae Rise Up festival lineup t-shirt, Reggae Rise Up festival lanyard, premium viewing areas, VIP area bathrooms, and sponsor swag.

Yoga fans can warm up for the music festival with special yoga sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are currently $25 and now available.

Buy tickets: http://reggaeriseupflorida.com/tickets/

There are plenty of food vendors that are going to be at the festival including vegan options. Some menu items include fresh ahi tuna poke bowls, gourmet grilled cheese, jerk chicken, acai bowls, Hawaiian BBQ, gourmet crepes, churros, empanadas, and more so come hungry:

 

FAQ:

  • Festival totems, flags, and signs are welcome and encouraged.
  • Attendees are allowed to bring chairs and blankets to the festival to relax on.
  • The event is family-friendly and kids ages 8 and under are FREE. Strollers are permitted, but must be searched before entry.
  • Event is rain or shine

Event Name: Reggae Rise Up Florida

Venue: Vinoy Park

Address: 701 Bayshore Drive Northeast, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701

Cost: $60+, Kids ages 8 and under FREE

Buy tickets: http://reggaeriseupflorida.com/tickets/

Ages: All ages welcome

Website: http://reggaeriseupflorida.com/

Event Map: