Tampa Bay Blues Fest: Live Blues at its Best!
Each year since 1995, some of the biggest names in blues music have taken the stage at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida. Blues enthusiasts from all over the world come to scenic Vinoy Park to watch this spectacular showcase of American Blues music, performed right on the waterfront. With acres of plush grass and palm trees, Vinoy Park is the perfect tropical setting for one of the world’s biggest and best blues concerts.
Tampa Bay Blues Festival has established itself as one of the world's preeminent blues concerts and was the recipient of the Blues Foundation’s 2011 “Keepin’ the Blues Alive” award for Best U.S. Blues Festival. Over the years our stage has welcomed legends such as Stephen Stills, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Delbert McClinton, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Los Lobos, Jerry Lee Lewis, Koko Taylor, Jimmie Vaughan, Irma Thomas, Susan Tedeschi, and others, in what has truly become a magnificent celebration of music!
The Blues Music Festival is an ideal setting to enjoy Florida's sunshine and warm spring weather. For guests seeking an enhanced festival experience, we offer a special VIP Package with "front" stage seating, a large VIP tent with free food, beer and soda, and beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
Throughout the festival grounds, you will enjoy tasty food, including seafood, barbeque, Cuban cuisine, and other culinary treats. Festival vendors also include arts & crafts. Premium beer, wine, and mixed drinks are also available.
In addition to great music and warm weather, you will also enjoy visiting downtown St. Petersburg, with its many restaurants, clubs, and art museums, including the world famous Dali Museum. From St. Petersburg you may also wish to travel 20 minutes to Treasure Island, Pass-a-Grille, and St. Pete Beach. The area’s Ft. DeSoto Beach offers a large, public park and was recently named one of the world's finest beaches.
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is produced by the Tampa Bay Blues Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. Proceeds from the event benefit our charity partner, Parc Center for Disabilities. Guests are encouraged to make donations to Parc in the “Tip” jars located at all of the beer & wine operations.
The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is staged at Vinoy Waterfront Park in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Gates open approximately one-half hour before the music starts.
The main entry gate is located on Fifth Avenue NE & Bayshore Drive. Tickets are available for sale at the main gate. Will Call is also handled at the main gate. All ticket sales, including beverage tickets, must be purchased with cash. Tickets are not required to purchase food products.
For sponsorship opportunities, please call Charles Ross at (727) 515-8444 or email us at tampabaybluesfest@gmail.com
No coolers, drinks, bicycles, pets, recording devices, or alcohol are allowed in the park. Also, no umbrellas or shade canopies may be set up in front of the main stage area. An area designated towards the rear of the park is available if you intend to bring small umbrellas (no large EZ Up Tents – these are tripping hazards and are not allowed at the park). No large tents may be set up under any circumstances..
Public restrooms are available in the rear of the park along the seawall.
Food vendors and merchandise booths will be set up along the perimeter of the park. All beverage sales, including beer, wine, soda, PowerAde and water must be purchased with beverage tickets which are located next to all of the beer trucks in the park. All beverage tickets are good for the day of sale only.
This event was designed to provide equal opportunity for enjoyment to all participants. If you would like to request any particular aids or services pursuant to disability laws, please contact the event planner at (727)895-6153 or City of St. Petersburg Community Affairs Division at (727) 893-7357 or (727) 892-5259 TDD/TTY.
Please enjoy three great days of Blues by the Bay!
Information Guide
Festival Hours (all times approximate):
Gates open approximately one-half hour before music starts until 10:00 p.m. each evening.
Music will continue until 10:00 p.m. each evening
Parking:
Please feel free to park in one of the city’s parking garages (Sundial Parking Garage - 117 Second Street North OR Southcore Parking Garage – 101 First Avenue South). Free shuttle pick ups and drop offs on the southeast corner of First Avenue South and First Street by the South Core Parking Garage and the east side of First Street between First and Second Avenues North directly behind the Sundial Parking garage. For more parking information, click here.
Tickets:
All tickets are non-refundable & non-replaceable. The show will be presented, rain or shine. Drink tickets are good for day of show only. VIP Experience package patrons will receive a wristband which will allow access to the main gate, VIP front stage seating, and the VIP tent.
What to Bring:
Sunscreen/hats, lawn chairs, blankets, individual umbrellas (for the area located toward the back of the park), children 12 & under – they are free! Cash – most vendors only accept cash payments.
What Not to Bring:
Large tents, pets/animals, coolers/food/drinks, alcohol (sold on-site), weapons, bicycles, water (sold on site by the charity). All patrons will go through security, and unauthorized items will not be allowed into the park.
Artist Submissions:
Artist submissions may be emailed to us at tampabaybluesfest@gmail.com .
