Guide to Festa Italiana Tampa

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The celebrations take over historic Ybor City. | Photo via Festa Italiana Tampa

It’s kind of a big weekend for Tampa Bay, between “Eras Tour” shows, gearing up for a Lightning playoff run, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival (okay, you get the picture). But we’d be remiss not to highlight one of Tampa’s longstanding community events: Festa Italiana Tampa.

The Ybor City festival honors the area’s Italian heritage with a weekend of bocce, vino, and Parmigiano galore — benefiting the Italian Club Building & Cultural Trust.

Snapinsta.app_336497094_238916221892989_5312112897731158401_n_1080.jpg — The competition takes over the 1800 E. 8th Ave. park
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Photo by Nicole Abbett via Festa Italiana Tampa

This year’s festival is booked for Saturday, April 15-Sunday, April 16. Here’s a breakdown of the main events:

Head to Centennial Park on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for a jaunty round of Bocce & Bellinis. This free (and family friendly) event takes place alongside the neighborhood’s Saturday market and features frozen Bellinis and the Sponsor Bocce Invitational.
Eataly who? Stop by the Mercato Italiano at the Italian Club of Tampa on Saturday from 12-6 p.m. for the pasta bar serving Cacio & Pepe, Pasta alla Norma, and more, plus street food tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and our favorite, the sweets buffet. Bring a tote — and maybe a freezer bag — for your haul.
Finish out the weekend with Sunday’s Winefest of Italy. The main event includes a massive wine tasting with more than 100 varieties, tasty eats from Cena’s, Bavarro’s, and Flor Fina, plus a silent auction for decadent local dining experiences.

Read more about the festival + book tickets online.

We recommend carpooling and taking the TECO Streetcar system if you can — the city will likely be pretty clogged Saturday night. Follow the festival on Instagram for updates + more info.

Events

Today, April 13

TAY-Gates | Thursday, Apr. 13-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 1-5 p.m. | Two Shepherds Taproom, 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa | $20 | Get your “Eras Tour” pre-party on with a costume contest and tons of bops — it’s a 20 minute walk to Ray Jay.
Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival | Thursday, Apr. 13-Saturday, Apr. 15 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $75-$250 | Stop by the first-ever TBWFF to dine on fare from some of Tampa Bay’s foodie faves.
Lightning vs. Red Wings | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7-10 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $50-$726 | Catch the tail end of the regular season before the squad heads to the playoffs.

Friday, April 14

Tampa Bay Blues Festival | Friday, Apr. 14-Sunday, Apr. 16 | Times vary | Vinoy Park, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | $70-$800 | The 27th annual event features performances from 15 blues bands on the scenic waterfront — bring a blanket or chairs.

Saturday, April 15

KPB Gandy Beach Cleanup | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Gandy Beach, 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Take part in the effort to clear trash and debris from the popular stretch of shoreline — make sure to register.
Spring Plant Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15-Sunday, Apr. 16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | USF Botanical Gardens, 12210 USF Pine Dr., Tampa | $3-$5 | Shop plants and other materials from commercial + expert growers.
Seltzerland - The Ultimate Hard Seltzer Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 12-7 p.m. | Willa’s, 1700 W. Fig St., Tampa | $49-$75 | Test out tons of hard seltzers and canned cocktails while playing games and jamming to a live DJ.

Sunday, April 16

Running with the Rays 5K | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 7:30 a.m. | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $50-$75 | Race through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg (including Al Lang Stadium) before finishing back on Tropicana Field turf.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 3 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $8 | Follow 11-year-old Akeelah on her journey to the National Spelling Bee.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Playoffs

Hey Bolts, are you playoff ready? Head over to Sparkman Wharf this Saturday, April 15 from 12-3 p.m. for a Lightning Playoff Pep Rally. And after, take the party to The Hyde Park Playoff Pop-Up at Public Studio from 5-7 p.m. for 2023 postseason shirts, photos, and free OddFellows ice cream. (That’s So Tampa)

Traffic

Happy first day of the “Eras Tour.” The City of Tampa cautions residents to avoid the area around RayJay if possible as more than 60,000 Swifities will be making their way to the stadium today-Saturday, April 15. Parking for the shows opens at 3 p.m. + the performances start at 6:30 p.m.

Sports

The streak continues. The Rays picked up another win against the Red Sox last night — bringing their record to 12-0. If the Rays sweep the Sox today, they’ll tie the modern MLB record for a winning streak to start the season. (MLB.com)
Calling all p-ballers. Tickets are on sale now for the Tampa Bay Rays Pickleball Day Sunday, April 23. The package deal includes a limited-edition pickleball paddle + a 200 Level ticket to watch the team take on the White Sox. Purchase tickets before end of day Thursday, April 20. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Opening

Stop by the grand opening for bb.q chicken this weekend, Friday, 14-April -Saturday, April 15 at 3805 Northdale Blvd. The Tampa eatery serves Korean fried chicken, ddeok-bokki, and lots of sides. Check out the menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Shop

This Sunday’s Market at Water Street is an Earth Day celebration — with a workshop for kids on growing food, recycled materials art display, and activities by The Florida Aquarium. The market runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and features more than 60 vendors.

Pets

SPCA’s Annual Pet Walk is this Saturday, April 15 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The fundraiser takes over North Straub Park + Clearwater’s OCC Road House & Museum with a massive pet stroll, costume contests, and more. (I Love the Burg)

Show

It’s almost time to vibe to “Kill Bill” live. SZA is bringing her “S.O.S.” tour to Amalie this fall. Tickets to the September 22 show start at $33.75. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

History

One of Tampa’s historic clock towers is tickin’ once again. Owners of the Y. Pendas y Alvarez Cigar Factory (2301 N. Albany Ave.) repaired the 114-year-old clock as part of their renovation effort. Read more about the effort. (Tampa Bay Times)

Government

🗳️ It’s time to head to the polls

Tampa 2023 Runoff Election voting guide

Hey, Tampanians, Tampeños, and Tampans.

It’s nearly time to cast your ballot in Tampa’s 2023 Runoff Election. Here’s a few civic-minded reminders:

Read up on the District 1, District 2, District 3, and District 6 city council races before heading to the polls.
The deadline to register for a vote-by-mail ballot is Friday, April 15. Register online or by calling 813-612-4180.
Early voting begins next Monday, April 17 and runs through Sunday, April 23. Stop by one of the city’s seven early voting locations from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to cast your ballot or drop off your Vote By Mail ballot.
Prefer to vote — and collect your sticker — on Election Day itself? Election Day is Tuesday, April 25, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Look up your polling location online.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

There’s quite a few new scenic bars to check out in Tampa Bay. I recently stopped by Cane & Barrel and the redesigned Vinoy Veranda in Downtown St. Pete. Where should I go next? Let me know.

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