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The inaugural good time at Meridian Fields

Lovely the Band rock the new stage at Meridian Fields. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Sadly, I’m no Jay Cridlin, Lester Bangs, or Daphne Brooks, so I won’t be critiquing the actual music at last weekend’s Gasparilla Music Festival. However, because I’ve seen dozens of concerts at venues across our area, and a couple festivals to boot, I feel pretty comfortable weighing in on the experience aspect of the brand-new Meridian Fields venue.

Here’s my review of the Gulf Coast’s version of Coachella:

Organizers said more than 10,000 concert goers showed up to see Mt. Joy on Friday night, but moving around the festival still felt breezy. Not like Jannus.

IMG_9104 (1).jpeg — One of the culinary options at Gasparilla Music Festival.

The stagefront area was broken up into VIP and general admission areas, with a seated Adirondack chair section for VIP, and a bleacher section for sponsors. All seemed to have a good vantage point of the stage — which was framed by the downtown Tampa skyline.

What about the parking and food?

Events

Tuesday, April 14

Wednesday, April 15

Thursday, April 16

An Evening with Gregg Shapiro and Rick Karlin | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books | Free with RSVP

Friday, April 17

Saturday, April 18

Kiwanis Duck Race Tampa | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Weather

In case you missed it, a Super El Niño might reduce the number of Atlantic storms and bring some drought relief. Last week, researchers at Colorado State University predicted we’ll see 13 named storms, including 6 hurricanes this upcoming hurricane season. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Speaking of extreme weather, Florida’s experiencing its busiest fire season in decades. Officials report “more than three times the fires have ignited this year versus the same period last year,” and the fires have been “more severe and burned longer” than in years past due to the ongoing severe drought. (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

The second phase of the Edge Collective is moving forward. What’s in store? A 20-story, 330-unit apartment tower and a six-story, 20-unit building with 20,000-sqft of retail space are going up right by the Moxy Hotel. We’ll keep you posted on the timeline. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Get ready to battle Bailey out in the Ticketmaster queue, because the Strokes are coming to Tampa this fall. They’re bringing “Reality Awaits” beats to Benchmark International Arena on Thursday, Sept. 12. Get your group together, the presale is tomorrow, April 15.

Opening

Bearss Groves is entering a new era. The team behind Good Fruit Coffee Co. are taking over the property, and plan to operate their truck at the Lutz spot, a produce market, and host other food trucks and vendors. Good Fruit is moving in this month, and plans to expand their menu too. (That’s So Tampa)

Try This

Maybe skip the dinner reservations this week, we’ve got something better in store. Taste of Water Street is this Thursday, April 16, followed by Taste at Straz brings on Saturday, April 18. Take a look at all the spots tapping into the downtown Tampa foodie fests. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Festival

Empanada Festival — which is what some people call eating at my house — takes over Derby Lane this Saturday, April 18 + Sunday, April 19. Pro tip: Get there before 2 p.m. to score free admission to check out 50+ empanada varieties, a DJ, craft cocktails, and an empanada eating contest. (I Love the Burg)

Travel

Spring comes alive in Jackson County at the Greening Up the Mountains Festival on April 25, 2026 in Downtown Sylva. Enjoy live music, a 5K, 150+ artisan vendors, and local food. Make it a weekend with hikes at Pinnacle Park and dining at Ilda or Innovation Brewing. Plan your trip.*

Shop

Nordstrom’s end of season sale is on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*

Answered

What new Water Street Tampa development was announced last week?

About 61% of readers correctly guessed a mid-size music venue hall is on the way.

Who's operating it?

The Buy

This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Raclette night? I’m in.

86 Wine Bar + The Melted State are hosting a lactose-forward pop-up this Sunday, April 19th from 2 to 7 p.m. Plus, you can grab vino from the new-ish Sunshine City spot.

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