Tampa Bay Margarita Festival 2016: What To Know Before You Go

TAMPA, FL – Margarita and music lovers from all over will be heading to downtown Tampa this weekend to participate in the 2016 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival.

The fourth annual event highlights many different flavors of margaritas, with entertainment throughout the day, including the featured act, Blues Traveler.

Here’s what Bay area residents need to know before you go to the 2016 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival:

Date and Time

The 2016 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 28 from noon to 11 p.m. The event will take place rain or shine, but it will be rescheduled in the event there is a major storm.

Location

The event will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. The only entrance to the festival will be on Ashley Drive.

Tickets

Advance general admission tickets are available online for $20 at www.tampamargaritafest.com and will be $25 at the door if tickets remain. The Grand Marnier VIP Experience has sold out, however tickets still remain for the VVIP Experience and the VIP Cabana, which seats 12 people. Re-entry will be allowed as long as patrons keep their wristbands on.

Specially marked 12 packs of Corona and Corona Light beers feature a coupon code for a free general admission ticket while supplies last.

Food and Drink

More than 50 margarita flavors will be available, from the traditional and frozen varieties to more outlandish flavors, such as bacon, chocolate, and Sriracha strawberry. Beer and wine will cost $6 each, while margarita drinks will mainly cost $6 to $7, and sometimes a bit more depending on the complexity of the drink. Some VIP tickets also offer unlimited drinks. There will also be food vendors on site.

Restrictions

Only adults 21 and older will be allowed to attend the event with no exceptions (babies or toddlers will not be allowed in). However, pets will be allowed in the park.

Parking

According to event organizers, the best place to park is the Poe Garage at 800 N. Ashley Drive.

Entertainment

Blues Traveler will be the featured entertainment for the evening. The entertainment schedule for the Westshore Pizza Stage is:

• 2:15 p.m. – Tattered Saintss
• 3:30 p.m. – Tritt
• 4:45 p.m. – Keko & Mo Gravy
• 6 p.m. – Southern Train
• 7:45 p.m. – Mighty Mongo
• 9:30 p.m. – Blues Traveler
• 10:55 p.m. – Fireworks show

Grand Tequila Tasting

The Grand Tequila Tasting will take place during the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival on Saturday, May 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa. Participants must purchase a separate general admission or VIP ticket to the Grand Tequila Tasting. The $20 ticket, which can also be purchased online at www.tampamargaritafest.com, includes a collectible Margarita Festival tasting glass and five tequila tastings from more than 30 tequilas available.

New for 2016

• Based on feedback from past events, the 2016 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival this year will feature:
• More shade and seating areas around the festival grounds.
• Improved Cashless RFID wristbands.
• Improved entrance setup with more staff and shade.
• Double frozen drink trailer with more flavor options.
• A new VVIP area and an improved VIP experience.
• New special areas, including Cabo Wabo Backyard, Corona Beach and other surprise Margarita Areas.

For more information, visit www.tampamargaritafest.com.

Image via City of Tampa website

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