#vacationstpetersburg

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/vip-lounge-mexican-restaurant-treasure-island/

VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant – Treasure Island

Popular Gem Tucked Away

If you are new to the area, here's what you need to know about VIP:

The food and atmosphere are addicting (watch out, waistline)

It has a cult-like following (do they put something in the food so I can't stop?)

They don't take reservations or call ahead orders (who wants to wait, right?)

It's a TI landmark that is hard to find at night (maybe you shouldn't be driving at night?)

VIP has an insane number of "regular" patrons (will there be any room for little ole' me?)

Parking may be tricky. Free parking impossible really.  (I thought the best things in life were free?)

It's small so best for smaller groups (But I want to go with all my Facebook friends?)

Why You Should Go

However, if these things sound like reasons not to go, think again:

Tomorrow is always a great day to start a diet.

Yeah, they do put stuff in the food. Spices.  Peppers. Cheese. Tortillas.  It's a restaurant, not a grocery store.

If you don't want to wait go in the afternoon! You are on vacation so your day probably started late anyway.

I bet your Uber or Lyft driver can find it. Better yet, put the address in your GPS map app and then just stop your car in the middle of the road when she says you have arrived.  Take your time looking around while you hold up traffic. Its cool - everyone does it.

VIP is friendly but not clique-y. It isn't high school all over.  You'll be welcome.

Free parking? Even love isn't free.  There are diamonds, Tinder subscriptions, diapers...

All 12 of your real Facebook friends will fit.  For those of you with thousands of Facebook friends, they're probably already at VIP.  You don't really know all those people anyway.

​The chips are so good you don't need the queso and guac, but get them anyway

Because VIP has been around since the 70's, locals and visitors who have been coming here for years have grown with the restaurant. It's a true Rapisardi family affair, and one that's focused on making your experience here as memorable as possible.

The Food

So here's one thing I always forget between visits to VIP: The food can be spicy.  Really spicy.  So much so that your beverage of choice will become your BFF.  And if that BFF involves a VIP margarita, you may need a "Lyft" or Uber home.  Even items that aren't labeled spicy are spicy, so you know if they mark an item "Spicy" AND mark it "No Returns Please", they mean it..

Can't handle spice? Then ask your server about the menu item you're considering or eat from the Gringo menu. Gringo food includes the mandatory chicken tenders loved by children everywhere, along with hot dogs and hamburgers.

insider tip: Better for small groups

It's pretty small inside and very popular.

I've heard the fajitas at VIP are phenomenal.  I've only smelled them, and always too late when I've already ordered. (If you've had them feel free to leave a comment below and tell us what you thought.) Having lived much of my life in Texas, I have a thing about fajitas.  The best place in Austin for fajitas used to be the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake. And it was THE place for runners to go post Cap 10K.  Then Pappasito's arrived on the scene, with garlic butter poured over tender, sizzling fajitas.  That's the bar VIP fajitas have to beat.

I've also heard folks get quite emotional talking about their Wet Burrito.  It's actually the Tinga Chicken tacos that make me cry.

If only you could sense the heat this dish packs

The Parking

So more about parking.  Because let's face it, you're at the beach so parking is limited to begin with.  But then you put it in a tiny little center next to Ricky T's Bar & Grille and Sweet's n' Treats ice cream shop, and put it right on Gulf Blvd where Central Avenue comes over and you can imagine the difficulties.  

Paradise parking has a large lot located behind VIP, where Park Place dead ends at 106th Ave.  It's paid parking but unless you have a parking fairy on  your shoulder this will be your only shot. 

However, if you park back in this lot and walk in through the back entrance (through the patio section), you'll likely see cars parked 3 deep.  Don't be tempted, dear tourist.  This is not for you.  This is for those locals I mentioned earlier that frequent VIP so often that other frequent patrons know who's car is whose and therefore who they can park behind and block in. I only wish I could drink margaritas and eat Mexican food so often that I could be a regular there.

Anyway, walking in through this entrance also means you will walk through the kitchen to get to the dining area. 

insider tip: One small bathroom

Don't wait until the last minute to go. It's all fun and games until there's a line for the potty.

​

The Details

VIP Mexican American Cuisine  - 10625 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, Florida  727-360-5062.  Enhance your visit to the VIP by visiting their website, Facebook page and Trip Advisor!

Visit the news page of the website to find out about special events (Cinco De Mayo is one) and daily specials.

Website

Facebook page

Trip Advisor

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/february-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy/

February St Petersburg Area Events Splashy

february recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday ArtWalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

Gulfport's Get Rescued Event is the state's largest

Gulfport's Get Rescued, Gulfport

Continuing into its 15th year, this event is one of the largest animal rescue events in the state.  All profits benefit participating non-profit rescue groups.  From 10 am to 6 pm Gulfport’s historic waterfront district is overtaken by these organizations to raise awareness and find homes for pets.

Learn about pet health, see training demos, find a new friend and participate in the pet parade with your beloved companion.  The event is free and parking is available in the area.

The 2019 event is on Saturday, February 23rd in the Historic Gulfport Waterfront District.

The event's website is here.

Fresh and local ingredients means the St Pete Beach Seafood & Music Festival should be on your list

St Pete Beach Seafood & Music Festival

2019 marks the second year for this new event.  Held on Corey Avenue in St Pete Beach Feb 1-3, 2019.

Expect a laid-back vibe with live music, shopping marketplace and tasty foods.  This food won't be your normal craft-fair food.  Instead it will be food cooked onsite using fresh ingredients and seafood dishes from Florida  coastal waters.

Hours, directions, parking information and a list and schedule of musical performers can be found on the event's website.

2Cool Art Show - Gulfport

February 2-3, 2019 at the Gulfport Casino at 5500 Shore Blvd.  The 2Cool Art Show is hosted by the Professional Association of Visual Artists.

Thirty-five juried artists will participate in 2019, showing and selling a variety of hand crafted visual and functional works in paint, wood, ceramics, photography, metal, glass, mixed media and jewelry.  Admission and parking are free!

There's a sister event to this show in July, for summer visitors - the Cool Art Show.

Check out the 1st Annual Peace, Love & Pride Festival

1st Annual Peace, Love & Pride Festival - Gulfport

The inaugural event celebrating Gulfport's commitment to diversity will take place on February 10, 2019 from noon to 5 pm in and around the Gulfport Casino.

You can read more about the inspiration for this new event here.

Gulfport has two juried arts festivals in February

4th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival

Formerly known as the Gulfport Masters, this festival takes place in Veteran's Park at 5350 31st Ave S in Gulfport.

The event takes place February 9-20 in 2019 from 10 am to 5 pm both days.  It is also a juried event.  If you don't know what a juried event is, it means that artists have to apply and their works are determined to be found worthy of entry by a panel of judges.  The process of reviewing the submissions is intended to raise the quality of the show and help the event stand out from the sometimes busy field of art and craft shows.

Visit the events Facebook page for a short video about this year's event and a preview of a few artists participating this year.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/september-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy/

September St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

september recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday ArtWalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

Top Chefs

This dress-up worthy event benefits programs of PARC.  PARC's mission is to provide opportunities for children & adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest.

The Top Chefs event offers open bar drinks, samplings of entrees and amazing desserts prepared by some of the Bay Area's best chefs working with students from PARC's Culinary Program.  

Proceeds benefit PARC's programs. Read more about the history of PARC here.

Sample decadent desserts at PARC's Top Chefs event

Night Market in St Pete

The Night Market in St Pete's Warehouse Art's District takes place about 5 times a year in the St Pete Side Lot located at 2133 2nd Ave South.  The best way to stay up to date on the events is to sign up for one on Facebook and then you'll be alerted to future events. 

Attending a market at night is so unusual that its worth a trip.  Local vendors dominate the event and there is plenty of food, shopping and drink.  The market is family and pet friendly.  

The market typically lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm, but the 3 Daughters Brewery next door stays open later for an AfterParty!

Clearwater Super Boat National Championship & Festival

180 mph of fun.  Big. Fast. Super Boats.  The 2017 event saw 2,500 boats lining the beaches of the 2.5 mile-long race course.  

VIP watch parties are available from sponsor hotels, restaurants and condos along the route.

Parades.  Food vendors. Live Music. More. Oh, and boat races!

Clearwaer Super Boat 2017

Gulfport Gecko Fest

GeckoFest is Gulfport's wacky answer to the end of summer.  As noted previously, Gecko's are Gulfport's unofficial mascot and definitely the town's favorite reptile.

GeckoFest takes place in Gulfport's Waterfront District and is family friendly. There's food, live music, kids' activities, street performance artists and a parade. 

It might occur to you that a festival named after a gecko might have a colorful backstory and you'd be right. You can read the short history of how the festival got its start, or you can read the O-FISH-al GECKO legends!

(The date for GeckoFest moves between August and September each year, but the Gecko-related events that lead up to GeckoFest are almost always in August.)

10 am to 10 pm.  The Gulfport Trolley and Gulfport's GetGO offers transportation options so you can attend without worrying about where to park.

Gulfport Gecko Fest Mascot

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/august-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy-ventures/

August St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

august recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday ArtWalk

St Pete: First Friday 

St Pete: Second Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

August Special Events

Great St Pete Cupcake Contest

Held at the Morean Arts Center. 420 22nd St South in the Warehouse Arts District.

Sample and get some ideas of your own, and help St Petersburg choose the Peoples Choice!  Your sweet tooth will thank you.

Great St Pete Cupcake Contest

Brocante Vintage Market

St Pete's only monthly vintage market operates just two days each month. 15,000 square feet of vintage goods sourced by 50+ vendors. The vendors are called Brocanteurs.

Each Brocanteur has their own take on vintage and the combination of these vendors in a market atmosphere promise a unique shopping experience.

Come see what these Brocanteurs have found just for you.  The used.  The past.  The re-imagined. The re-inspired.  Brocante Vintage Market.

Brocante Vintage Market - Help Give a Future to an Item with a Past

Pet Pal Pub Crawl

Organized by the Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St Pete, this pub crawl benefits you and animals in need.  Raffle tickets available, Doggie Biscuit Bars at every stop and drink specials.

Art Gecko Show Opening Reception - Gulfport

Artists create larger-than-life geckos in the theme of the current year's GeckoFest.  In 2018 the theme was Geckocon, so geckos were to reflect the artists' interpretation of superheroes, villains, cult characters, imaginary locations and more, from comics, books, movies, etc. 

After the opening reception the geckos are moved to preview locations in venues throughout Gulfport's Waterfront District.  The geckos eventually go up for auction at the Gecko Ball.

Gecko Crawl - Gulfport

A limited ticket event, the Gecko Crawl helps usher in "Gecko Season" in Gulfport.  (And believe me, fall is indeed Gecko Season.  They're everywhere! Babies, tiny babies and more babies!)

Tickets are only available at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Blvd in Gulfport.

Participation in the crawl includes a free drink at each location, a poker run and an after party.  The after-party includes a band and an award ceremony.

FishKids

If you're going to be in the area in August and you have an aspiring angler in your midst, I don't think you can go wrong with Fish Kids.

Dedicated to "shaping the next generation of anglers", this event, or really series of events, promises something for all.  There are learning labs, demos, knot tying, seminars, castnetting, games and a seawall fishing tournament. Get your youngsters educated and involved in the water and conservation now.

Held at ROC Park in Madeira Beach.  

Gecko Ball

Another staple in Gecko Season is the Gecko Ball.  Past themes have included Geckocon, Geckostock, GeckoGras, Roaring Geckos and more. 

The ball is held at the Historic Gulfport Casino ballroom. Tickets are only available at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport.

Dress to impress! Scenery and decor provided at the event, along with a cash photo booth, dancing, live music, a live and silent auction and tasty treats.  

This ball sells out every year so it is important to get your tickets early.

It's Not Every Day You Get to Dress Wacky!

Geckofest

GeckoFest is Gulfport's wacky answer to the end of summer.  As noted previously, Gecko's are Gulfport's unofficial mascot and definitely the town's favorite reptile.

GeckoFest takes place in Gulfport's Waterfront District and is family friendly. There's food, live music, kids' activities, street performance artists and a parade. 

It might occur to you that a festival named after a gecko might have a colorful backstory and you'd be right. You can read the short history of how the festival got its start, or you can read the O-FISH-al GECKO legends!

(The date for GeckoFest moves between August and September each year, but the Gecko-related events that lead up to GeckoFest are almost always in August.)

10 am to 10 pm.  The Gulfport Trolley and Gulfport's GetGO offers transportation options so you can attend without worrying about where to park.

Festival Goers

Great Bay Scallop Search

Not your usual wine, dine and relax event, the Great Bay Scallop Search is an annual resource monitoring event.

Organized by Tampa Bay Watch, the event recruits volunteers to snorkel along set transect lines to search for scallops in select areas within Boca Ciega and Lower Tampa Bay. The search needs volunteers with shallow draft boats and limited spots for canoes and kayaks.

Bay scallops are important due to their ability to filter water.  They'r extremely sensitive to pollution, thus serving as useful "underwater canaries" to signal changes in water quality. 

Bay scallops disappeared from Tampa Bay in the early 1960's due to highly polluted bay water.  You can see scallop search counts since 1996 here.  

Even if you can't volunteer, it is worth a few minutes of your time to learn about these delightful creatures.  

If you think sea turtles have challenges, know that of the 12 million eggs a single scallop releases, only one may survive to adulthood.  

Tiny blue eyes along the outer rim of the shell detect movement and serve as an early warning system for scallops.

Although clams may live 40 years, the average life span of a bay scallop is 12-18 months.

An adult scallop can pump as much as 14.7 liters of water per hour by funneling water across open pathways on its gill covers.

Great Bay Scallop Search Helps Count Bay Scallops

Tampa Bay Comic Con

My guess is if you're interested in a Comic Convention, you probably already have the dates for this one on your calendar.  In advance.  Way in advance. These things are a big deal and attract huge crowds in almost every city that has them. And Tampa is no different.

This event features a roster of comic industry professionals, as well as related celebrities.  Exhibitors reflect a wide variety of interests - comic books, toys, games, Star Wars, manga, artwork, clothing, magazines, and, of course, comic books.

2019 dates are August 2-4, 2019.  The event is family-friendly and FREE for children. Tampa Convention Center; 333 S Franklin St, Tampa. 

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/november-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy-ventures/

November St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

November recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday Artwalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Beach: Corey Avenue Sunday Market

Treasure Island: Open Air Market (Fridays)

November Special Events

Tampa Bay Holiday Market

November 17 and 18, 2018 at the Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N. Free parking. (pay attention to the N or NE or S or SE on the end of street addresses when you head into downtown St Petersburg.  For the sake of your sanity.)

Santa will be there both Saturday and Sunday.  Just in case you need your Santa fix.

Check out the event's Facebook page here.  They promise to help you with your holiday shopping list.

Ribfest

Nov 9-11 Vinoy Park. Tagline - Rockin' Ribs - Helpin' Kids.  

There's some really good musical talent at this event. Both mainstream and cover/tribute bands. Check out the lineup here.

A list of "Ribbers" can be found here.

Shopapalooza

Nov 17 & 24, 2018.  South Straub Park, downtown St Petersburg.  Or more specifically, 198 Bayshore Drive. 10 am - 5 pm.  Admission is free. There are other ways they will get your money.

This event features more than 130 local shops.  There's a kids' zone so you can let them exhaust themselves for a bit, then get back to your shopping. 

Well-behaved pets on leash are welcomed.  The 2018 Vendor List is here.

St Pete Power & Sailboat Show

Heralded as the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, this event runs from November 29th to Sunday, December 2 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St Petersburg, Florida. 

Clearly displaying boats takes up a little space.

In addition to boats you will find marine gear, special events and educational activities. Hopefully no cooking demonstrations for the latest miracle cookware.

Click here to plan your visit! This event is big so you need to know where you're going.

Kenwood BungalowFest Tour

Nov 3, 2018, 10 am - 4 pm.  This event is in its 20th year and will feature 10 homes that reflect the historic architecture and character of the Kenwood Neighborhood.  

Kenwood's roots are in an avocado grove in 1912, when the grove was subdivided and developed.  Craftsman homes were common, with most homes built between the 1920's and 1950's.  However, as suburbanization occurred, many homes fell into disrepair over the next 3 or 4 decades. Revitalization began in the 1990's, as a few people began buying and restoring these homes.  

Historic Kenwood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Purchase tickets in advance here.  (They are also available the day of the event.)  A trolley is available to take you from house to house.

You can read more about Kenwood here and watch a video.

Old Salt Foundation Fish Spread Contest

In 2018 this delicious event is being held on November 13th at Gators Cafe at John's Pass.  

Not familiar with fish spread? Check out our blog post on fish spread here.

This is not an observation-only event.  For a $2 donation you can sample all of the entered fish spreads and vote for the Peoples Choice Award winner.  And if making fish spread is your thing, you can enter for only $10 per entry!

Smoked Fish Spread Old Salt Fish Spread Contest

Treasure Island Sand Sculpture Competition and Music Festival

Also known as the Sanding Ovations Master's Cup.  November 20-24, 2019, near the Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Boulevard.

Several tons of sand, a bit of water, a vivid imagination (and a plan!) and you find the largest masters competition in the southeastern U.S. 

The competition is invitational and will feature at least ten master sculptors.

The event's website is here and the Facebook page here. 

View our blogpost on the 2018 event (with tons of photos!) HERE.

Giant sand castles and sand sculptures

Sponge Docks Seafood Festival

The Sponge Docks are in Tarpon Springs, so a little more of a drive than we normally consider for the St Petersburg calendar of events, but the docks are so different that it is worth the drive.

This event is in its 31st year, so they've clearly figured this festival thing out. Admission is free and there is limited free parking at Dog Splash Park at 508 Live Oak Street, Tarpon Springs.  

The Tarpon Springs and Greektown Historic Districts (separate areas) ae listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you may wish to make this an all-day trek and visit them while you're in the area. The Tarpon Springs Historic District is bounded by Read Street, Hibiscus Street, Orange Street, Lewis Avenue, Lemon Street and Spring Bayou.  The entire area is about 700 acres and it contains 145 historic buildings.

The Greektown Historic District is Florida's first Traditional Cultural Property listing. Check the App Store Icon on your phone and search for "Florida Stories".  You can download the app and click the "Discover" tab to find the Walk: Tarpon Springs tour. 

Live music, local seafood, arts and crafts and specialty vendors. Insider tip: Visit Spongeorama while you're there.  There's an exhibit center inside along with a short movie/video and the people that work there are extremely knowledgeable.  We wanted to pull up a chair and listen for hours!

Clearwater Beach Uncorked - Sip Savor Repeat

Uncorked is not just a food and wine event in a beach town.  The trademarked phrase for the event is "Wine in your hand, toes in the sand".  This event is held directly on Clearwater Beach, south of Pier 60.  The event is held rain or shine and there are no refunds for inclement weather.

Children under 21, pets, outside food and drink and backpacks not permitted.

Craft Beer Festival

Get a souvenir tasting mug and sample over 100 craft ales. It's not every day you can find this many choices in one place.

Hosted at Cajun Cafe on the Bayou in Pinellas Park.  2 - 6 pm November 3, 2018

Fall King of the Beach Fishing Festival

Another great event sponsored by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, the fall Kingfish tournament Nov 8-10, 2018 is being held in Maderia Beach Florida. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tournament, so there's sure to be some celebrations to make it even more memorable.

St Pete Beach Bike Fest

Nov 14 -18, 2018 St Pete Beach, Tradewinds Resort.

Five days of motorcycles, music and mayhem. You can find the event calendar here.

Brocante Vintage Market

November 3rd and 4th, 2018.

St Pete's only monthly vintage market. 15,000 square feet of vintage goods sourced by 50+ vendors. The vendors are called Brocanteurs.

Night Market St Pete

Nov 8, 2018.

The Night Market in St Pete's Warehouse Art's District takes place about 5 times a year in the St Pete Side Lot located at 2133 2nd Ave South.  The best way to stay up to date on the events is to sign up for one on Facebook and then you'll be alerted to future events. 

Attending a market at night is so unusual that its worth a trip.  Local vendors dominate the event and there is plenty of food, shopping and drink.  The market is family and pet friendly.  

The market typically lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm, but the 3 Daughters Brewery next door stays open later for an AfterParty!

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/october-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy/

October St Petersburg Area Events Splashy Ventures

October recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday ArtWalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday ArtWalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Beach: Corey Avenue Sunday Market

October Special Events

VW Beach Bash - Pass-A-Grille

October 20, 2018.  9th Ave from 10 am - 4 pm. In its 10th year. 

Betty's Beach Clean Up starts at 8 am. VW Car Show at 10 am. 

Free to the public. Merchandise goes early, so you may wish to order early. Check the event's Facebook page here. You can order by emailing them or messaging them from the Facebook page and they will ship them a few days after the show.

VW Bash at Pass-A-Grille

Clearwater Jazz Holiday

October 18-21, 2018. Coachman Park, Clearwater.  National and local performing acts.  2018 headliners include The Doobie Brothers and George Thoroughgood and the Destroyers.  

Tickets go up the day of the event.  Reserved seating available.  Sounds like a good time!

Honeymoon Island's Halloween in the Park

October 26-27, 2018 at Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, Fl

Haunted hayrides, carnival games, crafts, DJ music jams, Boo in the Zoo, costume contests (for children 12 and under), bounce houses, scary trail, mythical-magical children's trail, storytelling! Oh, and ghouls, ghosts and goblins!

$5 ($10?) parking, $5 Haunted Hayride, $10 Wristband (includes most other events). Pricing unclear.

Download the flyer here.

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls!

Howl-O-Fest

October 19 and 20, 2018 at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 6-10 pm both days. 2900 31st St S, at the Environmental Studies Area.

This family-friendly event features Inflatable games, fire shows, hay rides, arts & crafts and trick or treat cabins. Cake Walks at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm.  Bet you haven't done one of those in awhile.

St Pete Zombie Food Booze Crawl

Zombie flash mob anyone? Um, maybe? Albert Whitted Park (downtown St Pete) hosts this event with fun, food, live music, and, of course, zombies.

Tons of food trucks and a costume festival.  Admission is free. 6-10 pm.  October 19, 2018

Clearwater Chalk Art Festival

Arts, crafts, a kid zone.  Three days. October 19th, 20th and 21st in 2018.

During these 3 days chalk artists quite literally transform sidewalks of BeachWalk on South Clearwater Beach. Planning on hanging around for awhile and watch these artists create these masterpieces before your eyes.

Competition, prizes and "People's Choice Awards" on the last day of the event.

Views photos from the 2017 Chalk Art Festival here. 

John's Pass Seafood Festival - Last One October 25-28, 2018

A 4 day celebration, including a halloween Block Party.  Live music.  Costume contests.  Battle of the Gulf Fishing Tournament.  World's Largest Bloody Mary Toast. Face painting.  Balloon artists. John's Pass Seafood and Jazz Holiday.

Unfortunately, the City of Madeira Beach has now begun charging fees for the event and waited until a few weeks before the 2018 event to waive a portion (but not all) for this year's event.  So the committee that organizes the event is calling it quits after the 2018 event.  This is pretty sad in that the event was able to donate $34,000 to charities in 2016 as a result of the event.  

Location: John's Pass Boardwalk 

Strut, Wag & Rock - Tampa

October 20, 2018 at Ferg's Live Tampa. 490 Channelside Dr, Tampa. 2-9 pm

This year's event will have a 60's theme - "Grateful Dawg Day" and music will be provided by a Grateful Dead cover band, Uncle John's Band.

The event will have a 100 dog costume contest, although contestants do not have to dress in the theme.  

You can register online and proceeds benefit Vets4Pets Charitable Clinic.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Fest & PAWrade, St Petersburg

Bring your best furry friend and push, pull or carry him or her in the most spook-tacular PAWrade of the year.

You can make a float to use in the PAWrade, as long as it is not motorized.

Costumes are judged on both the pet's and pet human's costume.

11 am - 3 pm, October 27, 2018 at 3 Daughter's Brewing, 222 22nd St S, St Petersburg, Fl.

Your pet here!

Treasure Island Children's Halloween Spooktacular & Fall Festival

October 26, 2018 at the Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Facility at 10315 Paradise Boulevard, starting at 6 pm.  

Interactive Inflatables, Games, Moonwalks, Train Rides, Fortune Teller, Stiltwaker, Magician, Face Painters, Caricature Artist.

Costume Contest 6:30 pm; Haunted House 7-9 pm. 

Event flyer here.

SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk

Held in 2018 at Vinoy Park.  Dedicated to raising money to help support the homeless animals of the Tampa Bay community, this event has something for everyone.  Music for the humans, agility courses, costume contents and a doggie water park for your furry friends.

Click here to visit the SPCA Tampa Bay website and learn more.

St Petersburg Festival of the Arts

Rather than a single festival, the St Petersburg Festival of the Arts is really a month-long series of artistic events ranging from plays to music to film to dance to wine. 

The events are spread out during the month, so click here to be taken to the website and their listing of events and more information.

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/december-st-petersburg-area-events-splashy/

December St Petersburg Area Events Splashy

december recurring events

Gulfport: First Friday Artwalk

St Pete: First Friday

St Pete: Second Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Third Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport: Tuesday Fresh Market

St Pete: Saturday Morning Market

St Pete Beach: Corey Avenue Sunday Market

Treasure Island: Open Air Market (Fridays)

Lighted Holiday Boat Parades

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the numerous lighted boat parades that take place along the waterways of Pinellas county.  

The exact dates vary from year to year, but they're generally coordinated and spread out so that they don't all convene on the same nights.

Following is a listing of the area lighted holiday boat parades.  You can visit the specific event's website for more details.

Gulfport & Boca Ciega Yacht Club's Lighted Boat Parade - December 8, 2018

Treasure Island's Lighted Boat Parade - December 14, 2018

Pass-A-Grille and Vina Del Mar Boat Parade

Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade - December 15, 2018

Redington Beaches/Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade

Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade - December 8, 2018

St Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Winter Festival in the Park - December 7, 2018

St Petersburg Annual Rotary Club Illuminated Boat Parade - this event has been canceled for 2018 due to ongoing construction at the Pier.

If your explorations are taking you outside of the St Petersburg area during the month of December, Florida by Water publishes a very comprehensive list of boat parades around the state, complete with short descriptions and links to websites. (But ours is more helpful if you're in just the St Petersburg area.)

Florida By Water Boat Parade List

December Special Events

St Pete Boat Parade & Winter Festival in the Park

You can dress up for this one.  The Parade Viewing Party starts at 6 pm in Horan Park and includes music, hot chocolate, art projects for children and a visit from Santa.  Admission is free. 

Horan Park is next to the St Pete Beach Community Center at 7701 Boca Ciega Dr.  

Click here for the parade route.

Jingle Bell Kids' Fishing Tournament

In 2018 this event is being held on December 1 at John's Pass Village.  The entry fee is an unwrapped toy and non-perishable food item.  Donations benefit Santa's Angels and The Kind Mouse.

All fishing myst be done from the dock or beach only. No fishing from boats or kayaks.

See the Angler Amory website for more rules, pictures and details!

Snowfest

No fake snow here! Sixty-four tons of snow will fall on North Straub Park in early December. (Possibly December 1 in 2018)

Expect to find a toboggan slide, ice skating, cookie decorating and more. 

St Petersburg Annual Rotary Club Illuminated Boat Parade

This event is organized by the Rotary Club, this event moved back to downtown St Petersburg in 2017.  The boat parade starts at 401 Bayshore Dr, NE at 6 pm and the other festivities start at hour earlier, at 5pm. 

Gulfport & BCYC's Holiday Boat Parade

December 8, 2018.  The parade begins at Gulfport Municipal Marina, passing by the Boca Ciega Yacht Club clubhouse, then to Williams Pier, Town Shores, Pasadena Yacht Club, Pasadena Golf Estates and Dolphin Boulevard South, finally visiting Isla del Sol and returning to the BCYC clubhouse for the Post Parade party.

Visit the website to download a boat parade flyer, or to find out how to participate with your boat!  Entry "fees" are unwrapped toys for Operation Santa.

And see below for Gulfport's Holiday Hoopla, taking place on the same day!

Click here for a link in Paradise News about this event that is in its 33rd year.  Sponsors are needed!

sailbcyc.org/christmasboatparade

Gulfport's Annual Holiday Hoopla

Let's hope for better weather conditions for this event in 2018.  Last year was very cold and extremely windy - highly unusual conditions for Florida that time of year!  

Holiday Hoopla is a celebration of arts, crafts, foods, holiday music and roving holiday characters.

The festivities run from 10 am to 6 pm on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport's Waterfront District.  The event benefits Operation Santa and Gulfport families in need.  Come find one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else!

Roving Rudolph at Gulfport's Holiday Hoopla

Historic Old Northeast Candlelight Tour of Homes

This event is being held December 9th in 2018.  

Check the HONNA (Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association) Facebook page for details as the event gets closer.

Christmas Market & Parade on St Pete Beach

The parade starts at St Pete Beach City Hall (155 Corey Ave) and heads west down Corey Ave, south on Blind Pass Road, east on 73rd to Bay Street and back to City Hall.  

The best parade viewing areas will be along Corey Avenue and parking is available at the Community Center. 

This event also includes a visit from Santa and an opportunity to meet with all the Whos in Whoville. Grinch themed crafts, face painting and light refreshments too. 

Pass-A-Grille and Vina Del Mar Boat Parade

This small event starts at Merry Pier in Pass-A-Grille. I've heard that Santa will make an appearance at The Seahorse, where St Pete firemen will cook burgers and hot dogs outside.  Santa is also available for pictures with the kids.  Luminaries along the sea wall and carolers at Merry Pier.  

Festivities start at 5 pm. 

Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

The parade starts at the Holiday Inn Harborside. then goes under the Walsingham Bridge and ending at Harbor Drive North.  

Redington Beaches/Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade

This boat parade goes from the Tom Stuart Causeway to "The Pub" restaurant in Indian shores.  The event starts at 5:45 pm. 

New in 2018 is a lighted dock competition, but this would be hard to experience unless you're in the parade yourself.

Festival of Lights Madeira Beach Boat Parade

The Madeira Beach "Festival of Lights" boat parade begins at ROC Park and ehads down the Intracoastal Waterway to John's Pass Village and Boardwalk.  

The event starts at approximately 6:30 pm and goes until 9 pm. 

Check out the event flyer here.

Treasure Island's Lighted Boat Parade

Treasure Island says its lighted boat parade is like Las Vegas on the water - dazzingly decorated boats of all kinds.  There is a friendly competition for prizes.

The TI Causeway Bridge closes to vehicular traffic during the parade (usually around 7 pm) and stays closed for 30 - 45 minutes to allow the boat parade to pass through.  

The best public viewing areas for the Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade are:

115th Avenue on the Isle of Palms

Treasure Island Causeway Bridge

Kingfish Drive at John's Pass (Gator's Cafe & Saloon)

Blind Pass Bridge (between Treasure Island & St Pete Beach)

Click here for a map of the parade route.  It's an old map but the route hasn't changed in years.

Brocante Vintage Market

December 1 and 2, 2018.

.St Pete's only monthly vintage market. 15,000 square feet of vintage goods sourced by 50+ vendors. The vendors are called Brocanteurs.

Corey Avenue Art Festival

December 1 and 2, 2018.  10 am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday. 595 Corey Ave in St Pete Beach Fl.

More than 100 talented artisans with jewelry, pottery ceramics, photography, painting, clothing.  There is also an expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and other goodies.

This is always a fun event with quality goods and great weather!