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The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is one of Tampa's biggest annual cultural events, hosted each year during the first weekend in March. The event showcases some of the nation's most accomplished and exciting emerging and mid-career artists, awarding nearly $75,000 USD in annual prizes, including the $15,000 Best of Show Award. Artists present works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, glass, jewelry, ceramics, and mixed media. Works by young artists are also showcased, along with a full weekend of live performances and a children's activity area. Local Tampa food trucks and beverage vendors are hosted on site throughout the event, including beer and wine vendors.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Admire native and exotic plants at Florida Botanical Gardens Step back in time at The Henry B. Plant Museum Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk Learn about the history of firefighting at The Tampa Firefighters Museum Take the kids to Heritage Village Learn about local history at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center Enjoy the view from Ballast Point Park and Pier Don't miss The Manatee Viewing Center Check out the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Visit the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Walk along the Courtney Campbell Trail Relax at the Picnic Island Park Explore historic Ybor City Hike The Upper Tampa Bay Trail Sample and buy ales at Yuengling Beer Take the family to Ben T. Davis Beach Tour The J. C. Newman Cigar Company On a rainy day, visit Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Join Tampa Downtown Partnership Free Guided Walking Tours Visit The Tampa Police Museum Take the kids to The Glazer Children’s Museum Enjoy summer at Waterworks Park

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