Food and Music Festivals

Downtown St. Petersburg is home to two premier outdoor food and music festivals that are favorites with locals and visitors alike. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather and downtown waterfront at Vinoy Park, each of these annual events serve up plenty for the hungry music lover.

Taste of Pinellas

For delicious taste sensations from the area's best restaurants the event to attend is Taste of Pinellas. Taking place each spring it features delectible tastes from many top local restaurants and up and coming favorites. Foodies will find everything from ethnic delicacies to baked goods just like mom makes. In addition to top of the line culinary samples like fontina-stuffed veal meatball sliders, this family friendly event also keeps kids in mind with offers like funnel cakes and mac and cheese. After all, what kid (of any age) doesn't like grilled cheese?

With over 40 food booths there's plenty to nibble on between live shows from top national acts like Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Buddy Guy and Colbie Caillat. This two day event also features a beer garden, chef demonstrations and an interactive family fun zone.

This 25 year old event is always a good time and it supports the care that All Children's hospital provides for children in need.
For more information: www.tasteofpinellas.com

Ribfest

If a side of rock is what you want with your rack of ribs, Ribfest is the place for you. This finger licking annual event features the best barbeque ribbers from around the world and takes place each fall on the Vinoy Park waterfront. In addition to smokey, fall off the bone saucy ribs, festival goers are also treated to national touring artists playing classic and southern rock and country hits.

Many of the weekend's pit masters compete on a national circuit so the competition is as hot as the food. Beyond ribs and other goodies, you'll find a family fun zone with giant inflatables, a 20-foot dual slide, obstacle course and glow golf. Also BMX Action Sports Stunt Team show and the Full Throttle Magazine Motorcycle Show.

This charity event is now celebrating its 23rd year.
For more information: www.ribfest.org