While the rest of the country shivers with winter's chill, you could be enjoying mild temperatures in St. Pete/Clearwater, enjoying these events, like the annual Ephiphany celebration and the outdoor Clearwater Sea Blues Festival. So what are you waiting for?
The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field from Nov. 22 - Dec. 29, 2019. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. All tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com and guests are encouraged to reserve their desired visit date and time early as tickets are limited throughout the run. Holiday party suite rentals and custom catering are also available now and can be reserved at EnchantChristmas.com.
Before two of college football's best teams square off at noon on New Year's Day at Raymond James Stadium, they have to take care of business on Clearwater Beach. Both teams, along with their cheerleaders and bands, participate in a number of competitions for bragging rights, including tug-of-war, at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. This free event is open to fans and the public and don't forget to take in the nightly sunset festival just down the beach at Pier 60.
Tampa Bay plays host to one of the best college football bowl games in the country as the SEC and Big Ten clash in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
One of the country's most celebrated Epiphany celebrations, which honors the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River more than 2,000 years ago, takes place in Tarpon Springs. This 100-plus year-old Tarpon Springs tradition is a day-long affair, which is highlighted by local teenage boys diving into Spring Bayou to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by an archbishop. The boy who surfaces with the cross is said to have good luck for the following year. What follows is an Epiphany Glendi, a lively gathering with food, drink and live music. All of the day's events are free.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the MLK National Parade, Battle of the Bands and Drum Line Extravaganza in St. Pete. The action begins at Tropicana Field where Bethune Cookman University performs annually. On Monday, the nation's longest-running parade honors MLK with a parade starting from Tropicana Field and down Central Avenue before moving along the waterfront and ending at Vinoy Park.
Celebrate all things local! This annual festival celebrates St. Pete's devotion to support its independent businesses and "Keep St. Pete Local." Nearly 250 vendors and community organizations will take over Williams Park as specialty villages showcase arts & culture, makers and merchants, a family zone, and more. Indulge in local food and craft beer while you listen to some of the area's most popular local bands on the park's bandstand and new Visit St. Pete/Clearwater stage. Free and family-friendly event from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, February 22, 2020 - Sunday, February 23, 2020
Clearwater does the blues in more ways than one! Take in water views from Coachman Park while jamming out to local and international recording artists at the annual Clearwater Sea Blues Festival. This two-day event is a highlight for blues aficionados and foodies alike, serving up some of the area’s finest seafood.
