National magazines compliment the vibrant arts and culture community around Tampa Bay. From world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dali Museum, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, Imagine Museum and Chihuly collection to the lively murals on the walls of Downtown St. Pete and restaurants (including The Vitale Bros Day of the Dead art at Nueva Cantina in Tampa (and downtown St. Pete). Arts festivals in Pinellas County draw locals and visitors to neighborhoods, support local artists and celebrate the cultural mecca from downtown to the beaches and beyond, especially Tampa's Annual Hyde Park Festival. Here are some of our arts festival faves.
Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival: From Oct.18-20, admire the Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival's 40 artists transforming the sidewalks of Clearwater Beach into chalk masterpieces. Help choose the winner of the “People’s Choice Award” which is announced at noon on Sunday. Enjoy food, live music and crafts at this family-friendly event.
Creative Clay Fest: Creative Clay Fest (formerly Folkfest St. Pete) is a celebration of original art and live music. Now in its 13th year, the festival was created to draw good folks to the mission of Creative Clay and raise funds to support its programs for people with disabilities. The 11/9 Creative Clay Fest attracts local makers, creators and folk artists, as well as those from throughout the state and Southeast. Confirmed vendors include Missionary Mary Proctor, Don Stone, Jack Beverland, Rasta Geary Taylor, Nicholas Holman, Altered by Michelle, Pergamo Paper Goods, Black Sun Body Art and Red Tent Women’s Initiative. Creative Clay artists also will be selling their original folk art.
Dunedin Arts Festival: Dunedin is one of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida so you know that it’s a place rich with culture, art, and imaginative locals. Support the local artists and craftsmen as they line Dunedin’s Main Street for the Dunedin Arts Festival 1/4/2020 who work in all mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more!
Good Vibes Only Music and Arts Festival: Bring the good vibes and come check out the future of the arts industry as St. Petersburg College and USF St. Pete celebrate student visual arts and music. Location and 2020 date to be announced.
45th Annual Mainsail Art Festival: Held in Vinoy Park , this premier cultural event 4/18-19 attracts more than 100,000 visitors from near and far come to enjoy and purchase quality art and enjoy top name entertainment.
Sanding Ovation Master Cup: Treasure Island is Florida’s sand sculpture capital! See for yourself Nov. 20-24 at the 11th Annual Sanding Ovations Masters Cup! when ten masterful artists transform sand into elegant sculptures. The beach food court and beer gardens, an arts and crafts marketplace, fireworks on Saturday evening and three days of live music on the Sanding Ovations stage sponsored by Ka’Tiki make Sanding Ovations a must-see event while visiting Treasure Island.
St. Pete Fine Arts Festival: Feb. 22-23, come to see 120 artists from 25 states and overseas showcase painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, mixed media, fiber art and more in North Straub Park
SunLit Festival : The Annual SunLit Festival celebrates like-minded literary, cultural and civic organizations that encourage individuals to advance the enjoyment of literature! Come out and hear literary geniuses speak, inspire and drive upcoming authors to create meaningful literary works brought to you by the Keep St. Pete Lit posse, who also co-sponsor the book club at MFA and monthly writing/reading events around town. Location and 2020 dates to be announced.
Shine St. Pete Mural Festival: From Oct. 18-26, local, national and international artists compete to transform a wall into a work of art. Head to the SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival to watch an artist bring their vision to life on one of the blank canvases around the Burg. This festival's artists transforms our city streets into a curated, open-air public gallery thanks to the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance.
Sunshine City Film Festival: Jan. 11-20, this 10-day film festival features events, new movies and filmmakers, workshops, celebrities, networking socials, live music and industry professional mixers around downtown St. Pete.
For more information on events and festivals in Pinellas County return to 727area! We are your local concierge for restaurants, nightlife and events in Pinellas County!
