A Guide To The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival

What is Carnival in Tampa Bay?

The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival is about one thing….having the time of your life! The 15^th Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival is an experience like nothing else. It is all about celebrating Caribbean culture! Every year during Spring over 10,000 visitors join in the fun and celebrate this amazing Caribbean Carnival.

The main focus of the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival is all about the preservation and celebration of Caribbean-American heritage. The central focus of the carnival is multiculturalism. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival unites people from all over the city!

How do they celebrate the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival?

The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival has the most incredible masquerade parade featuring incredible glamorous, colorful and high energy masquerade bands. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival also features loads of top-name entertainment, a Steelpan Jamboree and so many more styles of Carnival music.

In addition to the entertainment, no Caribbean Carnival would be complete without a morning J’ouvert celebration. There are also loads of street vendors selling the most incredible arts and crafts as well as mouth-watering Caribbean food and drink. So you can enjoy some delicious Caribbean rum or jerk chicken, rice and beans and more.

When is the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival?

The 2020 dates for the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Is there a better way to celebrate Easter Weekend than to head celebrate carnival. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival will run from 1:00pm – 10:00pm.

Where is the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival held?

The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival will be held in the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Carnival begins at 1pm and runs until about 10pm.

The Florida State Fairgrounds location:

• 4800 U.S. 301
• Tampa, FL 33610
• United States (MLK Entrance)

What is the history of the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival?

The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival first began back in 2005 when a community organisation called 501-C3 decided to create an event to celebrate Caribbean-American Culture. The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival has year after year, continued to get larger and larger and its popularity has grown.

Can I be part of the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival?

Yes! You can join a Mas Band! All you have to do is contact the band, buy a costume and you can be part of the parade! The following Mas Bands participating in the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival include:

• Caribbean Krewe logo5
• Apha Band
• PD Mas
• Ciclez Entertainment
• Freedom Mas
• Island City

For more information email carnivaltampabay@gmail.com

How much is the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival? And where can I purchase tickets?

Yes you need to purchase tickets to attend the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival it costs $22.85 for General Admission and for Kids aged 5-10 tickets cost $12.24.

Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite here.

How to get to and around Tampa Bay

Depending on your location it may be easier for you to drive or fly to Tampa Bay. If you are coming from out of state or from overseas then the closest airports are Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International. To get a quote for a flight click here.

In Tampa Bay there is plenty of public transportation that can take you around the Tampa Bay area. You can also take a taxi or Uber or just hire a car rental from the airport if you don’t have your own transportation. Get a quote for a rental car here. To rent a bike or a scooter get a quote here.

Where to stay in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay has no shortage of accommodation options to fit all budgets. If you feel like staying in a resort then there is plenty of resort style accommodation in St. Pete Beach and Clearwater area. 

Check out some accommodation deals here. 

What to do and see in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival gives you the perfect chance to explore the Tampa Bay area! Tampa Bay has a lot to offer. It is renowned for having the best beaches in the whole of the country! In fact there is lots of nature in Tampa Bay so you have plenty of parks to visit, view wildlife and of course there is loads of ocean activities from canoeing to snorkelling.

Tampa is also famous for breweries with over 80 breweries scattered throughout the area. In fact there are so many great cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs for you to enjoy. Visit the Columbia Restaurant which is the oldest Spanish restaurant in Florida and head to the Ybor City to enjoy some incredible flamenco dancing.

There are also numerous museums and historic attractions that can be found in the historic centre.

For more information about tours, things to do, sightseeing tours, day trips and more click here. For longer vacations check out Tour Radar for some cool trips.