Despite what the spring breakers might have you believe, April on the Florida coast isn’t all keg stands and glowsticks. When the locals want to take back the waterfront, they head over to the Tampa Bay Blues Festival at Vinoy Waterfront Park, where they’ve been partying since 1995, well before those college kids were born.
Past years have seen the likes of Buddy Guy, Vanessa Collier and Aaron Neville take the stage at Tampa Bay Blues Festival, and 2024 is shaping up to be another star-studded year, with Grace Potter, Beth Hart and Tab Benoit on the call sheet. Check the schedule before you buy your tickets to make sure you catch your favorite artists, or load up on sunscreen and stay for the whole weekend. If you need a break from the boogie, Vinoy Park will be lined with vendors and food trucks selling everything from barbecue to Cuban cuisine.
Lastly, since the music at Tampa Bay Blues Festival stops at 10 p.m. each night, it’s important to have an after-party plan. Ringside Cafe in downtown St. Petersburg will be hosting the official Saturday night after-show, with Cash Box Kings supplying the rhythm. This show is free for festival ticket holders, so don’t let the night end before checking it out.
Specs
- The festival doesn’t publish its attendance numbers.
- GA tickets go for $70 per day, or $175 for the weekend. VIP tickets go for $350 per day, or $800 for the weekend.
- Check out our list of things to do in Tampa while you’re there.
FAQs
Which airport is closest to the festival grounds?
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 20 miles from Vinoy Park.
What is the bag policy?
There is no official bag policy, but large tents and outside food and drink are not permitted.
Is the festival ADA accessible?
Vinoy Park has accessible parking and paved walkways, though some areas may require moving over uneven or grassy terrain.
Which artists are on the festival lineup?
The 2024 lineup includes Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Tab Benoit, Blood Brothers, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Coco Montoya, Altered Five Blues Band, Cash Box Kings, Bywater Call, Bernard Allison, Anson Funderburgh, Southern Avenue, Ally Venable, and King Solomon Hicks.