This may be Tampa's biggest weekend or month of the year — between the Strawberry Festival, Rock the Park .. and, of course, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. The massive creative fair takes over Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park each spring (this is the 53rd year).

So make a plan + text the group chat now. You won't want to miss this artsy, fartsy fair.

This year's festival features:

More than 250 artists, including Felipe Lopez, Nneka Jones, Margherita Tibaldo, Luis Gutierrez, Jenipher Chandley, Glenn Woods, Leeann Kroetsch, and other painters, ceramists, jewelry makers, and more are particiapating in this years $15,000 Best in Show contest. Check out the full gallery online.
Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) chalk walk
Activities like a yoga flow with Lucky Cat and musical performances by The Applebutter Express, Mandy Harvey, violinist Taylor Reed, and more.
Art activities for the kiddos — put on by the Tampa Museum of Art

Pro tip: Part of the beauty of arts festivals is discovering + building your own taste. Spend time exploring without a motive, collect business cards, and chat with artists about their intent for the piece. You may just find your new fave genre.

Here's what you need to know to go:

No tickets needed. Entry is free.
Hours: Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, March 5, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Check out parking options beforehand.
Browse the festival map online.

Pro tip: We recommend making a day of it. Book dinner plans at a new Tampa restaurant you haven't been to, maybe Small Giant, Boulon Brasserie, or one of Sparkman Wharf's new additions.

Need more ideas for your festival weekend? Check out our Tampa Bay Date night guide.