ARTS Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Feb. 28 & March 1 in Tampa

Mark your calendars for the 56th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) 📆 Feb 28 - March 1, 2026. Admission is free.  Follow on social.
Saturday, Feb 28, 2026,  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Downtown Tampa
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is one of the top outdoor, juried fine arts shows in the United States, showcasing a wide variety of art mediums and price points. We invite you to discover why this festival has been a must-see event for art lovers for more than 50 years. Host Nanette Wiser was joined by Plant City native and GFA's Development Consultant Craig Hollenkamp for a preview of this year's event and some of the pre-festival celebrations (an exhibit of six Tampa Bay artists at The Epicurean, a mural painted by PACE GIRLS of historic women), what you can expect at this family friendly arts festival including music, food, drink and 250 juried artists from all over the United States. There's an expanded children's performance stage including local school bands, art collectors in training area for kids, speed painting demos and more.
👉The Local Artist Spotlight Honorees @Epicurean runs through Feb. 13.
• Caitlin Albritton — Jewelry 
• Scott Causey — Sculpture 
• Elizabeth Eckels — Sculpture 
• N. Carlos Jay — Painting
• Scott Solary — Woodworking
👉THE MURAL Gasparilla Arts, in collaboration with community, cultural, and educational partners, unveiled a new public mural honoring the women who have shaped East Tampa’s history during a free community celebration on January 22. The mural is located at the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa’s Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, at 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue. 
👉Spearheaded by Gasparilla Arts as part of its ongoing commitment to public art, cultural storytelling, and community engagement, the project represents a true collaboration from concept to completion. The mural was designed by acclaimed artist Michelle Sawyer, with historical guidance provided by Fred Hearns of the Tampa Bay History Center, ensuring the artwork authentically reflects East Tampa’s rich legacy.  By adding a powerful intergenerational dimension to the project, students from the Pace Center for Girls contributed creative ideas. They participated directly in the painting process, bringing youth voices, perspectives, and pride to the finished work.
👉“This mural reflects what Gasparilla Arts does best—bringing together artists, community organizations and members, and young people to create meaningful public art that tells local stories,” said Jeffery Nader, President of the Gasparilla Arts Board of Directors. “It honors the women of East Tampa while inspiring future generations to see themselves as part of that legacy.”
👉The project was made possible by a grant from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, the cooperation of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa and Pace Center for Girls, Hillsborough, and the generous support of community sponsors committed to cultural equity, education, and neighborhood  10 students
revitalization.
About Gasparilla Arts Gasparilla Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that believes art has the power to enrich lives and transform communities. Its mission is to connect people with art, create an environment for artists to flourish, and support arts education through our annual festival and year-round programs while celebrating an inclusive and vibrant Tampa Bay community where art and people thrive. The nonprofit organization relies on sponsorships, festival weekend retail sales, and corporate and individual gifts to fund its programs and events.

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