In its 13th year, Gasparilla Music Festival doesn’t feel the need to cut against the grain. The three-day music festival feels no pressure to be eccentric or flashy, or anything other than what it is billed as: a festival by Tampa and for Tampa.
February’s festival marks the first time GMF makes its home at Julian B. Lane, just a short walk upriver from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Garden where the nonprofit festival launched in 2012.
Taking place in the Lane Riverfront Park, the festival’s four stages are spread out right by the water, and conveniently located near numerous lodging options. (No one does convenience and seamless vacation vibes quite like Floridians.) And the atmosphere takes on a bit of a Jimmy Buffet vibe, as in a dude in a Hawaiian shirt on a beach blissfully handing out margs to whomever wants one. This jack of all trades festival doesn’t pin itself down to a specific genre or crowd, though. Past headliners have ranged from Brandi Carlile, to Nas, to Run the Jewels and Jason Isbell. Instead, it offers a refreshing alternative to our age of increasing niches: just have a general good time. There will be silent discos on Friday and Saturday nights, too.
It’s also a kids-friendly event. On Sunday, the festival hosts a Kids Fest after the gates open.
Gasparilla is deeply embedded in its community, partnering with Recycled Tunes to help support musical education and opportunities in the Tampa Bay Area. A further taste of the locale is available via fresh seafood including grouper and crab, which will be served in addition to classic Cuban sandwiches and local craft beer. So put on some shades, lather on the sunscreen, and genuinely relax, knowing your money is going to a good cause.
Gasparilla was postponed in 2023, but so far is set to proceed on schedule in 2024. This year is the first time GMF is in a new venue and not being held in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, since it launched in 2012.
The Specs
- About 25,000 people typically attend the live music event.
- General admission single-day passes are $45, 2-day passes are $75, and 3-day passes are $95.
- VIP single-day passes are $125, 2-day passes are $200, and 3-day passes are $250. VIP passes include premium viewing areas, a special VIP bar & tent, and exclusive, air-conditioned restrooms.
- Rock-It Club VIP single-day passes are $250, 2-day passes are $350, and 3-day passes are $500. Rock-It Club passes include all regular VIP amenities, plus free drinks all weekend, exclusive Rock-It Club access, and additional shaded areas.
- Download the festival app for your Google or Apple device.
- Planning on sticking around? Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Tampa/St. Pete.
- Notable acts in the first wave lineup announcement include Young the Giant and Louis the Child.
FAQs:
What is the closest airport to Gasparilla Music Festival?
Florida’s Tampa International Airport is about a 15-minute drive to the festival grounds in downtown Tampa (Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park).
Where does the festival take place exactly?
The festival takes place at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Boulevard Tampa, FL 33607
Is the Fla festival ADA accessible?
There is a designated viewing area and adjacent parking. View the festival’s website for more information.
What is the bag policy?
Bags and backpacks smaller than 17″x12″x10″ are allowed, and subject to search.
Who produces this music fest?
GMF is produced by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Gasparilla Music Foundation and proceeds benefit youth music education in Hillsborough County. David Cox is the executive director of the Gasparilla Music Foundation.
Who is playing at Gasparilla Music Festival 2024?
Louis the Child, Big Gigantic, Young the Giant, Lake Street Dive, Surf Mesa, Aidan Bissett, Pusha Preme, DJ Sandman, Aych & Friends, Golden Era, Side Trakd, Alien House, Judyanne Jackson, Shelby Bond, Coin, Trevor Hall, Digable Planets, Beach Weather, Rebirth Brass Band, The Collection, The Rumble feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., Raspberry Pie, Ashley Smith & the Random Occurrence, Madwoman, Whataboutmamma, Pet Lizard, Divine AF, Jenn Marsh, Fil Pate, Doug South, Kaylee Marie, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Yonder Mountain String Band, Eddie Roberts & the Lucky Strokes, Steeln’ Peaches, Kelsey Hickman, Minim, Shelby Sol, Displace, Vision Crystal, Dawson Hollow, Kayla Blackman, Nick Ewing Duo, Zeta the Babe, Alleycat K, Tampa Metro Youth Orchestra.
Past performers have included Black Pumas, Modest Mouse, the Revivalists, Billy Strings, The Avett Brothers, Nas, De La Soul, Gary Clark Jr. Brandi Carlile and more.
2024 Poster
