One of Tampa’s best and biggest annual events is right around the corner with the return of the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Founder’s Day bash. The free and family-friendly event in Ybor City is one of the region’s best celebrations of history and culture with live entertainment, historic tours, and fun for all ages.
Hosted at the historic El Reloj Cigar Factory, the Founder’s Day celebration takes place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 am – 3 pm in and around the historic factory, located at 2701 N 16th St. The mega-sized bash is an annual favorite and this year’s celebration is the biggest one yet, with tons of free and family-friendly activities, plus great food, drink, and of course, cigars. Back to headline the entertainment this year is the Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge, among much, much more.
There will also be free parking surrounding the factory, with signs pointing guests to their lots around the neighborhood. It’s important to note that there will be a designated outdoor smoking lounge to enjoy your cigars, but the rest of the celebration is smoke-free due to its family-friendly nature.
With such a big celebration on hand, here are our top 5 reasons we can’t wait for the J.C. Newman Founder’s Day celebration, in no particular order.
1. Free cigar factory tours and museum entry
The J.C. Newman Cigar Co., also known as El Reloj Cigar Factory, is the oldest operating cigar factory in the United States, dating back to 1910. Family-owned, it is a wonderful treat to get a peek inside the factory, as guests can journey inside the beautiful building and step into Tampa’s iconic history as a cigar city. The tour also includes access to the incredible cigar factory museum. Plus, it’s free!
2. Family-friendly fun
We love a party that’s fun for all ages, and this family-friendly block party checks all the boxes, from energetic kids to cigar-loving adults. Guests will be able to enjoy live music, lawn games, and even take part in MOSI Children’s science experiments.Plus, the Tampa Bay Sun will be on hand for some soccer fun. And again, it’s all free for guests.
3. Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge
The main event for the Founder’s Day celebration is the annual Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge – again, what could be more Tampa than this? Not only is it fantastic entertainment, but it also features 11-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Champion Miki Sudo and two-time reigning Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge champion Nick Wehry; they’re also known as The Hungry Couple. Local celebrity competitors include Tom Pestock and Creative Loafing Editor-in-Chief Ray Roa. Like so much else at this community celebration, attendance for the challenge is completely free.
4. Five-cent Sanchez y Haya cigars
One of our favorite parts of the annual celebration is that the historic cigar factory recreates the first cigar rolled in Tampa all the way back in 1886, the Sanchez y Haya cigar. Plus, you’re also paying throwback prices: the Sanchez y Haya cigars are only 5 cents each, if you purchase $20 or more from the store (limit two per customer). You can literally taste the history.
5. Authentic Cuban sandwiches and food trucks
What’s any good festival without something to eat? The Founder’s Day celebration has an elite lineup of food stands and food trucks, with some of the area’s biggest stars coming to the factory to help celebrate. Featured vendors include Bread on the Bay Cuban Sandwiches, Los Chapos Tacos, Station House BBQ, and Craving Donuts. In sticking with the So Tampa theme, we definitely recommend Bread On The Bay Sandwicheria, a small hidden gem in Ybor City with some of the best Latin, Italian, and American classic sandwiches around.
All together, this year’s J.C. Newman Founder’s Day celebration is a can’t-miss event, that we certainly can’t wait to attend. Learn more about the celebration here. Festivities take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 am – 3 pm in and around the historic factory, located at 2701 N 16th St, with free parking surrounding the area.