The Still Thankful Festival is at Perry Harvey Sr. Park Nov 29 (City of Tampa).
Gratitude takes center stage at Tampa’s Perry Harvey Sr. Park on Nov. 29th with the debut of the Still Thankful Festival, a full-day, community-centered celebration of giving back and giving thanks.
“To me, the event is already successful because people have come together for a cause outside of themselves and unified to do that,” says festival organizer Imari Sekajipo. “That’s a win already to me.”
His words reflect the festival’s beating heart – a celebration of unity and a purpose beyond self-interest. The phrase “still thankful” grew out of Sekajipo’s personal journey. Through The More Income More Impact Foundation, a nonprofit Sekajipo and others formed in August 2025, it has become a movement grounded in what he calls “purpose-driven service rather than profit.”
This isn’t another seasonal shopping spree disguised as a celebration. It’s a conscious pivot away from consumerism toward meaning.
“For too long, we’ve just gone along with the program and bought into certain holidays that were based more on the idea of consumerism than substance,” Sekajipo explains. “I feel like this event can change that narrative and allow us to take power back into our lives by deciding what we want to make a holiday, what we want to champion.”
The Still Thankful Festival flows from that conviction. Appreciation and love shape the programming, partnerships, and purpose. One highlight, “Resource Row,” gathers local organizations, service providers, and mission-driven brands offering community members real, tangible support.
“I think awareness of these organizations and their resources is a big thing,” says Sekajipo.
He says the festival is an opportunity to connect with these community organizations and one another. It’s aIso a time for attendees to smile, enjoy the day, and remember that, no matter what they’re going through, “they have something to still be thankful for” and “that’s enough for them to keep going regardless of their circumstance,” Sekajipo says.
Imari Sekajipo (Provided).
The event also features live music and performances, sponsored plates of free food from restaurants and food trucks, a clothing, food, and essentials pantry for those in need, a kids zone, games, and a local business marketplace. Local small businesses are integral to the celebration, reflecting the festival’s balance between community support and economic vitality.
“I think stimulating the local economy is important and you know people want to spend a few dollars when they come to these types of events,” Sekajipo says.
With all the vendors giving back in some way, he says the festival strikes a balance. The food vendors are agreeing to certain prices, and the small business vendors are donating toward raffles. The result is a shared ecosystem of generosity where every transaction has purpose.
Sekajipo’s vision extends beyond the day.
“As far as Tampa goes, we’re locked in,” he says. “We are already planning next year’s event. I’ve gotten a couple calls from a few people and we are in the works in a few other cities to replicate the event. I think this is something that should grow nationwide, even be a cultural holiday. I hope that this event inspires other people to just connect, build community, and spread love.”
Sekajipo has a message for anyone who wants to get involved.
“This is a concentrated effort at giving back so whatever you can do will help,” he says. “I don’t want it to just be a one-day event.”
The Still Thankful Festival is an invitation to gather in gratitude, lift one another up, and remember that thankfulness isn’t seasonal – it’s sustaining. It’s a chance to rewrite the holiday tale, choosing service over shopping, unity over division, and gratitude as the fuel for lasting change.
“Just have the heart to serve and not look for anything in return,” Sekajipo says.
The Still Thankful Festival is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29th at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St. in Tampa.
For more information, go to Still Thankful Festival.