The 15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival takes place Nov. 29-30 at St. Pete’s Vinoy Park.
Photo courtesy of Shopapalooza Festival
The 15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival returns to downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront for two full days of local shopping, food, music, and holiday cheer.
The event runs Saturday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg). Admission is free, and the event is family- and pet-friendly. Festivalgoers can enter free drawings for gift cards and other prizes at shopapaloozafestival.com.
15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival
A free shuttle runs both days, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., between the South Core Garage (2nd Street South between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South) and Vinoy Park.
Organized by LocalShops1 and co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, Shopapalooza is recognized as one of the nation’s largest Small Business Saturday (and Sunday) celebrations. The festival showcases the makers and small businesses that drive Tampa Bay’s creative economy, filling more than 11 acres with local talent, craftsmanship, and holiday cheer.
Featured nonprofit partners include St. Pete Youth Farm and Jump for Kids.
What To Expect
More than 350 local shops, artists, and nonprofits will fill Vinoy Park with everything from handmade jewelry and vintage finds to gourmet treats and holiday specials. Among them are more than 50 brick-and-mortar businesses, sponsors, and partners stepping out from behind the counter to connect with the community.
Here’s a sampling:
Arnold Jewelers, LargoAshe Couture Boutique, St. PeteBeech Kombucha, St. PeteBetty Shop, St. Pete BeachBoujee Pet Boutique, St. PeteChurned Ice Cream, St. PeteDaydream Shop & Maker Space, St. PeteGopali Imports, St. PeteGulf Orchids, GulfportHerban Flow, St. PeteIsland Flavors And Tings, GulfportMelissa Rogolino Designs, GulfportMetaphysically Me, St. Pete BeachPieces of a Dream Gifts, St. PeteThe Pink Closet Co., St. PetePipo’s Cuban Café, St. PeteSans Market, St. PeteSun Drunk, St. Pete BeachTraditions School of Herbal Studies, St. PeteWilcox Nursery & Landscape, Largo
A complete list of the participating businesses is available at shopapaloozafestival.com.
Michele Northrup of Intensity Academy Gourmet Sauces has participated in every Shopapalooza.
Photo courtesy of Moorman PhotographicsEats & Drinks
Four food halls throughout the park will feature more than 40 Tampa Bay food trucks, restaurants, and other vendors serving snacks, entrées, desserts, and drinks for every taste — from Italian, Greek, and American classics to Peruvian, Caribbean, and Thai favorites — with options for every palate, whether vegan, carnivore, healthy, or indulgent. Another three dozen booths will showcase locally made packaged goods such as jams, sauces, breads, honeys, dips, and nut butters.
A local beer garden will pour favorites from area breweries, including Mastry’s and 3 Daughters, with all proceeds benefiting Jump for Kids, a St. Pete-based nonprofit.
Things To Do
Festival activities include shopping from hundreds of local makers and small businesses, along with hands-on art installations and interactive experiences throughout the park:
Kidpreneur Zone, organized by The Kidpreneur Club, featuring 18 youth-run businesses.Community paint-by-number with artist Alyssa Marie, open to all ages.Beyond Your Imagination zone, featuring interactive art, giant lawn games, the St. Pete Bookmobile, and aerial performances.A 10,000-square-foot outdoor glam lounge curated by VPN Studios, offering a relaxing place to recharge.
Pets are welcome to attend with their human companions at Shopapalooza.
Photo courtesy of Moorman Photographics
Entertainment & Photo Opportunities
Pet Fashion Show — Sunday, Nov. 30, 3:15–4:45 p.m. at the Palooza Stage
Adoptable pets — and even a few skunks — will model outfits by Tailor Sallee, accompanied by live music from Mikel Soulhop with Neon Dreams Productions & Media. Matching outfits go home with adopting families. Proceeds benefit Fluff Animal Rescue.
Photo ops include the Good Times Roll VW photo bus, Santa’s station, and the waterfront backdrop.
Tampa Bay Rays mascots Raymond and DJ Kitty will appear noon to 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. Additional photo booths are sponsored by Morgan Interiors and GoLive Tampa Bay.
Carolers from the Florida Festive Singers will perform both days.Stage Lineup
Pat Largo of Comedians Uncorked will host the stage lineups.
Saturday, Nov. 29
11 a.m.-noon: Greg Woodruff Duo12:30-1:15 p.m.: Element2-3 p.m.: Righteous Duo3:30-5 p.m.: Amber Lynn & the Low Tide Band
Sunday, Nov. 30
11 a.m.-noon: Paul Anthony Band12:30-1:30 p.m.: Nadya Borno2-3 p.m.: Tommy & Mimi3:15-4:45 p.m.: Adoptable Pet Fashion ShowLooking for more things to do in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, and the beaches? Check out The Gabber Newspaper’s full calendar of events.For the Kids: KiddoPalooza Children’s Zone
Organized by Sensory Studio, the children’s area includes playdough sculpting, slime tables, art and ornament-making, games with Pathfinder Outdoor Education, a calming tent by Explore on the Spectrum, and family-friendly vendors.
Scheduled highlights at the kids zone, both days:10-11 a.m.: Music class with Beach Baby Pediatrics10:30 a.m.-noon: Story time with Ms. American Queen11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Santa visits and photo ops2-5 p.m.: Letters to Santa
Whether you’re bringing kids, friends, or furry companions, Shopapalooza offers something for everyone — music, shopping, food, art, and unforgettable holiday moments on the waterfront. Join us for two days of local love and community cheer!
For more information, visit shopapaloozafestival.com.
Editor’s note: Ester Venouziou is the founder LocalShops1 and freelances for The Gabber Newspaper.
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