Save the Dates
February 28–March 1, 2026
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park,
Tampa, Florida
Admission: FREE
(VIP Tickets Available for Purchase)
When the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) returns to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on February 28–March 1, 2026, it will once again transform downtown Tampa into an open-air museum filled with color, creativity, and connection. Now celebrating its 56th year, the festival has grown beyond its roots as a regional event to become one of the nation’s most respected outdoor juried art shows. This annual tradition draws artists, collectors, families, and cultural explorers from across the country.
For many, attending GFA isn’t just a weekend outing; it’s a ritual. A chance to meet emerging talent, reconnect with favorite artists, support the region’s creative community, and experience fine art in a way that feels personal and accessible. If you’ve never been, or if it’s been a while, 2026 offers more reasons than ever to spend a day (or two) immersed in Tampa Bay’s creative heartbeat.
Here are 10 compelling reasons this year’s festival deserves a prominent spot on your cultural calendar.
1. A National Gathering: Meet More Than 250 Juried Artists
GFA is known for its remarkable breadth of talent. More than 250 nationally juried artists will showcase work across sculpture, painting, digital art, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, photography, and more—all at a wide range of price points.
What truly sets the festival apart is its intimacy: visitors can meet the artists, learn the stories behind their work, and often discover pieces before the wider art world takes notice. For both collectors and first-time buyers, these conversations are frequently the highlight of the weekend.
2. Meet the Artist Behind the 2026 Festival Image
A longtime tradition of the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is selecting an official Festival Image—chosen from more than 250 submissions through a rigorous, multi-round judging process. This year’s pick, Flourish Anyway by Atlanta artist Lauren Lane, captures movement, resilience, and emotional lift.
Making her GFA debut, Lane will be on-site exhibiting her work, signing festival merchandise, and discussing the inspiration behind her featured piece. For returning attendees, meeting the Festival Image artist is a special chance to connect with the creative voice that visually defines #GFA56.
3. A Rare Chance to Discover Emerging Talent
If discovering the next wave of artists is part of your passion, the Emerging Artists Program is essential viewing. Designed to spotlight early-career creators, the program offers space to artists who may be exhibiting at a major national festival for the first time.
Visitors are drawn to this area not only for the freshness of the work but also for the opportunity it presents: the chance to purchase original art at accessible price points, support artists on the rise, and start or expand a personal art collection with works that carry a meaningful origin story.
4. A Deeper Look at Tampa Bay’s Creative Core
Supporting local creativity is core to the Gasparilla Arts mission. The Local Artists Spotlight Program and Remote Studios launched in 2020 with support of a grant from the Gobioff Foundation. This highlights standout Tampa Bay artists whose work reflects the region’s rich creative identity. Festivalgoers can explore the Spotlight to discover (and take home) work from artists in their own community.
Remote Studios adds another layer of connection, with five local artists creating live in the park. Visitors can watch their process, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft.
5. The Thrill of Spotting a Future Award Winner
With $92,000 in prize money and the coveted $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award at stake, the festival’s competition is among the strongest in the nation. Many attendees relish the annual challenge of predicting which artists will take home top honors and often find themselves drawn to the same pieces the jurors eventually select.
Walking through the festival before judging is complete offers the unique excitement of discovering award-winning work before it receives its accolades.
6. A Spotlight on Youth Creativity
The festival’s commitment to fostering future generations of artists is evident in its Young Artists Expo, which showcases outstanding work created by public high school students from across the region. These pieces, often bold, imaginative, and thought-provoking, provide an inspiring glimpse into the creative minds shaping tomorrow’s arts community.
7. A Festival Tradition That Turns
Kids Into Collectors
For families, one of the most beloved festival features is Art Collectors in Training. This program, sponsored by Jessica C. Fernandez P.A., invites children to purchase original art donated by festival artists at youth-friendly prices. Watching a young person select their first piece of art—often with great seriousness and pride—creates a memory families treasure for years. The program fosters early appreciation for the arts and builds a sense of ownership in Tampa Bay’s creative culture.
8. Live Entertainment That Adds Rhythm to the Day
Throughout the weekend, stages across Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park will feature live music and performances that enrich the festival experience. Visitors can browse at their own pace, stop for a break with friends, or enjoy an afternoon on the lawn while listening to local and nationally touring musicians. The entertainment adds texture and vitality to an already dynamic atmosphere.
9. Additional Experiences Throughout the Park
For guests eager to get hands-on with creativity, the festival offers interactive art experiences for all ages. The Nomad Art Bus invites everyone to help paint its ever-changing mobile canvas, while CARMADA—sponsored by Tampa Hybrids—brings live car-painting demonstrations to the park. At the Tampa Museum of Art’s Children’s Area, young creators can make and take home their own masterpieces.
The Community Outreach Village—sponsored by TECO Energy, Famous Tate Appliance & Bedding Center, and Marian Winters—highlights cultural groups and nonprofits that integrate the arts into their missions. Organizations like MacDonald Training Center, Pyramid, Inc., and Arts4All Florida will showcase the work of adult artists with disabilities, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to creativity, inclusion, and community.
10. A Weekend That Stays With You
Whether you leave with a new piece of art, a connection with a local artist, or simply the energy of spending a day immersed in creativity, the festival has a lasting impact on attendees. People return year after year for the sense of discovery, connection to the community, and the joy of supporting artists at every stage of their careers. •
