Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean you still can't get turnt up. Have one last hurrah over Labor Day weekend at Tampa's 2019 Summer of Rum Festival with your best buds at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Downtown Tampa!
Taking place on Saturday, August 31 at noon, this annual festival by Big City Events is the event to end all end-of-summer events with tons of tasty rum drinks, an epic concert lineup, and a spectacular fireworks show. You'll literally be ending the season with a bang!
Yum, Rum!
Celebrate all things rum this year with over 30 expertly-crafted cocktails like mai tais, mojitos, and much, much more! For you rum connoisseurs, there will be an exclusive Island Rum Tasting Party within the festival from 2-6 p.m. featuring 55 different rums from over 30 brands. This rum tasting has it all with basics to ultra premiums from local as well as international distilleries.
Pair your favorite summertime drink with flavorful fare from the Caribbean Food Market. With the sounds of reggae music drifting through the air, you might forget that you're in Tampa instead of the islands!
Live Music
Speaking of music, the Summer of Rum Festival 2019 is also bringing good times and island vibes to Tampa all day with live reggae rock from Sublime with Rome and The Expendables plus Inner Circle, a Jamaican band keeping it old-school with classic reggae.
If you're not rocking to reggae on the regular, you'll likely recognize Sublime with Rome from hits like "Santeria," "Smoke Two Joints," "What I Got," and "Wrong Way." Whether reggae's your main jam or not, though, you can't help but sway and feel carried away by the breezy beats.
When you're not sipping or dipping, you can also take it easy by browsing the festival's curated vendors and their wide variety of items. This would be a great opportunity to get something for that white elephant gift exchange!
Tickets and Other Information
General admission to the Summer of Rum Festival 2019 ranges from $15-$30 depending on when you buy your tickets. We suggest taking advantage of early bird ticket pricing ($18) before prices go up, and, if you're going to the festival with a group, save even more with the Corona 6-pack special where you get six tickets for the price of five. That comes to only $15 a ticket!
Similarly, VIP Experiences range from $100-$200 depending on time of purchase. With these special tickets, you gain access to the VIP Experience area, unlimited drinks within at your own private bar, prime views of the main stage, decorated tent/shaded area, seating areas, private A/C restroom trailers, and misting fans. If you like to live on the more luxurious side, snag your VIP Experience tickets now while they're priced at only $100 for early birds.
Passes for the Island Rum Tasting Party are separate from general admission and are $35-$45 (with $35 being early bird pricing), and they include a souvenir tasting glass, five rum tastings, and light island-themed snacks. Sounds like a party to us!
Even though the Summer of Rum Festival 2019 is pretty chill, there are just a few rules: no outside beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and no coolers or thermoses. Also, this event is 21+ only with no exceptions, and drink responsibly, of course!
Now here's your list of can-do's! You can bring small bags and backpacks (subject to search), low folding back chairs, small umbrellas or rain ponchos, blankets, wheelchairs and medical scooters, and cameras. Obviously, this festival will be happening rain or shine!
Visit the Summer of Rum Festival 2019's FAQ page for more details and information.
Find more events in Tampa like the Summer of Rum Festival 2019 by registering on 813area, your free local guide to the Tampa Bay area.
Photos courtesy of 813area
