Tampa’s Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) was held last weekend, four weeks after the pirate parade. GMF previously occurred in early October 2021 after being canceled in February 2021. Beginning on February 25 and ending on the 27, the three-day event offered food, music, and games.  

Friday 2/25  

The first day of the festival featured the Black Pumas, Camille Trust, Cimafunk, DJ Ku, Ghost Front, GW Souther, Hearty Har, Melt, Kaelin Ellis, Parrotfish, Sam Hues, Treis & Friends, The Aces, and Grouplove, the singers of the popular song “Tongue Tied.” The Silent Disco presented by Muv Verano was also a big hit. In a designated dance area, people checked out headsets which allowed you to switch between three DJs’ music. Unlike past years, the disco was free both Friday and Saturday.   

Saturday 2/26  

The second day also included the Silent Disco, along with Andy Frasco & The UN, Arrested Development, Band of Horses, Bob Moses, Cha Wa, DBMK, HGWT, In the Pocket, Judyanne Jackson, K. III, Mango Price, Mak, Moonthing, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Ortrotasce, Peach Tree Rascals, Seranation, Sick Hot, The Revivalists, Van Plating, and Vinny Virgo.  

Sunday 2/27  

Sunday had the shortest lineup. In addition to its regular performers, family-friendly singers and bands like DJ Kitty and Imagination Movers were featured during the Sunday Kids Fest. The full lineup starred Amy Ray Band, Boho Sideshow, Boycott, Kenzie Wheeler, Kristopher James, Mavis Staples, MrENC, Neal Francis, Pinegrove, School of Rock Tampa, Summer Hoop, Tampa Metro Youth Orchestra, The Allman Betts Band, The Venus, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave, and WAHH World Fusion Band.  

Food Options  

GMF is known for its wide variety of food and drinks. This year they added some new businesses to the menu like Big Red BBQ, Blind Tiger Coffee, Chill Bros Scoop Shop, Clam Master Jay, and Coppertail Brewing Co. Besides those, the classic options like Big Ray’s Fish Camp, Cafe Hey, Cena, Dough Nation, Ella’s Folk Art Cafe, Ichicoro, The Independent, Kona Ice, Lolis Mexican Cravings, Nebraska Mini Mart, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace, and Whatever Pops returned to the festival.