Supporting local is important well beyond the holiday season. St. Pete’s core essence begins with the local creatives and business owners who have turned it into the Sunshine City. For years, outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Traveler, and others have highlighted the St. Pete community as one to envy.
The spotlight is nice, but this area’s persistent devotion to its small businesses makes St. Pete St. Pete. Two big festivals will arrive in the area in February and March. We encourage everyone to show love for both.
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A huge celebration of all things local
Localtopia
February 22
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave N
Time flies. On February 22, Localtopia will celebrate its 12th annual event in the heart of downtown St. Pete.
Multiple streets will be closed to traffic and lined with local vendors—more than 300, according to the event listing. This is an all-local event. Every single vendor here has roots in the Sunshine City. You’ll find books, candles, kombucha, art, vintage items, amazing food trucks featuring cuisine from around the globe, local brews, live music, pet goods, and so much more.
Shop, and eat local every February in the heart of the ‘Burg
This is arguably the event of the year in the ‘Burg. You’ll want to be there; if you’re not, the resulting photos from the festivities will give you serious local FOMO.
As event organizers advise, Localtopia is not marketed as a pet-friendly event due to the expected size of the crowds.
The official event page provides a full breakdown of what types of vendors will be in which quadrant of Williams Park and its surrounding streets.
Volunteer opportunities are also available: bit.ly/localtopiavolunteers2025
A big festival dedicated to local unity
St. Pete CommUNITY Festival
March 8
2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Azalea Park, 1600 72nd St N
The St. Pete CommUNITY Festival, fka West St. Pete Community Festival, is assembled by the Council of Neighborhood Associations. The name was changed to better reflect the inspiration and purpose behind this celebration: to bring the residents of the Sunshine City together.
There will be live music, an array of local vendors, a family-friendly village, local artists, reps from a diverse range of St. Pete organizations, and more.
This event was initially set for fall 2024, but the hurricanes forced the organizers to postpone the festivities. With more time to plan and marinate, we are excited to see this rebranded extravaganza take over one of the most beautiful parks in the area.
A big family-friendly extravaganza
The organizers have released a list of activities to expect throughout the day:
In the Kid’s Corner, there will be:
- Free balloon art and face painting 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
- SPPD Bike rodeo 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Mini Highland Cattle Company photo opportunity for sale 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Nonperishable food and hygiene product donations for Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry & dog and cat food for Hank’s Bark Box 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Free Photo Booth 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Sensory Kids Zone 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Code Wiz 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Cub Scout Troop 285 Craft Table 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Covenant Hope Church charge area, kids activity, & lost and found 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
- At the Azalea stage (secondary), there will be:
- Birds of Prey demonstration: 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
- SPPD K-9 unit demonstration: 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
- Mayor Welch proclamation: 5:45 p.m.-5:55 p.m.
Best yet, there will be large bubble performers. Say less.
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