An extravaganza of shopping, eating, music and more is coming to Tropicana Field this Sunday, March 26. Hosted by Saturday Shoppes, the Inaugural BBQ & Blues Market and Festival is filling up the parking lot at The Trop from 12-5 pm on Sunday with an extravaganza of live performances, great food, and the area’s best local vendors.

The event, hosted in partnership with the City of St. Pete, is free to attend, an afternoon of family-friendly fun and revelry. BBQ & Blues Fest will take place in Lot 4 of Tropicana Field, with free parking in the rest of the stadium lot.

Some of the Bay’s best pit masters will be in attendance dishing out hot plates of fresh goodness from the grill, alongside tons of St. Pete’s favorite food trucks, plus bartenders slinging great local beers. And of course, some of the area’s best blues bands and performers will be taking the stage throughout the day, serenading festival-goers with great music while they eat, shop and relax.

In addition to the food, there will be a sprawling market full of local artists, makers, boutiques and more. Attendance is free and parking in open spots in the parking lot is also free, subject to availability. The festival will also feature line dancing, a teen market, bounce houses, and even a kids area. There will be interactive arts and crafts stations, as well. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the free entertainment while they eat, drink and browse.

Limited vendor spots remain for the weekend, and those interested in this event or future Saturday Shoppes can learn more here.

Saturday Shoppes provides opportunity for emerging small businesses

Renee Edwards is the brains behind the Saturday Shoppes operation. The goal of the event has always been to create economic development opportunities for emerging businesses through these fast growing monthly markets. Edwards has also founded the Saturday Morning Shoppe Academy to provide business coaching, business etiquette, resources, marketing, and licensure that would allow hobby vendors to grow their business and income.

Using her knowledge and platform, Edwards is able to assist nearly 150 businesses every month by connecting incredible makers and owners to the community they serve.

Upcoming Saturday Shoppes events after this weekend’s include Skyway Pet Day on April 8, Crabs Conch & Crawfish Fest on April 15, and the Friday Night Bites Summertime Seafood Festival on May 12.