Get ready to drink, dine and dance in the Burg’s stunning local parks. Our green space continues to get activated by local entrepreneurs, artists and neighborhood associations who desire to celebrate all of the little things that make our home paradise.

Here’s a quick guide to the can’t miss outdoor events in the Burg:

Jazz and Gumbo Fest at Williams Park – Feb. 18

The Volunteers of America – Florida and the Rotary Clubs of the St. Pete and Gulf Beaches areas have come together to present the first annual Jazz and Gumbo Festival in Williams Park on Saturday, February 18. This event continues the efforts from such organizations as Keep St. Pete Local to activate the park in the heart of downtown.

The event runs from 4pm-9pm. All proceeds will benefit homeless Veterans. The Sauce Boss will perform live on the Williams Park Stage. While he performs, the Sauce Boss will also make his coveted gumbo.

Beach chairs and blankets are welcome. Alcohol and food will be available for purchase at the event. Children 12 and under can attend the for free. All other general admission tickets are $25 the day of, or $20 in advance. There are a limited supply of gumbo tasting tickets, which are $40 each.

St. Pete Fine Art Festival at North Straub Park – Feb. 25-26

The 4th annual St. Pete Fine Art Festival is a proverbial treasure trove for collectors (aspiring and established) in the Tampa Bay area. The event showcases original artwork by more than 130 artisans from across Florida and around the United States.

Shop paintings, photography, sculptures, metalwork, glass pieces, ceramics, woodworkings, metalwork and much more. The event runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26. The event is free to attend in North Straub Park.

Seafood & Music Festival at North Straub Park – March 25-26

This March marks the beginning of a new annual tradition in the Burg, the St. Pete Seafood and Music Festival. Enjoy a selection of delectable bites cooked onsite incorporating the freshest ingredients local restaurants and food purveyors.

Attendees will be able to choose from grouper, mahi-mahi, stone crabs, oysters, shrimp and soft-shell crabs, crab cakes and more. Meat entrees include Italian and Polish Sausage, steak sandwiches and chicken-on-a-stick. There will also be a variety of vegetarian dishes.

The weekend will also include live music from acclaimed blues, R&B, flamenco, jazz and reggae bands. Tickets are just $3 (plus fees) for general admission or $50 (plus fees) for VIP passes.

Pinot in the Park at Seminole Park – April 1 

Join Historic Kenwood on April 1 for a night of fine wine and salmon under the stars. The event will feature a silent auction, live music and more.

Previous installments of this enchanting event have offered rare selections from the finest pinot noir and grigio producing regions in the world. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Historic Kenwood Partnership. Attire is wine country casual.

This year, the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association is joining with the St. Pete Culinary Center. The center’s mission is to create a practical, yet creative trade for local at risk youth. Attendees will enjoy sides prepared by Stillwaters Tavern, tomato soup from Pom Pom’s Teahouse, a fish spread by Old Key West Bar and Grill and Brussel sprouts from the Queenshead.

Tickets to the event are $75 each.

*Article by Andrew Harlan (andrew@rkc.me), writer/editor of I Love The Burg