A decadent new festival is making this Friday one of the tastiest nights of the year. Friday Night Bites Food Truck & Dessert Fest is taking over the parking lot at Tropicana Field on Friday, March 3 from 5-9 pm, bringing a food-filled al fresco celebration to downtown St. Pete.

Hosted by Saturday Shoppes in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, the free event will feature dozens of local and regional specialty food trucks and some of the area’s best bakers and chefs. Organizers are using the tagline “race to eat,” making the sprawling food and drink extravaganza an unofficial post-race party for day one of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

The family-friendly event includes free parking at Tropicana Field, and will also be host to a market of local vendors showcasing area artists, makers, and shops with a wide range of handmade and vintage goods, clothing and jewelry, artwork, and much more. The food festival and market will also feature live music, 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. There is also a convenient SunRunner stop right at the festival’s front door.

Of note, we’re particularly excited to try out the different food trucks, such as Crisp Waffle Company – makers of Liege-style Belgian waffles crafted with fresh dough homemade daily. In a city and region so loved for food trucks, Friday Night Bites is an excellent opportunity to try something new and different.

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 Shoppes 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. Vendors and sponsors interested in participating in future Saturday Shoppes events can learn more here. Upcoming events include a BBQ & Blues Fest on March 26, and Skyway Pet Day on April 8.