Biggest-ever Localtopia takes over St. Pete this Saturday

For the second year in a row, PSTA is offering free rides on the SunRunner all day to get to and from Localtopia, an easy way to avoid the headache of parking downtown. While there are multiple stops downtown, the closest one to Localtopia and Williams Park is the 5th Street North stop, right in front of Bar Chinchilla and half a block from the festival.

The city’s biggest celebration of all things St. Pete is right around the corner, with Localtopia 2024 scheduled for this Saturday, February 24, in Williams Park from 10 am – 5 pm. The gigantic event is part local market, part food festival, and part concert, as hundreds of makers and musicians, restaurants and food trucks, artists and vendors will take over downtown.

This year marks the 11^th anniversary of Localtopia, and organizer Keep St. Petersburg Local says this will be one of the event’s biggest years ever, following up on last spring’s massive 10th-anniversary celebration. More than 300 independent businesses and community organizations will be a part of this year’s festivities.

The annual event attracts thousands every February, and it has regularly been named the Best Festival in Tampa Bay by Tampa Bay Times voters. Action begins at 10 am and runs until 5 pm, and the family-friendly event is completely free to attend. Pets are not allowed on the grounds at Localtopia. And as you make your way to Localtopia, we certainly recommend taking the SunRunner, saving the hassle of parking and driving downtown. PSTA is offering free rides on the day of the festival.

As previous festival-goers know, Localtopia spreads well beyond the park, taking over the streets surrounding Williams Park, as well. Of note for the hungry and thirsty, 4^th Street and 2^nd Avenue North will be home to food trucks and beer tents, with dozens lining the street. Also be on the lookout for live performances scattered throughout, as well as live music on stage and DJs in the mix.

From organizers, here’s a list of what to expect. Learn more on their website. The rain date, if needed, is March 2.

• Makers and merchants: art & handcrafted goods, artisanal + plant-based food & beverages, body/self-care, books, clothing & accessories, home decor, jewelry, pet, plants & plant-based products, vintage, vinyl & much more!
• Villages in Williams Park: Arts Village | Family Village | Health & Wellness Village | #AllThingsPlants Village
• Eat, drink & play local on the streets of St. Pete:
• 4^th Street: Food Truck Rally Alley
• 2^nd Avenue (from 2nd to 4th Streets): more food trucks + restaurants
• + Food & drink vendors
• + “Local thirst stations” selling local beer in cans & canned wine
• + “Draft beer central”: local breweries pouring their own brews + 2 draft beer trucks (corner of 2nd Ave & 3rd St)
• 3^rd Street (from 1st to 3rd Avenues): boutiques | vendors on wheels | more artists & artisans + collectives | gourmet food | home decor | DJs | literary corner | street fun
• Live local music on the Williams Park Bandstand + DJs on the streets
• Street performances + engaging activities for all ages, free demos & crafts, live screen printing, and more surprises!