This Sunday, take mom out for a little sunshine and fun. The first-ever Mother’s Day Reggae Festival is bringing music, food, shopping, and drinks to downtown St. Pete this Sunday.

Hosted under the trees in Lot 4 of the Tropicana Field parking lot, the festival runs from 12-5 pm and features live reggae performances alongside a local vendor market and more than a dozen food trucks, chefs and bakers. Hosted in partnership with the City of St. Pete, attendance is free and open to all ages, offering the perfect opportunity for mom to pick out a present (tacos count as a gift!) and spend the day with the family.

Featured performers include Akuaroots, Keemba On Da Drums, Esne the Goddess, and Es’Synce Star.

In addition to the food and music, the sprawling market will be full of local artists, makers, boutiques and more. 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 Battle of the Breweries on June 3, and a Blue Crab Cookoff on June 10.