This weekend, you’ll see Spot run straight for Tropicana Field. The first-ever Pets Day Out is taking over the parking lot at The Trop this Saturday, February 4, from 12-5 pm, a festival featuring hundreds of food trucks and vendors for human and pets alike.

Pets Day Out, a partnership between Saturday Shoppes and the City of St. Pete, is a completely free event, a family and pet-friendly celebration of the city and region’s best makers, bakers, grillers and pet-centric purveyors. In addition to food from popular spots like 7^th and Grove, Sea Dog Cantina, and Hopper’s Mini Donuts, the festival has an absolutely jam-packed roster of local shops and pop-ups specializing in treats, accessories, and more for pets.

And for those who don’t yet have a pet (or are looking to grow the family) there will even be dogs available for adoption. A portion of proceeds from Pets Day Out will benefit several local shelters, as well, including SPCA Tampa Bay, the area’s only for-all animal shelter.

And as with all Saturday Shoppes events, the entire experience is family-friendly, complete with bounce houses, kids’ play zones, a children’s market, and much more. There will also be music, games, and plenty more to round out the festival experience. Of note, all dogs must be on a leash at Pets Day Out.

Even without pets, it’s an excellent excuse to eat something tasty and stroll through a market full of 100+ of the area’s best artists, makers, and more. Pets Day Out takes place in Lot 4 at Tropicana Field, and free parking is available on-site. Those interested in volunteering volunteers can call Renee Edwards at 727-225-6261.

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 Fried Chicken and Seafood festival on February 11, the 2nd-Annual R&B and Crab Fest March 11, and the BBQ & Blues Fest on March 26.