LocalShops1’s massive holiday shopping event, Shopapalooza, will return November 27 and 28 to celebrate the best businesses here in the ‘Burg. It’s also the perfect time to get on holiday shopping. Remember this season, as with every season, it is so important to support your local small businesses.

More than 300 local businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival. The 2-day extravaganza celebrates small businesses, local arts, local music, and the local vibe that  makes Tampa Bay such a special place. 

Shopapalooza returns Thanksgiving weekend

The free community festival takes place 10 am to 5 pm both November 27 and 28. Expected to be the biggest Small  Business Saturday (and Sunday!) celebration in the nation, Shopapalooza is a fun and easy way for families to do their holiday shopping and  support local makers and small businesses.

Admission to Shopapalooza is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but those who do sign up are entered into a free drawing for a $500 shopping spree. There will be one winner each day. The event, co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, is family friendly and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcomed.  

“Shopapalooza Festival celebrates the great independent businesses that make Tampa Bay such an amazing place,” says Ester Venouziou,  LocalShops1 founder. “This past year, especially, we all saw how much we depend on small businesses and all they do to keep our  communities going, from giving meals to schoolchildren and first responders, to raising funds and donating supplies to neighbors in need. The  local business community went above and beyond, and it’s time for us all to give back and support them as much as we can. After a year of  pause on ‘Palooza and other events, we are excited to be back at Vinoy Park this Thanksgiving weekend, with even more artists, more small  businesses, more food, more entertainment, and more surprises! It’s going to be 11.3 acres filled with pure local awesomeness, and we are  stepping things up on the ‘wow’ factor.”

Four food halls will be set up at the event

Visitors can shop for gourmet food products, home decor, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, clothing, accessories and so much more.

In addition to fun gifts, the event will feature four food halls. You read that right. FOUR FOOD HALLS.

Each food hall will feature snacks, drinks, entrees and desserts for everyone to enjoy. Selections include options for vegans and those with more carnivorous sensibilities.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, the shopping event will also include a Christmas Village Display created by local artist Elke Lockert. The display will include trees representing each continent, as well as a peace tree, and a walkthrough gingerbread house.

Street performers, a kids zone, and a Chillounge area

A kids zone featuring crafts, play and learning stations will also be set up. The zone is sponsored by Great Explorations Children’s Museum, one of the great local gems for young St. Pete residents.

This kids zone will include a Santa Station (including  Mrs, Claus, too), plus face-painting, build-your-own-bear, desserts, food, local rescues, gift ideas for children, and more. 

Shopapalooza’s Main Stage will be emcee’d by Pat Largo, of Comedians Uncorked, featuring local bands and performers, including Leon Vincent, Rebekah  Pulley, Ocean Road Band, Laura Shepherd, Jennifer Real and Urban Gypsies of Florida. 

Visitors can also take a tour of Shorty Robbins’ Victorian Tiny Home. A popup bookstore selling $1 books will be on hand, plus a 10,000-square-foot chillounge station featuring the cushiest chairs in the Sunshine City.

Vinoy Park is located at 701 Bayshore Drive NE.

Learn about the vendors, and the event on Shopapalooza’s website. Keep up with everything happening with LocalShops1 on its website.

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