Frequently Asked Questions

The Gasparilla Music Festival (“GMF“) is a community-funded festival celebrating the arts in Tampa Bay by showcasing diverse local acts alongside nationally recognized headliners. GMF is organized by the Gasparilla Music Foundation, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Our mission is to create a sustainable community event for the Tampa Bay area while promoting music and arts education; benefiting local organizations and businesses.

Find out more about some of our community outreach at Recycled Tunes Florida.

For a look at some of the local sights, sounds and flavors of our festival can be found on the GMF Instagram

GMF 2026 takes place the weekend of April 10 – 12 at Meridian Fields located at 101 S Meridian Ave. situated between the Water Street Tampa District, the Channel District and Ybor City. 

There are plenty of convenient transportation options that make getting to and from Meridian Fields easy and stress free. Check out the options below to plan your day.

There are multiple garages and parking lots within walking distance. You can buy parking in advance or pay when you arrive (first come, first served). We recommend booking ahead, as parking garages can fill up quickly.

Reserve a parking space online via JustPark Event Parking. Select the day, choose a parking lot, and complete your booking through JustPark. After purchasing, your parking pass will be emailed to you.

City of Tampa parking garages and lots, plus downtown parking options, offer multiple choices near Meridian Fields

Be sure to check out Water Street parking for the closest parking options.

Our rideshare station is located near Gate 2 on Nebraska Avenue.

The address is 902 E Whiting St, Tampa, FL 33602

With 20+ hub to hub stops, DASH is a great way to get around downtown Tampa easily in a fully electric vehicle. Rides are requested through the DASH app and cost $2 per person.

Park and ride the TECO Streetcar for free! Visit the TECO Line Streetcar website for schedules and maps. Water Street Station #8 is the closest stop to the main festival entrance.

Let our team park your bike for free! Bike valet is located next to the Gate 2 entrance at 110 S Nebraska near the Selmon Greenway. Several Tampa Area Bike Paths lead directly to the festival at Meridian Fields.

Note on Bike Valet Hours: Valeted bikes must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the completion of the event. Bikes that are not picked up within this time frame will be relocated to Security.

Ride the vibe all day. GMF ticket holders can receive a discount off a Pirate Water Taxi all-day pass using on-line promo code, GMF2026. Discount code valid only April 10-12. Stops 2 and 3 provide closest access to the festival. Stop 3 will be open late each evening to shuttle guests back to those evenings.

Yes. The festival accepts credit cards and Apple Pay / Google Pay.

Check out the 2026 Lineup

All Bands, Dates and Times are Subject to Change or Cancellation

See the 2026 Lineup page for the full artist lineup and daily schedule. All artists, dates, and times are subject to change or cancellation.

Tickets can be purchased through the official GMF ticketing page on Event Live.

VIP Tickets include:
VIP Entrances into the Festival
VIP premium viewing at the two main stages
Dedicated VIP bar & tent at the two main stages
Exclusive, air-conditioned and attended restrooms

VIP+ Tickets include:
Access to the Rock-It Club Bar which includes complimentary cocktails and refreshments
Commemorative VIP+ Badge
VIP Entrances into the Festival
Front of stage viewing at the two main stages
Access to VIP bar & tent at the two main stages
Exclusive, air-conditioned and attended restrooms

Each multiple day ticket is for 1 person.

All ticket holders will be issued a wristband on Day One of event. If wristband is removed, you will not be issued a replacement. Re-entry will be at full price.

Re-entry is allowed once you received your wristband.
Ticket and entry are voided if wristband is removed.

Yes if there are still tickets available! The Box Office is located at Gate 1 at the intersection of Meridian and Cumberland and will open 30 minutes prior to Gate Times each day. We accept credit cards only.

All tickets are final sale and cannot be exchanged or refunded. Rain or Shine. All artists, dates and times subject to change or cancellation.  In the case of an event cancellation without a rescheduled date, a refund may be issued. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to this purchase policy. Before purchasing your tickets, we urge you to confirm the title, time and location of the event.

We have an amazing lineup of local food vendors serving up a variety of delicious options at Calle Cocina! Here is what you can expect:

Big Red BBQ – Smokin’ Pork and Brisket Bowlz
Big Ray’s Fish Camp – Grouper Sandwich
Cafe Hey – Cuban Sandwiches, Vegan Truffle Mac & Cheese
Cena – Steak Sandwich & Homewrecker Chill Cheese Dogs
Coppertail Brewing Co. – Double Smash Burger
Stuft Gourmet – Empanadas
Kona Ice – Shaved Ice, Novelty Ice Cream
Loli’s Mexican Cravings – Tacos
Nebraska Mini Mart – Kick Ass Vegetarian (or Not) Nachos
Stoked Pizza – Wood Fired Pizza
Whatever Pops – Gourmet Ice Pops
Inside the Box – Ultimate Waffle Fries
Gallito Taqueria – Kick Ass Vegetarian (or Not) Nachos
HAN – Hand Roll and Ramen Bar
LARA Apothecary Bar & Bazaar – Tropical Mocktails
Calusa Oysters – SUNDAY ONLY: Local Oysters

Find more information about GMF’s Food & Beverage offerings.

GMF approved items include:

– Blanket or ground tarp (no larger than 6’x8′)
– Low-backed chairs (under 30″ in height, not within 100 feet on any stages)
– Small bags and backpacks (smaller than 17″x12″x10″, subject to search)
– Water (factory sealed, up to 1 liter)
– Wheelchairs and medical scooters
– Strollers for children
– Hand-held still cameras

Please leave the following items at home:

– Alcohol (we will provide on-site) and other beverages (except sealed water up to 1 liter or an empty reusable, non-glass container)
– Glass containers
– Coolers and thermoses
– Food
– Umbrellas and tents (anything that can obstruct the view of others)
– Large chairs
– Video and audio recording equipment
– Pets
– Wagons, skateboards and Segways
– Weapons, illicit drugs and other contraband
– Balls, frisbees, missiles, and any other types of throwing objects or projectiles

No. Pets are not permitted at GMF. Service animals assisting guests with disabilities are permitted in accordance with applicable law.

Hand-held still cameras are permitted. Tripods are not allowed. Audio and video recording devices are NOT permitted.

No unauthorized vending, advertising or solicitations. GMF reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the festival anyone in violation of these policies or for any reason.

All artists, dates and times subject to change or cancellation. The event is rain or shine. No refunds.

Children 12 and under get in FREE to GMF!   

GMF’s Kids Fest takes place April 11 and April 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Sparkman Wharf Stage. Kids Fest includes a kids dance party, live music, face painting, an instrument petting zoo and more fun interactive surprises.

NOTE: GMF welcomes children, but adult beverages are served and some later performances may include explicit language. Mid-afternoon through evening is not recommended for young children.

Yes. Parking should be available at the nearby Cumberland Garage. There is a viewing deck for those with disabilities located next to the main stage soundboard. Please contact us info@gasparillamusic.com for assistance

See our Accommodations page.

Please send your contact information to pr@gasparillamusic.com along with link to your publication and related media.

GMF is a not-profit organization that hosts a community funded music festival sponsored by individuals and corporate sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated and there are several levels of opportunities designed to fit your company’s needs and budget.

Please email GMF at sponsors@gasparillamusic.com to learn how you can become a part of history!

The Gasparilla Music Festival is completely grassroots and volunteer run. There are many options available for volunteers, and you will be joining a fun and energetic team. Please check our signup link for volunteer opportunities for GMF!

Currently the 2026 lineup is full.