With a record 300 of St. Pete’s favorite businesses participating in this year’s Localtopia, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Presented by Keep Saint Petersburg Local (KSPL), the festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N. Rain date is Feb. 25.
Localtopia is the brainchild of Olga Bof, who had planned to open a children’s book and toy store here. She knew that bookstores often lead the Buy Local movement in other cities, so she started KSPL and organized the first Localtopia in 2014. “Williams Park was underutilized at the time,” she said, “but today it is the perfect location to celebrate all that makes St. Pete great via its art, music, food and culture.”
By the lovely fountain in the middle of the park you’ll find the “All Things Plants Village.” There will be farm produce, flowers and plants, as well as plant-based skin care and several plant-based food and drink vendors, in addition to those found on Second Avenue.
If you have kids in tow, be sure to check out the Family Village. On Third Street N, you can paint the NOMAD Art Bus and inside Williams Park you can adopt a Dino with Sunshine City Colors. And you can hoop and dance the day away with Hoola Monsters by the bandstand.
Over 70 food and drink options await, including almost 20 of St. Pete’s favorite food trucks. At “Draft Beer Central” (corner of Third Street N and Second Avenue), you’ll find beer trucks and local breweries pouring their own brews.
Enjoy live music from top-rated local musicians on the bandstand. Three DJs will spin throughout the day on the streets around Williams Park.
There are new, free transportation alternatives this year if you prefer to not get stuck in traffic. The SunRunner bus stops at First Avenues N and S and Fifth Streets. Thanks to the Tampa Bay Rays and the Rowdies, free parking is available at Tropicana Field Lots 1 and 2, with a trolley courtesy of Star Trolley running to and from the festival. As always, the free bike valet will be available at Williams Park.
So whether you’re a new resident or have lived here for many years, check out this year’s Localtopia to celebrate all that St. Pete’s local businesses have to offer. For a map and a complete listing of vendors, food and drink options, and the music lineup, visit localtopia.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org
