Hillsborough County – 2023 Special Events Partnership Grant Winners Announced

Gear up for some great community events this year, courtesy of the 2023 Special Events Partnership Grant recipients. Eight organizations were officially selected and awarded funding at the April 5 Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting for their inclusive, community-minded events and programs.

The Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival, scheduled for April 12-15, will culminate at the Grand Tasting event at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa on Saturday, April 15, from 1-5 p.m. Celebrating the culinary talents of the incredible chefs and gastronomic masters in the Tampa Bay area, the event also supports local charitable initiatives in the region with the Community Initiatives Foundation’s EAT SMART campaign, whose mission is to support the health and wellness of local youth.

Celebrate Juneteenth at not one, but two great festivals. Gasparilla Music Foundation, Inc. will host the Juneteenth Music Celebration in mid-June at Curtis Hixon Park to underscore the historical significance of Juneteenth while highlighting the area’s arts and culture by using the shared experience of live music and dance to bring the community together. The event will be held in conjunction with Juneteenth activities at the Tampa Museum of Art. The AfroCAN Festival on Sunday, June 18, from 5-9 p.m., at Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa will serve as a catalyst to engage and educate attendees about the Black experience – its rich culture, heritage, positive contributions to society, and Juneteenth. Enjoy live entertainment, including music, art, and dance represented by the Afro community.

It’s electrifying! The New Tampa Players will perform the fun 1950s production “Grease” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on select dates between July 21-30. The New Tampa Players 2023-2024 season will highlight the incredible new state-of-the-art facility in the heart of New Tampa, while also showcasing local talent.

For spooky spirits, UNDead in the Water is Tampa’s premier authentic nautical haunted attraction. Hop aboard the SS American Victory where visitors traverse multiple decks of the historic WWII cargo ship armed only with nerves of steel and a will to survive during this Halloween-themed event. It will be held on select dates in September and October.

Other grant recipients include Live Achieve Believe, Inc.‘s Suicide Awareness Showdown, Caregiver’s Helping Hands, Inc.’s Multicultural Family Festival Day, and Miss Latina Tampa Corporation’s Heritage and Tradition Festival.