Guavaween Festival 2011

Guavaween Festival is Tampa's largest Halloween festival and has been an annual event since 1985.  This celebration is an event that Tampa is known for and has attracted 100,000+ people.  The event is open for all ages, however, parental discretion is advised as some of the later activities are not suitable for everyone.  There is no age restriction to get into the event and participate in the events in the streets of Ybor but many of the clubs and bars will be either 18+ or 21+.

The Guavaween Festival takes places in the streets of the Ybor City Historic District also known as Tampa's Latin Quarter.  Fences are putting up around parts Ybor City and admission to the event requires a ticket after 3pm.  The tickets for Guavaween 2011 are $12 in advance and $17 at the gates the day of the event. 

Inside the gates of the festival, there is all kinds of fun and events.  While walking down the streets, there are carnival style games, food, drinks, and much more.  Since Guavaween is fenced in, drinking alcohol on the streets is legal. 

The main event of Guavaween is the Mama Guava Stumble Parade.  The parade begins at 8pm and goes down the main street, 7th Avenue.  Onlookers can enjoy the floats while trying to catch Mardi Gras style beads.

There are stages set up throughout the event with live music of different genres and the shows are all included in the admission.

A costume contest is held on one of the stages and has different categories for costumes to be judged.  There is a cash prize for the winner of this contest.  While you do not have to wear a costume for Guavaween, it is a Halloween event so you are encouraged to wear a costume.

For more details on Guavaween and things to do in Ybor City during Guavaween, check out the Guavaween Festival page.