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INSIDE FRONT COVER PREMIUM PLACEMENT

PAGE ONE PREMIUM PLACEMENT

EDINGER

• J.C Newman Cigar Company

• Rock Art Brewery

• Buddy Brew Coffee Citrus Grove

TAMPA BAY REGION

gasparilla festival Tampa’s Legendary Pirate Celebration

Blending pirate lore, civic pride, and modern entertainment, Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival has evolved from a playful hoax into one of Florida’s most iconic annual traditions.

The Gasparilla Festival is one of Tampa, Florida’s most recognizable and celebrated events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Combining colorful pageantry, community involvement, and a touch of pirate mythology, the festival has become a defining symbol of the city’s cultural identity.

Origins in Pirate Legend

Gasparilla is inspired by the legend of José Gaspar, also known as Gasparilla, a mythical Spanish pirate said to have roamed Florida’s Gulf Coast in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While historians agree there is no concrete evidence that José Gaspar ever existed, the tale of a daring pirate captain captured the imagination of early Tampa residents and provided the foundation for a unique local tradition.

The Birth of the Festival

The modern Gasparilla Festival began in 1904, when a group of local businessmen formed the Ye Mystic

Krewe of Gasparilla. Seeking to promote civic pride and tourism, the Krewe staged a mock pirate invasion of Tampa. Arriving by ship and dressed as swashbuckling buccaneers, the group symbolically “captured” the mayor and declared the city under pirate rule. This theatrical event was an instant success and quickly became an annual tradition.

Gasparilla, the ship José Gasparilla, followed by a large parade through downtown Tampa. Paradegoers dressed in pirate attire line the streets as beads and coins are tossed to cheering crowds, creating an atmosphere often compared to Mardi Gras.

A Season of Events

Gasparilla has grown far beyond a single day. The festival now includes a series of events spread over several weeks, such as the Gasparilla Children’s Parade on January 24th, the Main event on January 31s Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The invasion starts from 11:30 am to 1 pm. The Captain meets the Mayor of Tampa for his final demand for the Key to the city. At 2:00 The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates begins… Sant ’Yago Knight Parade in Ybor City, on February 14th, the Gasparilla Music Festival, April 10- 12 at a new location, Meridian Fields, near the Water Street neighborhood. There are various athletic competitions. These events make Gasparilla accessible to families, music lovers, and sports enthusiasts alike.

Cultural and Economic Impact

More than just a celebration, Gasparilla plays a vital role in Tampa’s economy and cultural life. The festival generates millions in tourism revenue and reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to be more inclusive and community-focused. Through its blend of legend, history, and modern flair, Gasparilla remains a cherished Tampa tradition that continues to evolve with the city itself.

For more details, visit www.gasparillapiratefest.com

BREW SECTION SPONSOR PREMIUM PLACEMENT

THE TAMPA BAY CRAFT BREW

SCENE!

Live music. Events, food pairings, things to do!

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Craft Beer Festival is expected to once again anchor Tampa Bay Beer Week in March 2026, bringing together dozens of breweries and hundreds of beer selections in a single-day tasting event. Hosted annually in downtown Tampa, the festival showcases the breadth of Florida’s craft brewing industry.

Attendees can sample a wide range of beer styles, from crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to barrel-aged stouts and experimental small-batch releases. The festival also features local food vendors, live entertainment, and opportunities to engage directly with brewers from across the state.

Beyond tastings, the Florida Craft Beer Festival has become a community gathering that celebrates independent brewing and collaboration. It often serves as a launchpad for limited releases and new brewery introductions during Beer Week. With its reputation for strong attendance and high-quality offerings, the festival continues to draw beer enthusiasts from across Florida and beyond. Tickets and brewery lists are typically announced several months in advance, with early access options often available for dedicated fans.

J.C NEWMAN CIGAR COMPANY

The José Gaspar Cigar Returns! Since 1885, Tampa has been known as Cigar City, and since 1904, pirates have invaded Tampa Bay for the annual Gasparilla Festival. This year, we’re honoring both traditions with the release of the limited edition José Gaspar cigar.

Named after the legendary pirate José Gaspar one of the most feared pirates in the Americas this bold and flavorful 6x54 toro is wrapped in a Ecuador Havana Sungrown wrapper. Handcrafted by our 130-year-old, family-owned cigar company, the José Gaspar cigar packs a punch that’s perfect for any pirate. www.linktr.ee/JCNCigars

ROCK ART BREWERY

Twin Tip Double IPA 8%

Sure to satisfy, this West Coast-style double IPA is brewed with Magnum, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops. Lots of good hop deliciousness in this beer. www.rockartbrewery.com

NEWS IN EVERY BREW/COFFEE/CIGAR SECTION, SAMPLE ONLY

CIGAR CITY BREWING

Cubano-Style Espresso Brown Ale

This English-style Brown Ale is brewed with a generous dose of Cuban-style espresso beans from Tampa’s Buddy Brew Coffee, then layered with vanilla and cacao for a decadent finish. The result? A full-flavored ale that’s reminiscent of your favorite cup of Cuban coffee. www.cigarcitybrewing.com

BUDDY BREW COFFEE: KENNEDY

Meet our newest and most adventurous release yet. From the remote highlands of Yunnan, China comes a strikingly innovative double-anaerobic coffee that’s unlike anything else in the region.

Vibrant notes of ripe plum, rich Merlot, and toasted meringue make every sip bold, expressive, and unforgettable. www.buddybrew.com

CITRUS GROVE

Chill out poolside with this fruited blonde ale made with orange and tangerine! Malty and sweet yet balanced and slightly dry on the finish. We used a very liberal amount of tangerine and oranges to perfect this lighter bodied, Florida crusher! ABV: 6.1%

IBU: 25 www.tbbc.beer

WHAT’S BREWING

IN TAMPA BAY!

From incredible coffee combos to the best tasting scone you’ve ever had in your life! We’re letting you know what’s Cool...and Hot!

TAMPA BAY COFFEE & ART FESTIVAL

Fuels Local Coffee Culture

The Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival has become a standout event for the region’s specialty coffee scene, blending high-quality coffee with local creativity in an approachable, community-focused setting. More than a traditional coffee expo, the festival invites attendees to sip, learn, and explore art while discovering new roasters and cafés from across the area.

A Hands-On Coffee Experience

On the coffee side, guests can sample a wide range of offerings, including espresso drinks, cold brew, pour-overs, and seasonal specialties. Baristas are often on hand to demonstrate brewing techniques and share insights into grind size, extraction, roast profiles, and origin characteristics. These informal conversations frequently turn casual tasters into more informed—and more curious—coffee drinkers.

Where Coffee Meets Local Art

The festival’s art component adds depth and atmosphere to the experience. Local artists display prints, paintings, photography, and handmade goods throughout the space, creating an environment that encourages browsing and discovery. The pairing feels natural: both coffee and art are rooted in craft, experimentation, and personal expression.

Supporting Local Cafés and Roasters

For local cafés and roasters, the festival serves as a valuable connection point with new customers. Many attendees leave with a shortlist of shops to visit after sampling offerings in one place. The event also fosters collaboration within the local coffee community and helps elevate Tampa Bay’s reputation as a destination for thoughtful, quality-driven coffee culture.

A Growing Appetite for Coffee Culture

Whether visitors attend for latte art, new beans, or a relaxed weekend vibe, the Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival reflects the region’s growing appetite for immersive coffee experiences. BrewView Tampa Bay will continue highlighting local roasters, café openings, and future festival updates as the scene continues to evolve. tampabaycoffeeandartfestival.com

CIGAR SECTION SPONSOR PREMIUM PLACEMENT

FIRE UP THE

CIGAR SECTION

OF BREWVIEW TAMPA BAY!

Here we slow down and savor the aromas of tradition and quality, labor and love, all rolled up together. Cigar bars, stores, Spirits and others that come with enjoying a fine cigar in Tampa Bay

Tampa Cigar Week Marks Five Years of Smoke Culture

Tampa Cigar Week returns in March 2026, celebrating five years of honoring the city’s deep cigar heritage and the modern culture that continues to thrive in and around Ybor City. Designed for longtime aficionados and curious newcomers alike, the multi-day event is built around the pillars of Tampa’s cigar identity: craftsmanship, history, hospitality, and community.

A Multi-Day Celebration of Tradition and Atmosphere

Programming typically includes factory and heritage tours, rolling demonstrations, lounge crawls, pairing nights, and social gatherings that bring together local businesses and visiting guests. The event’s appeal lies in its balance of education and atmosphere—one evening may focus on technique and tradition, while another leans into music, food, and relaxed conversation.

Honoring Tampa’s Cigar Craftsmanship

At its core, Tampa Cigar Week honors the craft. The city’s cigar story is tied to generations of artisans and the immigrant communities that helped shape the region. Attendees often have the opportunity to watch rollers at work, learn the differences between wrappers and fillers, and gain insight into why humidity and proper storage are essential to cigar quality.

Pairings That Elevate the Experience

Pairings are a signature element of the week. Coffee, whiskey, rum, and occasionally craft beer are featured alongside curated cigar selections. Guided tastings help guests understand flavor balance, encouraging pairings that complement rather than overpower the cigar.

Supporting Local Lounges and Hospitality

For local lounges and hospitality partners, Tampa Cigar Week delivers meaningful exposure and economic impact. As the event reaches its five-year milestone, organizers are expected to introduce special anniversary programming and limited releases tied to the celebration.

BrewView Tampa Bay Coverage

BrewView Tampa Bay will continue covering Tampa Cigar Week with previews, pairing guides, and event highlights as schedules and tickets are announced. For updates and event details, visit www.tampacigarweek.com.