Disclaimer: I received VIP tickets to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival for my honest review. The opinions shared are my own.
Though living in this flip-flop paradise corner of the world is pretty much a permanent residency in Margaritaville, a margarita festival was a first for Tampa. As with any first time event, the inaugural Tampa Bay Margarita Festival had some quirks and kinks to work out, however, under the VIP Cantina, we were truly wasting away in Margaritaville.
The drink menu for the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival offered a basic margarita as well as a few new and unusual ones all served with Grand Mariner and prepared on the spot.
I started out with The Grand Mango Jalapeño, but I preferred a classic, The Grand Margarita.
Each margarita was made fresh, which made for long lines, but the agave and fresh lime mix combined with Grand Marnier were worth the wait.
Throughout the course of the event, I discovered a not-so-hidden bartender in the back of the VIP Cantina with no lines and no waiting and she made the best Grand Margaritas.
This bartender’s spot also had a perfect view of the stage. I loved the live music and the concert scene and feel the event created.
Once the sun went down, I explored the grounds a bit more. There were tons of food trucks, a volleyball pit, cornhole and all sorts of fun spread out throughout the venue, but honestly, I hardly left the VIP Cantina. We had everything we needed under that tent: a chips and queso bar, a Happy Hour taco bar, unlimited drinks, shade, misters and seating.
And all my Tampa Bay Blogger friends were there too.
Plus the décor offered a casual, comfy, homey feel.
Not to mention, all the VIP guests received Grand Marnier goodies.
The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival also parked a photobooth in the back of the VIP Cantina. With boas and other fun props, we worked the runway and the magic for the camera.
The evening ended with a fireworks show. For a change of scenery, the Sykes building served as the backdrop for a spectacular lightshow instead of the University of Tampa and the Hillsborough River or Tampa Bay.
VIP Cantina certainly lived up to its name and the only way to have done the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. My husband and I cannot wait for next year!
This looked like SUCH a great time! I was bummed to miss it; I am a margarita girl at heart 🙂
Sounds like an amazing time!!! I would love to do something like that!!
Fun, FUN times! I love it!
Yum! I need to come hang out with you. Seriously.
This looks so fun! I love all the photos!
This looks amazing! I hope I can join you this year!!! 🙂
Looks like a great time and I hope to be there this year!
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