Fresh Up Dance Party
In celebration of the Bahamian “fresh up” attitude, the MFA presents a tropical-themed party from 7 to 10 pm July 29 featuring DJ, dancing, and Bahamian-influenced cuisine and drinks. Don your best Going Out Clothes as you and your friends will be mingling with featured artist Gio Swaby!
Looking for inspiration? Summery bright colors, floral prints, enamel jewelry, and straw bags are traditional. The party happens in the museum Conservatory; tickets are $30 for non-members with admission applied to the cost of a new membership. Go to https://mfastpete.org/event/fresh-up-dance-party/
St. Pete Grand Prix Takes to the Streets in March
Once again, St. Pete will host the exciting opening race of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
In its 19th year, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will race through the streets of downtown March 3-5. Once again, St. Pete will host the exciting opening race of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The spectacular race weekend will feature six different racing series including at least 10races. The headlining NTT INDYCAR SERIES race will be Sunday, March 5, for a 100-lap/180 -mile shoot-out on a 1.8-mile course with 14 turns. Other race series competing will include INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires, USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup and GT America Powered by AWS.
Last year’s winner, Scott McLaughlin, will be aiming to repeat his success but he’ll be up against some formidable foes who have also claimed wins in St. Pete: Helio Castroneves (2006, 2007, 2012), Will Power (2010, 2014), Josef Newgarden (2019, 2020), Graham Rahal (2008), and Colton Herta (2021).
The St. Pete race is often called “the INDYCAR version of Monaco,” with its spectacular waterfront track winding through downtown, past yachts and the eye-catching Dali Museum. The race annually attracts legions of hardcore INDYCAR and motorsports fans, including a global television audience that reaches millions of viewers. The 2022 event had spectators attend from all 50 U.S. states and 23 different countries! Nearly 500 journalists and photographers converge here, posting stories and images on web sites, social media, and to newspapers around the world.
Festivities will include a Speed Zone with interactive games and exhibits, a Fan Village, beer gardens (including one floating trackside in Tampa Bay near Turn 11), driver autograph sessions and other events to be announced. Paddock access is free on Friday, March 3, to get up close to the cars and drivers. Live national broadcast of the Sunday race will be on NBC at noon.
FUN TIDBIT: Look for camera crews popping up around downtown just prior and during race weekend. A six-part docuseries to air on CW Network and VICE TV this spring will take fans behind the scenes to chronicle the start of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and the buildup toward the Indianapolis 500 in late May. “100 Days to Indy,” produced by Penske Entertainment and VICE World News, aims to showcase what it takes to compete in INDYCAR , while providing a window into the on- and off-track lives of some of the sport’s most engaging drivers. An air date was not available at press time.
All information is subject to change. For the most current event updates and to purchase tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, go to gpstpete.com. To read current policies and festival information, check out www.gpstpete.com/festival/additional-info.
Hit the Track
Runners and walkers can experience portions of the 1.8-mile track as it winds along the waterfront and through the streets of downtown at the Wellcare Ambetter Health 5K on Friday, March 3. More information and advance registration available at gpstpete.com/5K.
Call for Volunteers
More than 600 dedicated volunteers are needed to work the St. Pete Grand Prix. Volunteers should be available the entire race weekend and must be 18 or older. If you have a friendly and can-do attitude, learn how to volunteer for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at
gpstpete.com/contact/volunteer.
Getting to the Race
Park Downtown: City parking garages are $10 all-day event rate on Friday and a $20-all-day event rate on Saturday and Sunday.
Park and Ride Shuttle from the Trop: There is a free shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the race course. Park in Lots 6 and 7 at Tropicana Field, the cost will be $15. The shuttle operates all three race days from 7 am to 7 pm (subject to change depending on race schedule)
Take the Trolley: The Looper Downtown Trolley and Central Avenue Shuttle (St. Pete's trolley system) offers rides throughout Grand Prix weekend for $1 per person. The Looper provides a circular route between the city's parking facilities, hotels, restaurants and attractions.
All information is subject to change.
Keeping Track of Road Closures
The City of St. Petersburg has provided the following information concerning downtown road closures. All dates are subject to change.
Track construction will begin on Monday, January 30, which will close Bayshore Drive SE from 1st Ave South to the Dali Museum entrance. Al Lang Field parking lot will close beginning Monday February 20, so Saturday Morning Market will relocate on Saturday February 25 to streets around City Hall, 175 5th Street N. The market will be not be held on Saturday March 4, but will return to Al Lang Field parking lot on Saturday March 11
Beginning Monday, February 27, 1st Street South will close for race week. Limited access will be provided to Mahaffey Theater, the Hilton and Dali Museum through Tuesday February 28.
The following streets will be closed during the race weekend from Thursday, March 2, through Wednesday, March 8:
Bayshore Drive NE, 2nd Avenue NE to 1st Street South
Dali Blvd. from 2nd Street South to Bayshore Drive SE
1st Street South from 6th Avenue South to 1st Avenue South
5th Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South
4th Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South
2nd Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South
Central Avenue from 1st Street North to Bayshore Drive NE
Beach Drive NE from 1st Avenue SE to 1st Avenue NE
Demen’s Landing will remain open at all times for marina users. Albert Whitted Airport, USFSP, USCG Base, FWS, Port of St Petersburg, the HUB will all have access at all times.
For updated information, check the City of St. Petersburg Facebook page or go to stpete.org.
