Frequently Asked Questions

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, prohibited items include:

• Weapons of any kind — no exceptions
• Firearms, knives, or dangerous objects
• Glass bottles or containers
• Outside food or beverages
• Coolers
• Illegal substances
• Large umbrellas
• Laser pointers
• Fireworks
• Drones
• Professional cameras with detachable or zoom lenses
• Professional audio or video recording equipment
• Selfie sticks
• Musical instruments
• Tents, canopies, or shade structures
• Flags or totem poles
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, or inline skates
• Water guns or squirt guns
• Balloons, balls, or large inflatables
• Sticks, bats, or clubs
• Spray paint or aerosol cans
• Unauthorized merchandise sales or vending
• Unauthorized solicitation, handbills, stickers, sampling, or giveaways

This list is subject to change. Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of event management, security, law enforcement, or venue officials.

Yes. Tampa Bay Soulfest is a cashless event.

Guests should plan to use an accepted debit card, credit card, or available contactless/mobile payment method for purchases throughout the festival.

General Admission is lawn seating.

General Admission guests must bring their own seating. We recommend a standard-size foldable lawn chair.

Blankets suitable for individual lawn seating may also be permitted. Please do not use oversized blankets to reserve or block excessive amounts of space.

There are no reserved chairs provided for General Admission guests, so please come prepared.

Yes! General Admission guests should bring a chair.

Standard-size foldable lawn chairs are permitted in the General Admission lawn area.

Oversized chairs, loungers, tents, canopies, and structures that obstruct other guests' views are not permitted.

No. Outside food, beverages, and coolers are not permitted inside the festival.

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase from participating vendors.

Food: A variety of food options will be available from participating food vendors.

Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Valid identification is required for alcoholic beverage purchases.

Marketplace: Shop participating vendors offering merchandise, apparel, accessories, gifts, and more.

Community & Sponsor Areas: Visit participating sponsors, organizations, and community partners throughout the festival grounds.

Parking surrounding Water Works Park includes City of Tampa parking and independently operated parking.

Parking lots and parking fees are not operated, managed, or regulated by Pink Diamond Foundation LLC or Tampa Bay Soulfest.

Guests are strongly encouraged to download the ParkMobile app from their device's app store before arriving. ParkMobile can be used for participating City of Tampa parking locations.

Parking availability and rates are determined by the City of Tampa or the applicable parking operator and may vary.

Please allow additional time for parking and walking to the festival entrance.

No. Pink Diamond Foundation LLC and Tampa Bay Soulfest do not control or regulate parking rates.

Parking rates, availability, restrictions, enforcement, and payment requirements are determined by the City of Tampa and/or the individual parking facility operator.

Yes. Guests are encouraged to consider ride-share services as an alternative to driving and parking.

Please follow posted signs, traffic-control instructions, and directions from law enforcement or event personnel when being dropped off or picked up.

Tampa Bay Soulfest is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all guests.

Water Works Park includes accessible public areas and facilities. Guests requiring ADA accommodations should follow designated accessible routes and instructions from event staff upon arrival.

ADA parking availability is subject to applicable City of Tampa parking areas and regulations.

Pets are not permitted inside the festival.

Trained service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable laws.

Small personal umbrellas may be permitted but cannot be used in a manner that obstructs the view or interferes with other guests.

Large umbrellas, beach umbrellas, tents, and shade structures are prohibited.

Tampa Bay Soulfest is an outdoor event scheduled to take place rain or shine, subject to conditions affecting the safety of guests, artists, staff, and vendors.

In the event of severe or dangerous weather, follow instructions from event officials and monitor official Tampa Bay Soulfest communication channels.

No re-entry is permitted once you enter the festival.

Please make sure you have everything you need before entering the festival grounds.

Exceptions may be made when required because of an emergency or official event evacuation.

Personal cell phones are permitted.

Professional cameras, cameras with detachable or professional zoom lenses, camcorders, drones, GoPros, and professional audio/video recording equipment are not permitted unless specifically authorized by event management.

Unauthorized professional recording of performances is prohibited.

For faster entry, guests are encouraged to bring only essential items and use a small clear bag whenever possible.

All bags and personal belongings are subject to security screening upon entry.

Oversized bags, luggage, and containers that create a safety or security concern will not be permitted.

Yes. All guests and their belongings are subject to security screening before entering Tampa Bay Soulfest.

Please allow additional time for entry and cooperate with security personnel. Prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle or otherwise disposed of before entry.

No. Tampa Bay Soulfest cannot store prohibited or personal items at the entrance.

Please review the prohibited-items list before leaving home.