So Tampa

PhilFest, a huge 3-day Filipino Food Festival, returns to Tampa this spring

March 20, 2023
• By Andrew Harlan

March 20, 2023
• By Andrew Harlan

We love food festivals in Tampa, and PhilFest is one not to be missed. This celebration of Filipino cuisine is set for March 31 through April 2 at the Philippine Cultural Complex (14301 Nine Eagles Dr) in Tampa. This is the 27th iteration of the fabulous event, and continues The Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.’s mission of moving Pinoy empowerment onwards.

There’s a lot to see, eat, and experience over the 3 day celebration. A dynamic array of vendors offer a plethora of extraoridnary Filipino food, Philippine merchandise and live musical performances.

Non-stop entertainment will also dote the PhilFest stage with presentations by PCFI’s resident performing groups, and cultural shows by visiting performers from other states including groups from Canada. PhilFest also offers entertainment segments like “Tanghalang Pambata” Talent Competition for Children, “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Singing Competition for Adults, “Revolution” Youth Night and Hip-hop Dance Competition, “Yugyugan” Street Dancing, and more.

Mata’s is renowned for its sisig in Tampa | Photo via PhilFest (FB)

PhilFest is a huge Tampa tradition that includes parades and great food

One major highlight of the festival is an hour with R&B singer and songwriter Kiana Valenciano presented by The Filipino Channel and Pinoy at Iba Pa, PhilFest’s major sponsors.

Organizers will also be conducting the search for the next “Miss/Mrs PhilFest” from the eight contestants, each representing her Filipino-American organization. Attendees will get to see the contestants along with other participants in street parades like “Flores de PhilFest” and “Grand PhilFest Parade.”

Weekend event times:

Friday, March 31 – 5pm-11pm
Saturday, April 1 – 10am–11pm
Sunday, April 2 – 10am–6pm

Tickets are $10 at the gate the day of the event. Advance tickets are available for $8 in select outlets in the Tampa Bay Area including the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. More details can be found on PhilFest’s official event page.