Get ready, Tampa Bay—WMNF 88.5 FM’s iconic Tropical Heatwave music festival is back with 12 incredible bands across three stages. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10, as the Cuban Club (2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba) in historic Ybor City transforms into a multi-stage musical playground for one unforgettable night.
This year’s festival packs a serious punch, featuring 12 diverse bands across three stages. At the top of the bill: Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, GA-20, Cheo, and blues powerhouse Sue Foley. But that’s just the beginning. From roots rock to psychedelic punk to reggae grooves, Tropical Heatwave 2025 serves up a genre-bending buffet of sound.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ticket info:
- General Admission: $50 in advance / $60 day of show
- Ride the Wave VIP: $150 — skip the lines and chill in the Oasis tent with comfy seating, food, beverages, and a free drink ticket.
Tropical Heatwave is a beloved annual event in Tampa
There’s nothing like a night under the stars at the Cuban Club, a National Register of Historic Places landmark with an open layout perfect for stage-hopping and dancing your way through the night. Tropical Heatwave isn’t just a music festival—it’s a cultural institution.
“This event embodies our commitment to diverse, community-focused programming that brings people together through the power of music,” said a WMNF spokesperson. “Tropical Heatwave has become a cultural institution in Tampa Bay, and we’re thrilled to bring it back in 2025 with our strongest lineup yet.”
The 2025 edition is presented in partnership with Creative Loafing, Hillsborough County Arts Council, Greaves Construction, AR Machine, Tampa Bay Times, Smoothie King, Pro Copy, Symphonic, Tides, Shuffle, Air Bud, and Duey.
Don’t sleep on this one—Tropical Heatwave sells out fast. For tickets, schedules, and all the festival details, head to its website.
12 bands you need to see live in Ybor City
The full lineup:
- Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes
- GA-20
- Cheo
- Sue Foley
- Zach Person
- Skating Polly
- Damon Fowler
- The Black Honkeys Band
- Uncle John’s Band
- Rocket 88
- Tribal Style
- The Applebutter Express
- Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band
