Experience the UPTOWN Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Tampa Over Memorial Day

TAMPA – The vibrant sounds of bass guitar and snare drums filled the air during a final sound check on Saturday morning, signaling the start of an exciting weekend in downtown Tampa. For the third consecutive year, Mark Perry and his team are hosting the UPTOWN Music & Arts Festival at a new venue: Curtis Hixon Park.

“We were looking to do something that would give back to the community,” said Perry. “We had no idea that it would grow into something this fantastic and spectacular… we really didn’t.”

A singer and former jazz club owner, Mark, along with festival co-founders Melody and Carl Harness, established the festival in 2019 under their non-profit ‘UEG Productions.’ Their aim was to benefit the University Area CDC, an organization that provides a wide array of free services to families in underserved areas across Tampa. This year’s proceeds will also support programs at Blake High School.

“We’re trying to support the programs that support that education, that support job training, that support that affordable housing and food security and all of those things,” Perry stressed.

The festival promises a weekend of smooth and funky jazz performances from award-winning local and international musicians, including headliners DW3, Dr. Jose Valentino, and Eric Darius.

Guests can look forward to dancing, savoring delicious food, and purchasing hand-painted artwork from the classic art pavilion.

“The art component has always been a major feature of the UPTOWN Music & Arts Festival. It’s been with us since the very beginning, and it will be a continuing piece of how we present this particular event,” Perry said.

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with music from 4-10 p.m. You can find all the information you need by clicking here. Reported by FOX 13 News.