It's hard to stand out in Florida when you have cities like Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville but Tampa is surely doing a good job of keeping up with its siblings. Situated on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is a modern city that retains a retro vibe. Originally established as a military hub, the metropolis has grown at a rapid pace, with the maritime and tourism industry being its main economic drivers.
Similar to most cities in Florida, Tampa enjoys sunshine practically all year long, which is a compelling enough reason to visit. However, there's more to the city than just pleasant weather. Tampa is also home to some fine beaches, a booming culinary scene and historic buildings that have been repurposed into trendy spots.
Having said all this, you shouldn't think twice about making Tampa a destination for a sweet 16 party. There is a multitude of venues in the city where you can host such an important milestone. Not to mention, Tampa is home to various businesses that could assist in making a 16th birthday party one that the celebrant won't forget.
By choosing a destination like Tampa for a sweet sixteen birthday party, you can highlight this special occasion and create a memorable experience not just for the celebrant but also for all the attendees. Here are just some of the few convincing reasons to host a sweet 16 in The Big Guava.
Centrally located and accessible
The city is served by the Tampa International Airport, which is a major hub that caters to both domestic and international flights. This means that if you have guests coming from out of state or even from abroad, you can use the airport as a gateway to the city. Tampa also has a highway system that links to other major cities within Florida for those who prefer to drive from other cities.
Lovely weather throughout the year
As is standard in most Florida cities, Tampa enjoys a sunny climate for pretty much the entire year. This makes it the perfect choice for sweet 16 birthday parties, no matter the venue. Whether planning for an indoor event space or an outdoor location, you won't have to worry about interruptions caused by unruly weather.
Array of venues
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to sweet 16 venues in Tampa as the city is home to all kinds of event spaces. From traditional venues like a Tampa events banquet hall to more unique spots like beachside properties, the possibilities are endless. You surely won't find any difficulty in finding a location that not only fits within your budget but can also accommodate your target number of attendees.
There are many moving parts involved in planning a sweet 16 party and you'll need all the help you can get. It is advantageous for you to seek the help of professionals who are adept in organizing such a special milestone. Below are some Tampa events companies that can help you plan the perfect event that will yield cherished memories for years to come.
Alexa Kritis Events
This Tampa-based event-planning company is headed by its namesake Alexa Kritis, who has extensive experience in organizing all kinds of events, from weddings and birthday parties to baby showers and private parties. Their team is committed to providing all the requests of clients and to creating an experience that fits their budget without compromising the quality. The company also has an established network of vendors that you can tap to save you time and effort.
The Cake Girl
Wishing someone a happy birthday won't be complete without the traditional blowing of the cake. This is where The Cake Girl comes in. Founded by baker Kristina Lavallee, this bakery based in Tampa has built a reputation for its sweet creations that look and taste excellent. The business offers rotating flavors every week for their standard bakes. For customers looking for something more personalized, they can create cakes with custom designs and flavors specific to the client's needs.
Carrollwood Florist
Serving the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa Bay area, Carrollwood Florist is a full-service florist that offers fresh and high-quality flower bouquets and arrangements. Whether it's for a birthday party, wedding reception or any other special event, they can provide floral decorations that will turn any space into a striking and chic venue. They also cater to custom arrangements that can match various color schemes and themes.
Search among all the potential venues and find the one that can accommodate all your guests and fits your budget. However, before you make any binding commitments, have a look at the following sweet sixteen trends that may inspire your next event:
A formal gathering at a service banquet facility
Turning 16 happens only once in a person's life and some make a big deal out of it by hosting a grand celebration. When it comes to sweet 16 parties, you can go the distance by organizing a formal gathering in a Tampa service banquet facility. This kind of chic venue often boasts a spacious and elegant look. What's even better is that there's likely a banquet manager who will take care of all the details of the party.
Themed party at an unusual venue
Assigning a theme to the event can significantly enhance any Sweet 16 experience. Your theme can be anything you want it to be, whether you want a masquerade ball or a 90s-vibes private party. Take it up a notch by choosing an unusual setting for your party. What's great about having a themed party is that there are no limits when it comes to the decorations and menus.
Beachside celebration
Tampa is renowned for its incredible beaches and you'd be remiss in not taking advantage of the city's location by the ocean. There are several options available in the city, such as a beach club or a waterfront venue overlooking the bay.
There's more to Tampa than its sunny weather and stunning beaches. In fact, the city plays hosts to numerous events throughout the year. It's also best to keep track of the happenings in the city when planning a sweet sixteen party. After all, these events could affect factors such as accommodation prices and venue availability.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
One of Tampa's most renowned annual events is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which dates all the way back to 1904 and takes place every January. As its name suggests, this whimsical event is pirate-themed as inspired by mythical Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar. Hundreds of locals and tourists gather at the Tampa Bay harbor where they can partake in a variety of activities like parades, live entertainment and dining.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is a springtime festival that goes on every weekend starting March. The event takes place at the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay amusement park and features some of the nation's most renowned chefs and their gourmet creations. Attendees not only get to sample culinary delights but also have an extensive selection of wine and other beverages to choose from.
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
Founded in 1995, this annual festival in Tampa takes place every April over a span of three days at Vinoy Waterfront Park, which is located just half an hour from Tampa. The festival showcases a lineup of blues musicians, both those who have already made a name for themselves as well as up-and-coming artists. Aside from the concerts, attendees can also enjoy the food stalls and craft vendors that set up their respective booths on the festival grounds.
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
If margarita is your poison, then you surely won't want to miss out on this festival. Held every year during the month of May at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, this adult-only event is all about the classic tequila-based drink. Some of the biggest liquor brands partake in the festival and guests can sample over 50 different types of margaritas. There are also live bands performing as well as food trucks available in the venue.
When you're not too busy searching for potential sweet 16 party venues, you might want to check out these noteworthy neighborhoods in Tampa.
Downtown Tampa
Serving as Tampa's central business district, the downtown area is where you can find most of the city's most important institutions and attractions. This includes iconic spots such as the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Tampa Theatre. The area is also filled with restaurants, bars and other commercial establishments.
Hyde Park
Situated in South Tampa, this affluent neighborhood pretty much has it all, from restaurants and shops to markets and entertainment. At the heart of the action is South Howard Avenue, otherwise known as SoHo, a hip district that's home to some of Tampa's hottest nightlife spots. There's also the 4.5-mile long Bayshore Boulevard, which is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts.
Channel District
Located just east of downtown, the Channel District was once a warehouse district that has since become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Florida. The district has gained a reputation as a haven for foodies because of the presence of various restaurants and eateries. Other points of interest in the neighborhood include the Amalie Arena and the Florida Aquarium.