EVENT TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

LET THE BIDDING BEGIN, THE SILENT AUCTION IS LIVE!

Can’t attend WineFest in person this year? You can still support Tampa’s Nonprofit Movie Palace and participate in the silent auction online. Bidding on the online auction is open to the general public as well as all event attendees; an event ticket is not required to participate in the silent auction. Browse and bid virtually!

The silent auction will close at 9:30pm on Friday, March 7 for most items. Super Silent Auction items will close at 8:00pm on Saturday, March 8. You do not need to be present at the event to win. 

BEST DRESSED CONTEST

The hourglass sands are shifting! Guests are invited to show off their magical and enchanting looks in the new Best Dressed Contest. Hopefuls can register and have their photo taken by staff in the Taylor Screening Room during the Wine Tasting Event on Friday, March 7 until 9:00pm – remember the quicker you enter the contest the more chances you have to win! Winner gets their choice between a pair of Live Event Tickets or an Annual Membership to Tampa Theatre.

Voting and registration open at 7:00pm on March 7, 2025. Voting closes at 12pm Saturday, March 8, 2025. View the full rules and information for the Best Dressed Contest.

Event games benefit Tampa Theatre’s artistic and educational programming, as well as the ongoing preservation of the historic landmark.

“VINO-VIVACIOUS, POUR AND BE GRACIOUS!” 

For more than two decades, Tampa Theatre’s signature fundraiser WineFest has celebrated some of the most important moments in cinematic history with themes like The Vineyard of Oz, Napoleon Wineamite and last year’s Grapebusters. But given the spellbinding beauty and magical charm of the historic movie palace, it was only a matter of time before our thoughts turned to Tampa Theatre and the Goblet of Wine: A Wizarding WineFest – presented by SouthEast Personnel Leasing – on March 7 and 8.

And though the theme may seem silly, WineFest’s purpose is serious: as the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, WineFest has raised nearly $2 million over the past 21 years for the non-profit Theatre.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just wave a wand and Tampa Theatre would be restored and perfectly programmed?” asks event chair Lauren Ferrell. “But it takes more hard work than magic to support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming, plus the preservation of this landmark building ahead of its 2026 centennial. Oh, a bunch of goblin’s gold would certainly help as well!”

Costumes have ALWAYS been encouraged at WineFest, and guests are welcome to dress as their favorite witch, wizard or magical creature. NEW THIS YEAR, you can also take home a piece of Tampa Theatre magic with new WineFest exclusive merchandise, including Tampa Theatre charms, tote bags, wine bottle totes, and blade sign socks. These limited-edition items will be available in person at the event.

WINEFEST WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

• On Friday, March 7, a two-tiered Wine Tasting invites you to taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants from 7:00-10:00pm. You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions.
  • The Premium Tasting starts at 7:00pm and features exclusive wines for a limited audience. Tickets are $130 ($120 for Tampa Theatre Members) Tickets for the Premium Tasting are SOLD OUT!
  • Grand Tasting ticket holders gain entry at 8:00pm, and tickets are $80 ($70 for Members) Tickets for the Grand Tasting are SOLD OUT!

Participating Restaurants & Wineries Include:

Restaurants:

• Ash
• Bavaro’s
• Cru Cellars
• Donovan’s Meatery
• Flan Factory
• Flor Fina
• Gen X Tavern
• Green Lemon
• Jackson’s Bistro
• Jay Luigi
• Motorworks Brewing Tap Room
• Oxford Exchange
• Predalina
• Royal Diaspora Coffee
• Top Shelf Sports Bar

Wineries:

• Aspirations Winery
• Breakthru Beverages
• Chateau Cellars
• Dark Door Spirits
• Duckhorn
• Folio Fine Wine Partners
• Hattricks
• Hess
• Justin Wines
• Keel & Curley Winery
• Michael David Winery
• Sandalo Organic Estates
• Southern Brewing
• Treasury Wine Estates
• Vineyard Brands
• Vintus
• Wilson Daniels
• Wine Hooligans
• Woven Water Brewing

• On Saturday, March 8, the Theatre’s historic auditorium will be transformed into a magical banquet hall, seating more than 220 for the elegant Wine Pairing – presented by Quality Carriers – from 6:00-10:00pm. The multi-course menu, created through a collaboration between Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary and Hospitality teams, will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. The live auction includes once-in-a-lifetime trips, exclusive experiences, and a high-stakes Wine Pull. Tickets are $500. Individual tickets for the Wine Pairing are SOLD OUT!

Tickets are on sale now at the historic Franklin Street Box Office and online. 

Are you or your organization interested in sponsoring WineFest 2025?

Reach out to our Development & Donor Relations team for more information on Wine Tasting and Wine Pairing sponsorship opportunities by emailing Lea Van Name at Lea@tampatheatre.org

View WineFest Sponsorship Opportunities Packet

Past WineFest Weekends