Margarita Wars at James Museum of Wildlife & Western Art in St. Petersburg, Florida on May 17, 2024. Credit: Photo by Nick Cardello

Just like your love of a long night out, Margarita Wars roars back to life to kick off the weekend.

A staple Tampa party for more than a decade now, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s tequila-fueled bash is back at the James Museum in St. Pete on Friday, complete with local bartenders and restaurants vying for the title of Tampa Bay’s ultimate margarita.

More than two dozen vendors are confirmed including last year’s winner Jotoro—which took the title with a drink featuring banana-infused El Tesoro Reposado, chocolate-infused Cointreau, fresh lime and orange juices, banana and chocolate.
Other competitors in 2025 include Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, Pier Teaki, Tequila Daisy, Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, Madison Avenue Pizza, The Dan and more.

Tickets to Margarita Wars 2025 happening Friday, July 18 at St. Petersburg’s James Museum of Wildlife & Western Art are still available and start at $75.

Entrance includes access to the James Museum galleries, plus unlimited margarita samples, light Mexican-inspired bites, photo opportunities and more.

Designated driver tickets, for anyone 21 & up, are $30 and include everything above except alcohol. Anyone who buys two regular entries gets one DD ticket for free.