The annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival commemorates much more than just the leafy vegetable—it’s a celebration of community, culture and health.

Organized by St. Pete residents that strive to highlight the connection between food, community and African American culture, this festival features over 200 local vendors, a kid-friendly activity zone and collard green samples alongside fitness, cooking and agricultural demonstrations.

The 2024 Collard Green Festival happens on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Pete’s Woodson African American Museum (2240 9th Ave. S)

James Beard award-winning culinary historian Adrian E. Miller aka the “Soul Food Scholar” will also host a live presentation titled “Black Chefs in the White House.”

And if you think you make some of the best greens in Tampa Bay, then there’s still plenty of time to sign up for the festival’s cooking competition, where the winner will take home a $500 grand prize and bragging rights.

“The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. emphasizes education in food consumption, agricultural science, and improved lifestyle choices including fitness, and finance,” its organizers write on the event’s website. “We adhere to a ‘health is wealth initiative,’ focusing on improving health, financial, and other racial disparities in the Black, Brown, and African American populations.”

The annual festival also hosts a kick-off party and fundraiser across the bridge the night before the official festival. “Collards after Dark” takes place on Friday, Feb. 16 at Tampa’s Cuban Club, where Tombolo Books and WUSF team up for a boozy, yet educational event that will explore “A Liquid History of the U.S. Presidency.”

For the latest information on 2024’s Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival, head to its Facebook or Instagram, both at @TampaBayCGF.

And if you’re interested in volunteering at 2024’s festival, send an email to contactus@tbcgf.org.
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