Margarita season has officially arrived in Tampa Bay.

March Margarita Madness kicks off it’s inaugural year on March 5, 2026, bringing a bracket-style showdown between some of the best margarita makers in Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater. Think tournament energyโ€”but with tequila.

Hereโ€™s how it works: local restaurants face off head-to-head, and you vote to decide who advances. Every five days, the bracket progresses until one restaurant earns the title of Tampa Bayโ€™s Ultimate Margarita.

From classic lime to spicy, smoky, and fruit-forward creations, this month-long competition celebrates the creativity of our local hospitality scene.

Voting begins March 5 and the winner will be crowned April 2.

Cast your vote and follow the bracket at: bit.ly/MMMadness2026

Grab your margarita crew โ€” itโ€™s time to sip, vote, and let the best margarita win.

Pinellas County Match-Up

The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare vs. COCKtail


Hillsborough County Match-Up

Rocca vs. Con Amor


Leigh Wilson is the marketing & events director at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.