One thing that has repeatedly dodged the COVID-19 axe is Tampa’s own Florida State Fair. It may have felt slightly stripped back last year, but for this year’s 76th consecutive edition, a newish, one-day-only addition to the fair is returning for the first time since 2020.
Uka-PALOOZA takes place in the Special Events Center on the Florida State Fairgrounds, and features workshops and performances from names all across the ukulele spectrum. For this year’s Feb. 12 event, members of the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society will be present, as well as Yiddish musician—and ukulele master, Lil Rev, who will close the day out with a show from himself and his band, The Barnkickers.
While the event does mainly focus on ukulele workshops and performances, those who don’t play can still get heavily involved. There will be Hawaiian shirts for sale, a SPAM cook-off, and plenty of vendors to help you get your Hawaii on.
Admission is free with a fair ticket ($10 for adults, $8 for kids.)