Mainsail Art Festival celebrates 50 years this weekend with 250+ artists and live music

/
Mainsail Art Festival celebrates 50 years this weekend with 250+ artists and live music

One of St. Petersburg’s premier cultural events, the Mainsail Art Festival, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend, drawing over 100,000 visitors and showcasing the city's diverse creative community and passion for the arts.

The 50th Annual Mainsail Art Festival will take place at Vinoy Park on the St. Petersburg waterfront, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th.

Each year, a dedicated team of Mainsail volunteers organizes this free-admission event, welcoming thousands of residents and tourists to explore high-quality artwork, participate in family-friendly activities, and enjoy live music and local food vendors.

This year’s festival will feature its largest lineup ever, with over 250 artists showcasing work across 13 mediums: ceramics, digital art, fiber, glass, graphics, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylic painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor, and wood.

Read More

Beloved St. Pete bar The Wayward Goose to close after nearly a decade

/
Beloved St. Pete bar The Wayward Goose to close after nearly a decade

After nearly 10 years as a neighborhood staple, a well-loved St. Pete bar has announced it will close its doors for good.

The owners of The Wayward Goose, located at 48 Dr M.L.K. Jr Street North, announced the upcoming closure on social media, stating that their last day in business will be Sunday, April 20th.

“It has certainly been a journey. This city was a different place when we began. It’s lost a bit of its soul with all the out-of-state developers putting up condos—but that’s progress,” the owners wrote, sharing a photo of towering construction cranes behind the building.

They also expressed gratitude to their dedicated staff and loyal patrons, who came for the chill vibes, full liquor bar, pool tables, dartboards, and art shows.

Read More

Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

/
Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

After shuttering its long-standing location on 4th Street in 2020, the Melting Pot is finally making its return to St. Petersburg on April 7th.

Front Burner Brands, the Tampa-based company that manages the Melting Pot brand of fondue restaurants, will open its new 4,900-square-foot restaurant at 699 Central Avenue on the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue.

“We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and unforgettable memories,” said Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston.

“Melting Pot has been part of this community for 30 years, and guest demand made it clear—we needed to come back. This new Central Avenue location brings a fresh, modern take on the fondue experience we’re known for, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests.”

Read More

St. Pete Beach wine bar Sip finds new home in downtown St. Pete

/
St. Pete Beach wine bar Sip finds new home in downtown St. Pete

The coastal-casual wine bar and shop, Sip, is leaving St. Pete Beach and bringing its curated wine selection and events to downtown St. Pete.

Currently operating until the end of March at 6710 Gulf Boulevard, Sip will relocate to a 700-square-foot space on the ground floor of the 5th Ave Loft Apartments at 442 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete.

The space was previously home to Must Wine Loft, a European-style wine and cheese destination that closed late last year.

“It’s time to leave the beach,” Sip owner Christiane Hall told St. Pete Rising.

Read More

Plate Sushi Grill & Lounge, from the owner of Mangosteen, coming to Grand Central District

/
Plate Sushi Grill & Lounge, from the owner of Mangosteen, coming to Grand Central District

The owner of several local Asian fusion restaurants is launching a new casual fine dining concept in the Grand Central District.

Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge is bringing an exciting menu featuring Laos-style tacos, octopus ceviche, and yakitori (Japanese skewers) to the ground floor of the Arte luxury apartment building at 1601 Central Avenue, on the corner of 16th Street and Central Avenue.

The new 3,900-square-foot restaurant is the latest concept from Sean Thongsiri, who also owns Mangosteen, The Crane, The Glass Noodle, and Green Pagoda.

Plate is expected to open this summer, business partner Matt Pengtakoon shared in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

Read More