National Rum Day is fast approaching and Ybor City has the perfect way to celebrate — by holding the Summer of Rum Festival on August 15th from 12 pm to 11 pm at The Cuban Club.
Whether you’re sipping on Rum Runners, Strawberry Daiquiris, or any other rum-filled concoctions, there will be no shortage of delicious drinks to choose from. Held in an air-conditioned venue, you won’t have to worry about beating the heat – or your frozen drinks melting!
Enjoy island-themed decor and dance the day away to musical guest, The Hip Abduction, an afro-pop/alt rock band from St. Petersburg. With six other live bands featuring music like Ska, Raggae and a Jimmy Buffet tribute.
Experience the Rum Zones
The Summer of Rum Festival will utilize all three floors of inside space and the outside patio concert area. Ybor City will be transformed into multiple “Rum Zones” such as:
Cuban Club Main Street
Find yourself being transported to a Caribbean island main street, where the Pollo Tropical main stage will be located, featuring the musical guests of the night. Rum shacks and rum huts are located nearby providing the best drinks and street performers will invade the streets at night.
Cuban Frozen Zone
Don’t drink these frozen treats too fast or you may end up with brain freeze at the frozen zone station located at Cuban Club Main Street. Get your favorite frozen drink in a collectible tiki glass that you can take home with you.
Captain Morgan Pirate’s Cove & Theater
Free your inner pirate at the Captain Morgan Pirate’s Cove, where special Captain Morgan beverages will be made just for you all day. Pirate-themed movies will also be playing all day in the theater.
The Cruzan Don’t Hurry Mojito Cantina
You’re in for a treat at the Cruzan Mojito Cantina, where some of the best, world-class mojitos are made and served directly to you. Enjoy Cuban tunes from DJ Cardinal while you sip on the best mojitos you’ve ever had!
Want to know which drinks each venue will be serving up? See the full list!
What can I eat?
Consuming all that alcohol, your stomach is sure to beg for some great food. Food trucks and vendors will be available on the premises in the food truck alley, located on the street next to The Cuban Club, serving up everything from Rum Cakes to Caribbean Jerk Chicken.
Buy Your Tickets
General Admission tickets will provide you with all day re-entry tickets, live entertainment, unique rum zones and more.
Pre-sale– $17
Regular – $20
At the door– $25
Cruzan Rum VIP Experience tickets will provide access to the VIP tent and an extra tasting pass. Enjoy unlimited rum drinks in the VIP tent and have primary access to the best views of the main stage. Your rum tasting pass will included unlimited rum tasting at the Island Rum Tasting (between 2 pm and 6 pm ONLY) and a complimentary Summer of Rum shot glass. Dinner will also be provided by Pollo Tropical from 6 pm to 9 pm at the VIP tent.
Regular – $85
At the door – $100 (if available)
The Island Rum Tasting Pass will get you entry into the third floor of The Cuban Club for the Island Rum Tasting Party, featuring a variety of rums from all over the world, from basic to ultra premiums. Each pass comes with ONE collectible tasting shot glass. The tasting island will only be open from 2 pm to 6 pm, so make sure to come between those hours for your samples! Any unused passes will not be refunded.
Buy your tickets now to reserve your spot!
Also, grab a collectible hurricane cup at the door for only $10 as a souvenir of your celebration of national rum day!
Getting Home Safely
Even though there will be plenty of excitement…and drinking at the Summer of Rum Festival, make sure you are being responsible when you go to leave for the evening. And that means no drinking and driving.
Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor will have special Summer of Rum rates for rooms, as well as provide other responsible options for getting home. See the Front Desk Concierge for more information.
With the multitude of drink options, VIP lounges, live entertainment and great food, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Summer of Rum Festival. Celebrate the last month of summer the right way.
As they say, “time flies when you’re having rum.”
What’s your favorite rum cocktail? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us your favorite rum cocktail recipes at Dive In Tampa Bay.
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