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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please call 813-238-8001 during business hours, if you don’t find your answer below.

WHAT IS TROPICAL HEATWAVE?

Tropical Heatwave (“THW”) is a music festival celebrating diversity in music, featuring independent artists and a variety of local musicians. THW is organized by WMNF, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit, listener-supported, volunteer-powered community radio station that celebrates cultural diversity and is committed to equality, peace, and social and economic justice.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Saturday May 6, 2023
Gates open at 5 PM
Music runs 6 PM – 12:45 AM on three (3) stages
Location: The Cuban Club, Ybor City
*2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba (aka 14th St.), Tampa, Florida 33605
*The entrance to THW will be on Palm Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets.

WHEN WILL TICKETS FOR THW 2023 GO ON SALE?

Tickets are on sale now!

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?

General Admission
Advance pricing (ends Friday May 5th at 5pm) – $40
Door pricing (starts Saturday May 6th at 4:30pm) – $50

ARE THERE ADDED FEES TO THE COST OF MY TICKETS?

WMNF adds NO extra fees to the cost of your tickets!

Re-entry is allowed with your received wristband.
Ticket and entry are voided if wristband is removed.
Event is Rain or Shine, barring a natural disaster.
No Refunds.
All artists and times subject to change or cancellation.

HOW CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS?

No physical tickets will be available at WMNF or any other outlets. Tickets are only available online here or at the Box Office on the day of the show. Beware of anyone offering to sell you a ticket not purchased through the official WMNF site.

I HAVE PURCHASED A VIRTUAL TICKET. WHERE CAN I EXCHANGE
IT FOR A FESTIVAL WRISTBAND?

Wristbands are required for entry into The Cuban Club. You can only receive your wristband at the Will Call/Guest List/SKU Scan tables, just east of the Main Entrance to the festival, located on Palm Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets (closer to 14th). You must print your ticket to bring to the event, OR use your emailed receipt (with full-sized barcode) on your phone. Please bring valid ID.

CAN I PURCHASE THW TICKETS AT THE EVENT?

Yes, if there are still tickets available! The Box Office is located on Palm Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets on Saturday, May 6th, which will open at 4:30 PM. Cash or major credit cards will be accepted.

WHAT BANDS / MUSICIANS ARE PLAYING AT WMNF’S 2023 TROPICAL HEATWAVE?

Lineup/band information can be found here
*All Bands, Dates and Times are Subject to Change or Cancellation

WHAT TIMES DO THE BANDS PERFORM?

The full performance schedule and stage mapping can be found here (scroll down for mapping)
*All Bands, Dates and Times are Subject to Change or Cancellation

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN?

Kids 12 and under are welcome and receive FREE admission into the festival. Be aware that alcohol is being sold at the event & some profanity may be expressed in song lyrics.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT AT THW?

Tropical Heatwave is completely grassroots and volunteer run. There are many options available for volunteers, and you will be joining a fun and energetic team. Please email here for volunteer opportunities with WMNF!

HOW CAN I BECOME A SPONSOR?

WMNF is a non-profit organization that hosts many music events sponsored by individuals and local business sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated and there are several levels of opportunities designed to fit your company’s needs and budget. Please email Shari at [email protected] before May 1st to learn how you can be part of the community of sponsors!

HOW CAN I SUBMIT MY BAND TO PLAY AT THW 2023?

Currently the 2023 lineup is full.

WILL THERE BE VENDORS OR FOOD TRUCKS AT THW?

No, there will not be food trucks or vendors this year at THW. Your re-entry wristband allows you to support local Ybor City restaurants and there are plenty within a few blocks radius of THW.

IS THE FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES?

Yes. The nearby Palm Garage should have sufficient parking options. There is a ramp into the Cantina area (on the far right side) and an elevator toward the back of the Cantina that can take you to the Ballroom level.

WILL THERE BE ANY SEATING?

Yes, there will be a few chairs in various locations. There will be chairs on the patio (as available, no holding). While there will be no performances in the air-conditioned theater on the 2nd floor, it will be open for anyone needing a break. There will also be some chairs in the ballroom. The ground level Cantina is the only stage with no available seating.

WILL THERE BE THW SWAG FOR SALE?

Yes, tee shirts and posters will be available for purchase on the Cuban Club Patio. Cash only. Scroll down to find where here

WILL THERE BE AN ATM AT THE FESTIVAL?

Yes, there is an ATM located in the Cantina.

WHERE CAN I PARK?

City of Tampa Parking (closest garages are starred)
*1 – Fernando Noriega Jr. Garage aka Palm Garage – 2010 North 13th Street – Bounded by Nick Nuccio Parkway, East 8th Avenue, North 13th Street, and East 9th Avenue. (There are restrooms in the garage.)
*2 – Centro Ybor Garage – 1500 E. 5th Avenue – North of East 5th Avenue, bounded by North 15th Street and North 16th Street
*3 – Ybor Lot 3 – 1701 North 19th Street – North of East 6th Avenue, bounded by North 19th Street and North 20th Street
*4 – Ybor Lot 5 – 1812 North 19th Street – South of East 8th Avenue, bounded by Angel Oliva Senior Street and North 19th Street
*5 – Ybor Lot 6 – 1813 North 19th Street – South of East 8th Avenue, bounded by North 19th Street and North 20th Street
City of Tampa Parking Rates & Information

WHERE DO I ENTER AND EXIT?

Main Entrance: Palm Avenue
Enter at the Main Entrance to the festival located on Palm Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets.
14th Street (Avenida Republica de Cuba)
Wristband exit and re-entry only

WHAT CAN I BRING?

THW approved items include:

  • Small bags and backpacks (smaller than 17″x12″x10″, subject to search)
  • Empty refillable water bottle (water fountain on Cantina level near restrooms)
  • Wheelchairs and medical scooters
  • Strollers for children
  • Hand-held still cameras

WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED?

Please leave the following items at home:

  • Alcohol (we will provide on-site), water, and other beverages
  • Glass containers
  • Coolers and thermoses
  • Food
  • Umbrellas and tents (anything that can obstruct the view of others)
  • Chairs (WMNF will have some seating available)
  • Video and audio recording equipment
  • Pets
  • Wagons, skateboards, skates and Segways
  • Weapons, illicit drugs and other contraband
  • Balls, frisbees, missiles, and any other types of throwing objects or projectiles

WILL THERE BE BEVERAGES FOR SALE?

Yes. There will be bars throughout each area, as well as water for sale at the bars.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL POLICIES?

No unauthorized vending. THW reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the festival anyone in violation of these policies or for any reason.

HOW CAN I GAIN CREDENTIALS FOR A PRESS PASS?

Please send your contact information to [email protected] along with link to your publication and related media.

Tropical Heatwave sponsorship opportunities are available!
Contact Development Director Shari A. at [email protected].

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Cuban Club | Ybor City


WMNF IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. WMNFu2019S SOLICITATION CODE IS SC-00786. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAYBE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE,1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 100% OF EACH DONATION IS RECEIVED BY THE NATHAN B. STUBBLEFIELD FOUNDATION (WMNF.)

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