St. Pete Hosts Empanada Festival With 50 Types Available

The 4th Annual Tampa Bay Empanada Festival takes place at Win! Derby @ Derby Lane in St. Petersburg this weekend on April 18 and 19. After three years in Tampa, the festival shifts to St. Pete for the first time.

Over 50 types of empanadas will be served by 15 vendors during the two-day event. Hours run from noon to 8 p.m. each day. The venue sits at 10490 Gandy Blvd. N.

Food trucks and international chefs will prepare their versions of these fried pockets. Vendors plan to serve other menu items too. These dishes represent their cooking methods and regular options.

An empanada eating competition starts at 6:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. There is no cost to enter. The first person who finishes four full empanadas wins.

Live music and a DJ will perform throughout both days. Craft cocktails can be purchased.

The festival drew crowds during its first three years in Tampa. Organizers chose to move the event to St. Petersburg for 2026.

Tickets are on sale now with different pricing options, according to I Love the Burg. Entry is free before 2 p.m. each day. After that time, different ticket packages can be purchased.

The spring festival season in Tampa Bay brings several food events. This weekend's celebration centers on empanadas from different international traditions and cooking methods.