St. Petersburg’s popular food festival is back at 2240 9th Ave. S. this Feb. 15, 2025. The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival will turn the Deuces neighborhood into a center for wellness activities and family entertainment, following last year’s success that drew 13,000 people.

“First of all, it’s more than just greens,” said Samantha Harris to The Zest Podcast.

What began as a small church fundraiser in 2018 grew into something much larger. After checking out Georgia’s Metro-Atlanta Collard Greens Cultural Festival, Boyzell Hosey and Harris turned their small event into a major community celebration.

The festival aims to address important health and food access challenges. Young entrepreneurs kick off their businesses through the Youth Row Accelerator, learning key business skills while selling their products.

People can join fitness classes, watch cooking demos, or participate in the I ❤️ Greens 5K. Through the Ask a Practitioner booth, doctors and health experts offer important advice about avoiding chronic health problems.

The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum grounds welcome top chefs each year, including past visits from James Beard winners Toni Tipton-Martin and Edouardo Jordan.

Experienced farmers team up with young growers to share traditional farming techniques and keep important food traditions alive.

“We want to allow young people to see what’s possible. It’s about more than earning money — building confidence, skills, and a vision for their future,” noted Hosey.

The festival comes alive with activities — from gardening workshops to food talks and group exercise sessions. Kids can find plenty to do throughout the venue.

While honoring African American food culture, the event brings important health resources directly to South St. Petersburg neighbors.