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 locally-sponsored, annual music festival celebrating diversity in music during an exotic evening of eclectic entertainment, 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 provides a platform for diverse voices committed to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Saturday, May 4, 2024
Gates open at 5 PM
Music runs 6 PM – 1:00 AM on four (4) stages
Location: The Cuban Club, Ybor City
*2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba (aka 14th St.), Tampa, Florida 33605
*The main entrance to THW will be on Palm Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets.

WHEN WILL TICKETS FOR THW 2024 GO ON SALE?

Tickets are on sale now!

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?

General Admission
Advance pricing (ends Friday May 3rd at 11:59pm) – $40
Door/Day of Show pricing (starts Saturday May 4th at 12am) – $50

Box Office opens at 4:30pm on May 4th. Gates open at 5pm.

Sponsorship and Oasis passes are available, which may include various extra access and perks – See below or call the station during business hours. Ask for Shari Akram, WMNF Development Director.

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 either print your ticket and bring it 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 and will open on Saturday, May 4th at 4:30 PM. Cash or major credit cards will be accepted.

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT AT THW IN 2024?

THW will have a larger patio area that will incorporate the El Pasaje to include food, art, and crafts vendors. We’ll also be incorporating The Theater (2nd floor inside The Cuban Club) for entertainment and a cool-down place.

WHAT BANDS / MUSICIANS ARE PLAYING AT WMNF’S 2024 TROPICAL HEATWAVE?

See the line up here

*All Bands, Dates and Times are Subject to Change or Cancellation

WHAT TIMES DO THE BANDS PERFORM?

CUBAN CLUB PATIO:

 The Sensational Barnes Brothers (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm) 

Eddie 9V (7:50 pm – 8:50 pm)

Ruthie Foster (9:10 pm – 10:10 pm)

The Record Company (10:30 pm – 11:30 pm)

Say She She (11:45 pm – 12:45 am) 

CANTINA: 

Kristopher James Band (6:15 pm – 7:15 pm) 

Selwyn Birchwood (7:35 pm – 8:35 pm) 

The Dollyrots (8:55 pm – 9:55 pm) 

Sweeping Promises (10:15 pm – 11:15 pm)

Tiger 54 (11:30 pm – 12:15 am)

BALLROOM:

The Real Clash (6:00 pm – 6:45 pm)

Black Valley Moon (7:00 pm – 7:45 pm)

Divine AF (8:00 pm – 8:45 pm) 

Soul Purpose IV (9:00 pm – 9:45 pm) 

Northstar (10:00 pm – 10:45 pm)

WAHH World Fusion Band (11 pm – 11:45 pm) 

THEATRE:

7pm – 11pm “Hip Hop Lounge” 50 years of Hip Hop

Doors open at 5pm, music begins at 5:30pm with the Gulfport Geckos Marching Band, stages start at 6pm… nonstop until 12:45am!!

*All Bands, Dates and Times are Subject to Change or Cancellation

IS THW “KID-FRIENDLY”?

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 businesses. Your support is greatly appreciated and there are several levels of opportunities designed to fit your company’s needs and budget. Please email Development Director Shari at [email protected] to learn how you can be part of the community of sponsors!

HOW CAN I SUBMIT MY BAND TO PLAY AT THW 2024?

Currently the 2024 lineup is full. Please contact Linda Reisinger, Events Coordinator or Sam Hval, Program Director to inquire about the 2025 THW.

WILL THERE BE VENDORS OR FOOD TRUCKS AT THW?

Yes! There will be food trucks and art vendors this year at THW! Vendors will be located throughout the event. While you may bring food over to the music side, you may not bring alcohol over to the food truck area in El Pasaje Plaza.

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 chairs in various locations. There will be chairs on the patio (as available, no holding). The Hip Hop Lounge experience will be in the air-conditioned theater on the 2nd floor, and 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, t-shirts, posters, and more will be available for purchase on the Cuban Club Patio. Cash or credit sales.

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?

General Admission Main Entrance: Palm Avenue
Enter at the Main Entrance to the festival located on Palm Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets.

VIP Entrance – 13th Street
VIP ticket holders only.
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 and free water stations.

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 Special Events Coordinator, Linda Reisinger [email protected] along with a link to your publication and related media.

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

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.)