Suncoast Social: Sips, Bites & Live Music at Wellen Park Wine Festival
Details
Join the Suncoast Social Circle for an afternoon at the annual Wellen Park Wine Festival! We are heading out together to taste our way through regional and international wines, sample bites from top Downtown Wellen kitchens, and listen to live blues and contemporary jazz on the lawn.
Whether you consider yourself an experienced wine taster or simply want to sip good varietals in the Florida sunshine and meet great local people, this is a welcoming, easygoing group outing.
Coming alone? Most members do! We gather right before gates open so everyone can make introductions, pair up, and browse the tasting tents together.
What to Expect
The Sips: Unlimited tastings from nearly 40 vintners (your souvenir tasting glass is included with admission).
The Bites: General admission includes 4 food tasting tickets to redeem at downtown partner pop-ups, including The Banyan House, Acqua Pazza, Oak & Stone, Agave Bandido, and Villani & Co.
The Tunes: Live music throughout the festival featuring Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones.
The Atmosphere: Walkable, shaded spots by the lake, casual conversational pace, and zero cliques.
Meeting Spot & Itinerary
12:45 PM – Pre-Entry Check-in & Meetup:
Meet outside the entrance near the Solis Hall plaza walkway. Look for your host holding a clipboard with the Suncoast Social Circle sign. We’ll grab our wristbands and head in together right when General Admission opens at 1:00 PM.
(VIP ticketholders with 12:00 PM entry can message in the event chat to connect with other early attendees inside).
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Tasting Tents & Food Walk:
Wander the Great Lawn tasting booths in small groups, sample favorite pairings, and regroup at our lawn base camp.
3:30 PM – Group Photo & Cool-Down:
Gather near the lakefront stage for a final group cheers and photo before the festival wraps at 4:00 PM.
Important Ticket & Logistics Info
Festival Tickets Required: You must purchase your festival ticket directly in advance through the official Wellen Park Wine Festival page. These tickets sell out every year, so purchase as early as possible.
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Parking: Free self-parking is available throughout Downtown Wellen Park surface lots, but spaces fill quickly on festival days—plan to arrive by 12:30 PM. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and golf carts are strongly encouraged.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen/hat, and a valid photo ID (strictly 21+ for festival entry).