The Annual Cigar City Brewing Criterium and Street Festival Is Saturday

Don’t miss the fourth Annual Cigar City Brewing Criterium and Street Festival in downtown on Saturday, March 31.

The event will feature 600 amateur and professional cyclists from across the country competing in short course high-speed races known in cycling circles as a crit.

The crit, presented by Bright House Networks and produced by the Tampa Downtown Partnership, will take place in and around Lykes Gaslight Square, 410 N. Franklin St., from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

While the athletes compete in the races, the street festival will be in full swing.

Spectators can watch the amateur and professional races, enjoy bike polo and roller derby demos, browse through sports, health and wellness expos, and savor fare from some of their favorite food trucks as well as craft beer from Cigar City Brewing.

Those who wish to be active can compete in a duathlon, family fun ride or 3k beer dash, while children can enjoy bike decorating, helmet giveaways and fun activities in the kids zone.

"There is something for everyone at this free community event. We have food trucks and outdoor cafes for foodies, we have kids activities for families, we have award-winning beer for beer lovers and we have intense racing for sports fans," said Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning at Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Ride your bike to the event and take advantage of the free bike valet parking and bike safety checks.

Although the event is free to the public, folks have the option to purchase tickets for the VIP Viewing Area at the start/finish line. VIP tickets are $75 each and include hors d'oeuvres, a buffet, beers and soft drinks, and autograph sessions with professional cyclists.

For more information about the Annual Cigar City Brewing Criterium and Street Festival or to purchase VIP tickets, visit tampacrit.com.
For more information about the Tampa Downtown Partnership, visit www.tampasdowntown.com.