Guavaween 2014 - major changes, what to expect and a #giveaway!

This will be my 4th year living in Ybor City and Guavaween is still my favorite event of the year. 2014 will be different from the years past and we cannot wait. Here is why - I strongly feel that after the city stopped the Mama Guava parade a few years back, Guavaween started going downhill. Starting this year, Big City Events will be taking over the Guavaween reigns and the party will be taking place at the Cuban Club of Ybor City. Big City Events is the same group who brings you Summer of Rum Festival, Margarita Festival and much more.

Guavaween 2013

As I mentioned above, Guavaween 2014 will take place inside and surrounding the Cuban Club of Ybor City. There will be both an outside Street Festival, festivities in the Court Yard along with additional Themed Areas inside the historic complex. This will be a huge change to the years past when Guavaween was a street party with no organization. I am looking very forward to the event this year and see what Big City Events turns Guavaween into.

A little about what you will expect: Freakshow carnival and voodoo magic come together for Guavaween 2014! There will be plenty of entertainment including Live Music on the main stage, Burlesque and Side Show Acts in the Theatre, Street Performers and more.

Voodoo magic brings the Streets of Ybor City to live with creepy carnival games, street performers, food vendors, and thousands of your costumed friends.

Named after what is known to the be the earliest place in New Orleans in which Voodoo rituals occurred, the Dumaine Street Courtyard will be the main hub of Guavaween Enjoy a lineup of live entertainment on the interactive Guavaween Big Top Stage. Be a part of the Costume Contest and vote for the Audience Choice Award. Enjoy Guavaween’s Signature Cocktail, the “Voodoo Juice”:  Be on the lookout for random street performers like a fire breather or a voodoo priestess summoned by the Voodoo Queen herself.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comforts of the Laveau Lounge IF YOU DARE. Laveau Lounge is where the voodoo queen Mary Laveau conduct her routine rituals. Enjoy Live performances on the Laveau Lounge stage, get your fortune read by Ms. Laveau’s fortune tellers, and of course get your Voodoo Juice from Ms. Laveau’s servant bartenders.

Step right up and grab a seat at the Sideshow Theater to enjoy a variety of live performances throughout the night. From Burlesque troupe shows to freak shows, you’d find the best of theatrical live performances. Any Halloween event is not complete without the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Enjoy a midnight showing of the acclaimed film on the big screen following the live performances.

Club Ju-ju is where all the freaks get together to get their “freak” on. Dance the night away as our awesome DJ’s spin the best mix to keep you on the dance floor all night. Feast your eyes a true visual magic combination of projection mapping and laser light show that will surely blow your freaky mind.






TICKETS: 
General Admission Tickets 
$18 Limited Presale | $20 Advance | $25 Regular| $30 Door (if available)
GA Tickets will get you in the gates to enjoy our entertainment lineup and all the fun Themed Areas and other amenities we have waiting for you. Drinks are purchased separately at the event.

VIP Voodoo Experience 
$80 Limited Presale | $85 Advance | $95 Regular| $125 Door (if available)
VIP Voodoo Experience gives you access to the VIP Area at the Dumaine Street Courtyard and VIP Area in Club Juju. Enjoy Unlimited Drinks/Open Bar ONLY in the VIP Area on Dumaine Street Courtyard AND in Club Juju. VIP area in Dumaine Street Courtyard will feature prime views to main stage, decorated tent/shade area, bars to serve VIP ticket holders only, some seating area, and more. Go inside to Club Juju to get your freak on and dance the night away in a special VIP only area.

VIP Table Service 
Limited VIP Tables are available for parties of up to 6 people. The VIP Tables are located inside the Laveau Lounge and Club Ju-Jū. VIP Service is provided. Please Contact Us for Reservations.

VIP Cabanas 
Want a private area for your party? We have limited Private VIP Cabanas available located outside in the Dumaine Street Courtyard. Please act fast as these will SELL OUT QUICKLY!

I am giving away THREE PAIRS of General Admission tickets to Guavaween!!! Tell me in a comment below what you are dressing up as for Halloween this year and make sure you track your entries in the rafflecopter widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Ybor City's Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar

Living in Ybor City has it's benefits. One of the best things about being located two blocks from 7th Ave. is the ability to multiple restaurants and not have to worry about driving home. I am frequently asked what my favorite restaurant in Ybor is and honestly, the answer changes on my mood. We have so many great restaurants that I cannot choose just one.

Three summers ago, when Gabe decided to attend USF for his Masters, I joined him to check out the city. Prior to that trip, the only times I had been to Tampa was going to Busch Gardens or a Bucs game. On our way back to Daytona, we stopped in Ybor City to grab dinner. Craving sushi, we ended up at Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar. I would have never imagined that a year later, we would be Ybor City residents, still frequenting Samurai Blue, a gorgeous restaurant with high brick ceilings, located in the historic Centro Ybor.

Photo from Samurai Blue's Facebook Page

We always order 2-3 rolls, accompanied by Crab Rangoons. I have never had a bad meal at Samurai Blue and we love bringing out of town guests here. The sushi is always amazing and beautifully presented. I strongly encourage a date night here, followed by a movie or a visit to the Ybor Wine Bar. Here are some of our favorite items from my favorite sushi bar!

Volcano Roll: There is tuna inside of this Volcano Roll! Topped with slices of avocado and Conch. While I find the conch a little chewy for my personal taste, overall this is a delicious roll and one of the items we frequently order.   

Hawaiian Roll: This is the perfect roll to a new sushi eater. While I prefer raw rolls, the Hawaiian Roll is one of the best tempura based rolls I have ever had. Tempura shrimp, mango, coconut, cream cheese and asparagus, topped with macadamia nuts. Yes Please!

Lobster Roll: If you are in the mood for an amazing roll - order the Lobster Roll. Inside sits tuna and crab and on top is delicious tempura Lobster. This is one of our favorites if we are in the mood for some tempura. 

Tokoyo Roll: I am borrowing this photo from my friend Leslie (www.leslie-floyd.com) as mine was too dark and grainy. Tuna and Yellowtail in one roll. Hello Lover!

Crab Rangoons: We never start a meal at Samurai Blue without an order of crispy and delicious crab rangoons. Hand down the best I have ever had in my life. Made with Lump Crab, Cream Cheese & Chives in a Crispy Wonton Wrapper, you cannot go wrong.

Cakebread Chardonnay by the glass!! Yes, you heard me correct. It is very rare to find a restaurant who serves my favorite Chardonnay by the glass. Priced right too. I never go to Samurai Blue without getting a glass of my favorite "juice".

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