I won but wasn't able to pick up my award. How can I get it?
This year, we have our BOTB Awards Store, where you can get plaques, banners, decals, and more. You can also pick up your printed certificate at our office, CL Space, in Tampa Heights on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Wednesday, October 6th. Click here for a complimentary winners badge and social graphic.

How wasn’t I nominated? I don’t understand. But I’m the best! You must hate us.
It’s important to keep in mind that the nominations you’re able to vote on during the voting phase are submitted by the PUBLIC. We held a three-week-long open nominations period in July where we accepted more than 75,000 nominations! This year, only the top 20 nominees with the most nominations moved on to the voting phase.

So, the nominations are submitted by the public? Does Creative Loafing choose any awards?
Yes! Best of the Bay is split up into two sets of awards: Readers’ Picks and Critics’ Picks. The Readers’ Picks Awards (what YOU get to vote on) are submitted and voted on by the public; the person/place/business/thing/etc. with the most votes in that specific category walks away with that title for 2021. The Critics’ Pick Awards are curated awards selected by Creative Loafing staff. We do not accept nominations for these awards and, instead, are some of our staff’s favorite things about the Tampa Bay area right now.

Is there an awards ceremony at the party?
No, we do not host a formal awards ceremony. Instead, we party with the best! Best of the Bay Awards Party is a 21-and-up cocktail-style event featuring food and drink samples, local entertainment, and more. Awards will be available for pickup throughout the night and photo opportunities with your award(s) will be available. Plus, you get a unique opportunity to mix and mingle with Tampa Bay's best!

Is the party only for finalists and winners?
No! The party is open to the public! Anyone is welcome to sample the best, party with the best, and celebrate the best! If you love Tampa Bay, you'll want to be there.

What COVID-19 precautions will be taken at this year's party?
Capacity is limited and masks are encouraged. Please refer to CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and the Delta Variant. Any mask or vaccination requirements by the venue will be available here. The Best of the Bay Awards Party 2021 is committed to a safe and positive event experience for guests, vendors, and staff, and will adhere to CDC-recommended protocols. By attending this event, you agree that you and/or everyone in your party is currently vaccinated or will be vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of the event, or you understand the risks associated with attending an event and not being vaccinated.