VIP Admission includes:
• Early entry at 5:30 p.m.
• Early access to 2022 BOTB Awards Pickup
• Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres during VIP-only hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• 2 complimentary drinks
• VIP gift including a $50 Hard Rock voucher, Lightning & Bucs swag, & more + VIP lanyard
• Mix & mingle with Tampa Bay’s key players
• Food & drink sampling by Tampa Bay’s best
• Live local entertainment
• & more!

General Admission Plus includes:
• Entry at 6:30 p.m.
• Access to 2022 BOTB Awards Pickup
• Mix & mingle with Tampa Bay’s key players
• Food & drink sampling by Tampa Bay’s best
• Live local entertainment
• & more!

General Admission includes:
• Entry at 7:30 p.m.
• Access to 2022 BOTB Awards Pickup
• Mix & mingle with Tampa Bay’s key players
• Food & drink sampling by Tampa Bay’s best
• Live local entertainment
• & more!

Is Best of the Bay Party still happening on on Thursday, September 29th?
Due to the projected Hurricane Ian storm path, with the safety of our attendees and event team at top of mind, we are postponing the Best of the Bay Party to Thursday, October 6th. Tickets that have already been purchased will be valid on the new date or refunds will be available at the point of purchase. We are still planning on releasing the BOTB Issue with the winners list, including top 3, on stands and online on Friday, September 30th.

How do I get nominated? How do I make it to the voting round? HOW DO I WIN?
We held open nominations through the end of June 2022. The top 10 nominees in each category made it to the voting round in August 2022. The nominee with the most votes in that specific category during the voting around will walk away with that title for 2022. 

How will I know if I won? How will you find my contact info?
The finalists in each category will be contacted by end of the day on Friday, September 16th, with an exclusive discount code to join us at Best of the Bay Party on September 29th. If you were a nominee, please check your spam! The winners will be announced in our annual Best of the Bay Issue, which we're releasing at the party! We provided a public form where nominees could submit their contact info to make sure we have the most up-to-date contact on file. 

How wasn’t I nominated? I don’t understand. But I’m the best! You must hate me/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 hold a month-long open nominations period in June where we accept thousands of nominations! This year, only the top 10 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 2022. 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 CL hosting the party this year? Is there an awards ceremony at the party?
Yes, we're hosting the party this year! No, we do not host a formal awards ceremony. Instead, we party with the best! The Best of the Bay 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! Tickets are on sale now here. Finalists will receive an exclusive $10 off code to join us at the party to celebrate.

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. Any mask or vaccination requirements by the venue will be available here. The Best of the Bay Party 2022 is committed to a safe and positive event experience for guests, vendors, and staff, and will adhere to CDC-recommended protocols.