The 2026 ballot can be found at vote.cltampa.com. We will hold open nominations from May 14th, 2026 through June 10, 2026. The top 15 nominees in each category will make it to the voting round on July 23rd, 2026 through August 30th, 2026. The nominee with the most votes in that specific category during the voting around will walk away with that title for 2026.

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 from May to June where we accept thousands of nominations! Only the top 15 nominees with the most nominations move on to the voting phase. If there is a tie during nominations, both nominees will move to the voting round.

Please make sure to register your business or person so we can notify you if you've made it to the voting round.

Yes and no! 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 2026.  Creative Loafing does not decide the winners and finalists of the Reader's Picks.

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.

The finalists in each category will be contacted with an exclusive discount code to join us at Best of the Bay Party. If you're 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 the top 15 nominees can submit their contact info to make sure we have the most up-to-date contact on file. Please make sure to register in the ballot so we have your most up-to-date contact information.

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+ 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! Finalists will receive an exclusive $10 off code to join us at the party to celebrate.

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.

The full list of winners will be available in the Best of the Bay Issue and cltampa.com