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The Festivals of Speed is returning to downtown St. Petersburg this winter, bringing one of Florida’s most recognizable luxury lifestyle automotive showcases back to the waterfront.
The 21st Annual Festivals of Speed at St. Petersburg Presented by Porsche Clearwater will take place Saturday, Feb. 15, at Vinoy Park, overlooking Tampa Bay. The event will feature a display of 250+ exotic, classic, muscle cars, motorcycles and luxury brands, with vehicles showcased throughout the park against the backdrop of the bay and St. Pete’s vibrant downtown.
Guests can expect to see designs from brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes, McLaren and more. The show field has become known for its variety, blending vintage and contemporary vehicles across multiple categories rather than focusing on just one style of car. In addition to the automotive display, offshore race boats, antique boats, and other unique watercraft are encouraged to participate, adding another layer to the Vinoy Park setting.
For event creator Joe Sabatini, the blend of high-end vehicles and a more laid-back atmosphere has been part of the concept since the beginning. “There weren’t many large formal events [back in the day],” Sabatini said. “Our event is a lot more laid back. Our guys and gals like nice cars but they like to let their hair down…That’s our MO: high-end and relaxed.”
Sabatini said Festivals of Speed started small, and grew through demand from the enthusiast community. “In the very beginning, it started in a small town north of Orlando,” he said. “I had an art gallery at the time, threw a party for a Ferrari club event. That was the first automotive show, then other clubs, like Porsche, wanted to get into it – they loved the format.”
That format continues today, with Festivals of Speed positioning itself as more than a traditional car show. In addition to the vehicles, Vinoy Park will include onsite cafés serving fine wines and festive cocktails, plus culinary offerings, a cigar lounge, music and an awards presentation. He added that most entrants into car shows are exhausted by the end, but not here; here it’s smooth riding.
While the event includes some of the most recognizable luxury makes in the world, the goal is to keep the show approachable for newcomers while still attracting serious collectors. “It couldn’t be any easier. It’s open to anyone,” he said. “We deny some cars. But it’s not an invite-only.” He noted that many first-timers return year after year, which is how the event has grown so steadily with loyal fans and participants.
“There’s a certain type of individual that really likes what we do,” Sabatini said. “We are like a weekend getaway for them.”
Even after more than 20 years, Sabatini still has vehicles he hopes to feature. “We’ve had almost every manufacturer, but I always did want a Sterling Moss Mercedes from the 50’s,” he said. As a car enthusiast, Sabatini’s personal favorites range from modern headturners like the Pagani Huayra to vintage 50s and 60s race cars, including GTO Ferraris, which he described as “just gorgeous.”
For St. Petersburg, Festivals of Speed is one more major outdoor event leveraging what the city does best – a walkable waterfront, open-air scenery, and a superlative setting.