Gasparilla Festival of the Arts returns to Tampa. Here’s a guide.

Bask in the great outdoors while viewing works of art and hearing live music at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, happening March 2-3 at Tampa’s Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

Now in its 54th year, the festival draws artists from around the nation working in painting, ceramics, glass, photography, sculpture, digital arts, mixed media, fiber and jewelry. It will be juried by Robin Nicholson, executive director of The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg.

With an estimated attendance of 30,000, it’s one of the area’s most popular events. Here’s what to know before you go.

It’s free to attend.

In this economy, free events are a great equalizer. Making the experience of art accessible to everyone can be life-changing. VIP and ticketed special events can also be purchased.

See the work of hundreds of artists.

Every year, a participating artist’s image is chosen as the official image of the festival. This year, it’s the painting “Ride Your Way” by Mexico-born, Chicago-based artist Karina Llergo. The image will appear on festival merchandise like posters and T-shirts.

In addition to more than 230 artists in the main show, there is also a showcase of emerging artists and a spotlight on local artists, both of which will be juried for awards.

In the Community Outreach Village, view works created by artists with disabilities who work with organizations Arts4All, Pyramid, Inc. and MacDonald Training Center.

The Young Artists Expo features works by teens from regional high schools. And because it’s never too early to start appreciating art, the Art Collectors in Training program lets young people shop artist-made creations that are priced affordably.

Live entertainment adds to the festivities.

Emcee Denis Phillips, the popular chief meteorologist for ABC Action News, will introduce the live entertainment, which includes yoga accompanied by music, a concert by the School of Rock Tampa All Children Band and a performance by University of Tampa Dance. The musical headliner on March 2 is Minnesota-based rock band Durry, and March 3′s headliner is St. Petersburg-based funk/rock band Ajeva.

There will also be interactive experiences for adults and children, like demonstrations and hands-on art activities.

See how art gets made with several interactive experiences including glass artist Duncan McClellan’s Mobile Glassblowing Unit. Watch artists paint vehicles at Carmada and try your own hand on the NOMAD Art Bus. See how artists transform the walkway in mind-bending ways in the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts Chalk Walk. Visit artists working in their remote studios.

The VIP experience includes a space to hang out.

There is a VIP option to maximize the experience. It includes shade, private bathrooms and a tent with catered food and beer, wine and cocktails as well as a pass to the Artist Awards Showcase that happens in the Tampa River Center at the park on the night of March 2. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 the weekend of the festival and include admission for both days.

Parking and transportation information

There is free street parking adjacent to the park, but in the highly likely event that those spots are taken, you have more options. Vehicles with accessible parking tags can park in the North and South Lots at the park on a first-come, first-served basis. $15 parking is available at Howard W. Blake High School, 1701 N. Boulevard. If you’re up for a brief walk, there is street parking on Doyle Carlton Drive, at the Barrymore Hotel and in the Royal Street Regional Lot. There are free shuttles to the festival from the Poe Garage and the Rivergate Tower Garage, and there’s a water taxi stop near the Fort Brooke Garage.

If you go to the festival

Where to eat and drink: There will be food trucks, a food court with picnic tables and beer and wine available for purchase.

How to dress: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking through the park. Hats with wide brims are highly recommended, as there isn’t much shade throughout the art displays.

Visit the information booth: There is a booth at the south end of the park, near Tampa Preparatory School.

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 3. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Boulevard, Tampa. gasparillaarts.com.