- FuelFest returns to Tampa on March 28 for its second massive year at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
- Fast & Furious stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker are hosting, keeping the franchise legacy front and center.
- The event packs 800+ custom cars, open drift pits, and a live concert by MAYDAY!
- Tickets start at $35, with proceeds supporting Paul Walker’s non-profit, Reach Out WorldWide.
Photo credit: FuelFest
The engine noise is coming back, and this time it’s louder. After crushing it in South Florida and making waves globally from Tokyo to Abu Dhabi, FuelFest is dropping gear for its second annual takeover of Tampa.
On Saturday, March 28, the Florida State Fairgrounds transforms into a massive automotive playground. This isn’t just a parking lot meet. It’s a full-throttle festival culture event where the smell of tire smoke is part of the atmosphere.
Gates open at 1 PM, and from the second you walk in, the scale hits you. We’re talking over 800 custom, exotic, rare, and exclusive cars filling the grounds. But the real pull isn’t just the metal—it’s the legacy.
The Fast Legacy Lives On
FuelFest isn’t just a brand; it’s DNA. Founded by Cody Walker, the event carries the torch of car culture that Fast & Furious ignited globally. And the star power backing it is real.
Photo credit: FuelFest
Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker are confirmed for special appearances. Seeing them on the ground, interacting with the crowd and the cars, brings that “family” energy from the screen to the pavement. It’s a rare chance to connect with the faces that defined a generation of car enthusiasts.
Drift Pits and JDM Vibes
Static shows are fine, but FuelFest moves. The Fitment Industries drift pits are open access, meaning you aren’t watching from a mile away. You’re up close to the tire-shredding action. Pro drivers are running demos, and yes, fan ride-alongs are on the menu.
For the JDM heads, the new “C4 Energy Taste of Tokyo” showcase is the zone to hit. This is an underground car meet vibe dropped right into Tampa, featuring the kind of street-style builds you’d usually only see lurking in Shibuya.
Photo credit: FuelFest
Music and the Main Stage
The energy doesn’t drop when the engines cut. The SPARQ Festival Stage is anchoring the live entertainment, featuring a concert by MAYDAY! It’s that blend of motorsports and music festival energy that keeps the crowd moving from noon until the sun goes down.
Driving for a Cause
Here’s the best part. A portion of every ticket goes directly to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the non-profit founded by Paul Walker. Since 2010, ROWW has deployed relief teams to disaster zones worldwide, from Haiti to the recent hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida.
FuelFest has raised over $750,000 for ROWW so far. So when you’re buying that ticket or upgrading to the VIP lounge, you’re fueling real disaster relief work.
Photo credit: FuelFest
How to Get In
Tickets start at $35, and kids 12 and under get in free, which is a massive win for families. VIP packages are available if you want that private lounge access and free swag.
The Florida State Fairgrounds gates open March 28 at 1 PM. Don’t sleep on this. If last year was any indicator, the turnout is going to be massive.
