Ybor City Museum Society hosts speakeasy event Nov. 7

The fourth annual ¡VIVA! Speakeasy Soiree is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Tampa.

The event is presented by Hattricks Tavern and organized by the Ybor City Museum Society. It aims to showcase the local flavors and traditions that helped shape the Ybor City district and the Tampa Bay community.

Guests will sample food and drinks from a list of participating local businesses. The list includes Acropolis Greek Taverna, Bernini of Ybor, Caribbean Twist, Flan Factory, Hotel Haya, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Retro House. Channelside Brewing will serve an exclusive ¡VIVA! Cuban Lager, with distribution support from Pepin Distributing.

Live music will play throughout the evening, accompanied by a 1920s-inspired dance performance by students from Hillsborough College’s Ybor City campus. Attendees can watch cigar rolling demonstrations and play bolita, a game with roots in Ybor City history. A wine pull and silent auction will feature unique items and experiences. The improv group Band on Demand will create a special themed performance on the spot with help from guests.

A signature part of the night is the speakeasy tour. This takes guests down a secret staircase into the J.C. Newman basement and cigar vault. A new addition this year is the “VIVA Jail,” where attendees can place misbehaving friends in for a good cause until they are bailed out.

Tickets are limited and on sale now through the Ybor City Museum Society website. General admission tickets cost $75, or $65 for members. VIP tickets cost $125, or $115 for members. VIPs get exclusive early access to the speakeasy for a private reception. All tickets include a password to enter the speakeasy, unlimited food and beverage tastings, and a commemorative cigar.

The event is supported by Dunn & Co., Farah & Farah, Grow Financial, Hillsborough College, KETTLER, Swope, Rodante, Newsome & Steinberg, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The evening recreates the 1920s era when the cigar industry and social scene were booming and Prohibition was not slowing anyone down.