Tampa Riverfest is a massive two-day, free event that is held the first weekend in May each year,with this year's Riverfest taking place on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th, 2023.
Returning for its seventh year, Tampa Riverfest is promising to be bigger and bigger than ever, you’ll discover so much happening along the entire span of the Riverwalk, which stretches from Water Street Tampa, north to Armature works as it winds along the edge of the Riverwalk on Hillsborough River.
The majority of the celebration is focused at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, in the middle of the Riverwalk.
Riverfest kicks off Friday May 5 at 5 pm and runs until 10 pm. On Saturday, the celebrations begins at 9 am and will be going strong until 10:30 p.m.
Tampa Riverfest features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.
This year's festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and RiverFiesta (NEW!) on Saturday.
There is also a full concert series of tribute bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights.
Other activities include a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade, yoga, a water ski show and a paddle invasion.
Tampa Riverfest kicks off on Friday night at 5.30 pm with a night of live music, eats, treats, and a few beers, all located at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Friday night’s live music highlights includes tributes to Katy Perry, No Doubt, and Journey.
The much loved and spectacular Hot Air Balloon Glow will take place at 8:30 pm, and its beautiful!
The sun will rise on Saturday's all day celebration with a Paddleboard Invasion at 8:30 am, and then a mass yoga session on the awn at 9 am.
This year's RiverFest will see RiverFiesta! taking lace on the Saturday, where you can sample a variety of tacos, bowls and nachos while enjoying Tampa Riverfest.
Also on Saturday from 11 am-5 pm, Riverfest Market by Tampa Markets will feature a host of independent vendors at Water Works Park.
Guests can enjoy local vendors including handcrafted goods, plants and more.
From 6 pm - 8 pm there will be lantern-making workshops before the Riverfest Lantern Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, begininning at 8:30 pm.
Saturday’s live music includes tributes to Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Prince and Queen.
Check out the highlights and times for this years event, plus the main stage entertainment has been announced with the concert taking place in Curtis Hixon Park.
Parking will be available at multiple locations near the event and within a few blocks.
See the map below.
The address of Curtis Hixon Park is 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Nearby garages include William F. Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage.
The address of Water Works Park is 1701 N. Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Nearby lots and garages include the 220 Parking Lot and the Heights Parking Garage as well as the Armature Works Lots.
Various on-street metered spaces are also available. Parking rates and hours of operation vary depending upon the location of the space.
You can also travel to the event using Uber, Lyft, Pirate Water Taxi, Coast Bike Share, and TECO Line Streetcar. The TECO Line Streetcar is FREE and comes every 15 minutes.
*PIRATE WATER TAXI OFFERING 10% OFF FOR ALL RIDERS ATTENDING RIVERFEST!
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