It’s time to celebrate all things Riverwalk. In the first weekend of May, there will be a public, two-day, free festival that spans the entire length of the Riverwalk. The family-friendly event will be held on May 6 and 7 and will showcase Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.
What is Tampa’s Riverfest?
Riverfest started in 2015 and was held with the Mayor’s Mac & Cheese Throwdown. By 2017, it had become its own event filled with vendors, music, art and excitement. Here are some of the main events of Tampa’s Riverfest:
Taste of the Riverwalk
Riverfest’s signature event. Taste of the Riverwalk will be held on Friday, May 6, at Curtis Hixon Park. From 5:30pm to 8:30pm, attendees will get to sample bites from a variety of local Tampa Bay restaurants. A wristband purchase is required for access to the food tent area.
Hot-air Balloon Glow
On both Friday and Saturday evenings, May 6 and May 7, spectators by the Riverwalk will get to see glow-in-the-dark balloons light up the sky.
Tacofest
The main food event for Saturday, May 7, is the Tacofest at Curtis Hixon Park. TacoFest provides a delicious opportunity to try a variety of tacos and toppings while enjoying all the other aspects of Riverfest like the Wiener Dog Derby, Concert Series, Beer Tents, and more. A wristband is required for taco purchases.
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Weiner Dog Derby
Back by popular demand, Tampa Riverfest is partnering with The Florida Wiener Dog Derby to put on what is likely the largest Dachshund gathering in the State of Florida! The derby will be on Saturday, May 7 at Curtis Hixon, with races and contests throughout the day and a start time of 10:00 am. Some events include:
- Best Nose
- The Speed Trap
- Costume Contest
- Kissing Contest
- Best Tail
- Dachshund Racing.
Wiener dogs from the age of 4 months to 18 years old will race in many age categories.
Concert Series
The concert series comprises several local top bands and a DJ playing both days of Tampa RiverFest. All bands will play on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Park.
Paddle Invasion
Start off your Saturday morning right with the Paddle Invasion! Riverfest is partnering with Urban Kai to help attendees paddle down the Hillsborough River. There will also be races and a raffle from Urban Kai.
Lantern Parade
The Lantern Parade is a completely new event at Riverfest. Participants will decorate their own paper lanterns and join in on the parade that starts at Water Works Park at 8pm and ends at Curtis Hixon Park.
