Riverfest is a public, two-day, FREE event that is held the first weekend in May each year. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.
Schedule of Events:
Curtis Hixon Park:
Live Music: 11AM-10:30PM
Entertainment:
DJ Ku: 11:00AM
Shawn Kyle: 1:30PM
Greg Roy & the Pressure Band: 3:50PM
Aubrey Wollett: 5:15PM
Ghost Funk Orchestra: 7:00PM
Sister Hazel: 9:00PM
DJ Deacon: Special Guest
Beer Tents: 11AM-10:30PM
Food Trucks: 11AM-10:30PM
Marketing/Promo Tents: 11AM-10:30PM
Wiener Dog Derby: 11AM-5PM
Back by popular demand, Tampa Riverfest is partnering with The Florida Wiener Dog Derby as part of the FREE events and activities for Riverfest.
This is likely the largest Dachshund gathering in the State of Florida! Please come join us for a day of family fun!
TacoFest: 11AM-8PM
TacoFest will provide a delicious opportunity to try a variety of tacos while enjoying all the other aspects of Riverfest like the Wiener Dog Derby, Concert Series, Beer Tents, and more. A ticket (QR Code) purchase is required for access to the food tent area.
EARLY-BIRD Tickets are now available in the quantities below. Prices will increase day of event!
3 TACOS FOR $20
5 TACOS FOR $25
VIPTent: 5PM-10:30PM
Hot Air Balloon Glow: 8:30PM-9PM
Riverfest's Hot Air Balloon Glow is one of the highlights of this event! Join us to watch hot air balloons light up the pastel sky at sunset, creating a rainbow of neon colors against the backdrop of the city.
Closing Headliner Band: 8:30PM-10:30PM
Water Works Park:
Yoga at Armature Works: 9AM-10AM
Paddle Invasion: 8:30AM (6 mi. race) & 8:45AM (3 mi./I mi. race)
Get ready for a day of exciting racing & FUN for the whole family as Urban Kai & Friends of the Riverwalk host the 2025 Paddle Invasion!
Race Day schedule is going to be as follows:
7:30 am- Racer Check-in at Urban Kai-Armature Works
8:00 am- Captains Meeting-on lawn in front of Urban Kai
8:30 am- 6 Mile Race start
8:45 am- 3 mile & 1 mile Race start
11:30 am- Awards-on lawn in front of Urban Kai
Click here to Sign Up
Beer Tents: 11AM-9PM
Food Trucks: 11AM-9PM
Riverfest Market: 11AM-3PM
FREE for all to join and enjoy local vendors including handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy the music on the Water Works Park Stage and several delicious food trucks to choose from!
Sport & Dance Activities: 3PM-5PM
Water Ski Show: 4PM-5PM
The water ski show featuring the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show team returns for its second year at Tampa Riverfest presented by Publix Super Markets! The water ski show will take place in front of Water Works Park along the Hillsborough River.
Lantern Making Workshops: 5PM-8PM
Lantern Parade: 8:30PM-9:30PM
The Riverfest Lantern Parade is an annual event where participants decorate their own paper lanterns and join a 1-mile parade that illuminates the Riverwalk! The parade will start at Water Works Park at 8:30 PM and end in Curtis Hixon Park.
