Gainesville’s own Sister Hazel will take center stage at the 9th annual Tampa Riverfest, set for Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, along the Tampa Riverwalk. Best known for their ‘90s hit “All for You,” the platinum‑selling band will headline the free festival on Saturday night at Curtis Hixon Park (600 N. Ashley Dr).
Riverfest, hosted by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk and presented by Publix Super Markets, transforms the Tampa Riverwalk into a lively celebration of music, food, and culture. Events stretch from Curtis Hixon Park to Water Works Park and Sparkman Wharf, culminating in the illuminated 4th Annual Riverfest Lantern Parade on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
This year, festivalgoers will use emailed QR codes instead of wristbands for ticketed events like Taste of the Riverwalk, Taco Fest, and VIP access. Advance purchases offer discounted pricing and faster entry.
Riverfest’s partnership with the Gasparilla Music Foundation brings a packed lineup of local, regional, and national acts. Live performances will take place on the Curtis Hixon Main Stage and the 101 N. Meridian Stage at Water Works Park.
Friday, May 2 – Curtis Hixon Park
The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. with live music. At 5:30 p.m., food lovers can enjoy the Taste of the Riverwalk, sampling dishes from top Tampa restaurants. Early bird pricing offers three tastes for $20 or five for $25 until May 1, with prices rising by $5 on event day. The Black Honkeys will close out Friday night with their signature mix of Motown, funk, and rock at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 – Curtis Hixon Park
Saturday starts with Taco Fest, featuring tacos from Jotoro and Streetlight Taco. Early pricing is $20 for three tacos and $25 for five tacos, with prices increasing on the event day. Beer, margaritas, and soft drinks will be available, along with food trucks serving up a variety of treats.
At 11 a.m., the Florida Wiener Dog Derby brings high-speed dachshund races, a “Jurassic Bark”-themed costume contest, and one of the largest gatherings of wiener dogs in the state.
Live music begins at 11 a.m., leading up to Sister Hazel’s headlining performance at 9 p.m. The band, known for blending rock, alternative, and country influences, has charted multiple times on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. Beyond music, Sister Hazel supports cancer research through their nonprofit, Lyrics for Life, which has raised over $5 million.
Saturday, May 3 – Water Works Park
Early risers can join the Urban Kai Paddle Invasion at 8:30 a.m., choosing between a 6-mile or 2-mile course. At 9 a.m., Free Yourself Yoga hosts a donation-based class at Armature Works.
The Riverfest Market, curated by The Women’s Creative, features more than 30 vendors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities and a DJ spinning tunes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Starting at 3 p.m., sports activations featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning take over Water Works Park. At 4 p.m., the Tampa Bay Water Ski Team will showcase their aerial stunts along the Hillsborough River.
4th Annual Riverwalk Lantern Parade
A festival highlight, the Riverwalk Lantern Parade will light up the night on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will lead the mile-long procession from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Park. Lantern-making workshops, origami lessons, and a haiku wall will be available Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For those looking to create a lantern ahead of time, workshops will be held at Armature Works (1910 N Ola Ave) on April 15, April 23, and April 28. Tickets are $40, with $30 supporting Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk.
For an upgraded experience, the VIP tent—hosted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, JW Marriott, Tampa Marriott Water Street, and Ashley—offers complimentary drinks, light bites, and front-row access to concerts. Discounted VIP tickets are available for $95 (Friday) and $120 (Saturday) through May 1, with prices increasing by $5 on event day.
For more details and ticket purchases, visit thetampabayriverfest.com.
