Tampa Riverfest is a sprawling, family-friendly event that spans the entire length of the Tampa Riverwalk. The festivities are officially set for May 2 and 3.
The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of regional and local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 N Ashley Dr) 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.
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Tickets for the highly anticipated Taste of the Riverwalk and Taco Fest go on sale March 7 and can be reserved online.
Riverfest includes two food-themed events and a local market
Taste of the Riverwalk is officially back on May 2 from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The fun will include big concerts, beer trucks on site, and, of course, food vendors. Participating restaurants will be announced in the coming months. Note: a wristband is required to access the food tent area.
On May 3, TacoFest once again arrives at Curtis Hixon Park (600 N Ashley Dr). This delicious event offers the opportunity to try a variety of tacos and toppings while enjoying all of Riverfest’s other aspects.
Tampa’s huge Lantern Parade will take place on May 3 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Participants decorate their own paper lanterns and join in on the parade. The parade will start at Water Works Park in Tampa Heights and end in Curtis Hixon Park. Lantern kits will be for sale the day of the event, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., in Water Works Park (1701 N Highland Ave).
A water ski show added to the festivities
The Water Ski Show will also return during Riverfest. This oh-so-Florida event will take place on May 3 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. and is free to watch. The best views will be from the Riverwalk by Water Works Park in Tampa Heights (near Armature Works at 1910 N Ola Ave).
Learn more on the official Riverfest website and Facebook for those interested in participating, attending, or vending.
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