Two big food and music fests happening at Tampa’s waterfront parks

Curtis Hixon Park (600 N Ashley Dr) is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. The huge waterfront green space is consistently activated for major events in the city such as Riverfest, Rock the Park, and Winter Village. Additionally, Julian B Lane Riverfront Park is an expansive venue that has served as host for some of the biggest parties in the city. Here are two big food and music fests to attend at the waterfront parks:

Oktoberfest Tampa
October 13-15
Friday: 4pm-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Tickets
Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr

For 3 full days, Tampa’s downtown Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will be transformed into the city’s largest, waterfront beer garden. Soak in the sprawling downtown views and beautiful sunsets as the park buzzes with live music, dancing, alphorns, dirndls, lederhosen – and of course, beer! 

Festival goers are encouraged to participate in the wide range of custom-crafted Outrageous Bavarian Games that foster fun challenges to win cool prizes and more importantly, the bragging rights. Oktoberfest Games are free to play. Saturday afternoon is jam-packed with some of our biggest competitions. The Beard and Mustache competition is one of the biggest in the region. Hoist your stein and watch one of Tampa’s most engaging personal competitions available throughout the year.

Tampa Pig Jig
October 21
1pm-10pm
Tickets
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd Tampa

Each Fall, the Tampa Pig Jig brings incredible live music, delicious food, ice-cold beer, and a fierce corporate barbecue competition to downtown Tampa’s waterfront. But it’s more than just a good time, the Tampa Pig Jig is a philanthropic event that raises money for NephCure, the only nonprofit organization committed to supporting research, improving treatment, and finding a cure for the debilitating kidney disease, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome.

Country star Brad Paisley is the headlining performer at the event.

What to read next:

• The Candle Pour opens inside Oxford Exchange
• The Florida State Fair is TikTok Famous
• The Birdie Lounge brings 171 virtual courses to Tampa
• Stoner’s Pizza Joint opening multiple restaurants in Tampa