Since its inception in 2015, Tampa Riverfest has become a must-experience Tampa Bay event! The perfect celebration of Tampa's iconic 2.4-mile-long Riverwalk, Riverfest is a great destination for couples looking for a unique day or night date idea.
This year's Riverfest will be held the weekend of May 1 and 2, 2026.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Tampa Riverfest 2026
The 2026 Tampa Riverfest will be held May 1 and 2 in the heart of Downtown Tampa. You'll find celebrations along the entire span of the Riverwalk, which stretches from the Water Street Tampa north to Armature works as it winds along the edge of the Hillsborough River. The bulk of the celebration will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Work Park, right in the middle of the Riverwalk.
The party kicks off Friday May 1 at 5 pm and runs until 10 pm. On Saturday, the celebration begins at 8:30 am and goes until 10:30 p.m. Tampa Riverfest is free, but there are a few ticketed events worth checking out, as well.
Throughout the weekend, there will be tons of fun events to check out! On Friday and Saturday nights, Curtis Hixon Park will light up with the Hot Air Balloon Glow. This signature Riverfest event will kick off at 8:30 pm both nights.
MORE: How to Experience the Tampa Riverwalk Year-Round
What to do at Riverfest on Friday, May 1, 2026
Friday night at Riverfest kicks off with live music, beer tents, and food trucks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Snag a wristband for Taste of the Riverwalk on Friday night from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
$20 gets you three samples, and $25 gets you five from participating restaurants. Tickets are non-refundable.
What to do at Riverfest on Saturday, May 2, 2026
Saturday's celebrations go all day and begin with a Paddleboard Invasion at 8:30 a.m. Next up, try Yoga on the Lawn at 9 a.m., with live music, food trucks, and beer tents opening up at 11 a.m.
TacoFest at Tampa Riverfest
The 5th annual TacoFest will take place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Savor different varieties of tacos and toppings from Chiefs Cantina, Crab Daddy's, Dochos Latin Bistro, and Miso Lucky food trucks.
You can purchase wristbands for 3 tacos ($20) or 5 tacos ($25). Make sure to lock in pre-sale pricing now, prices will go up!
Riverfest Market
Riverfest Market by Tampa Bay Markets will feature a host of independent vendors at Water Works Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can 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!
Weiner Dog Derby
A Tampa Riverfest favorite is the Weiner Dog Derby, which will take place starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. This fun event pits the cutest dachshunds in town against each other in races all day long.
One of the largest Dachshund gatherings in the state, the festivities will include games, raffles, foster dogs and a silent art auction. To register your dog to race, click here.
2026 Water Ski Show
The water ski show featuring the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show team returns for its second year at Tampa Riverfest. The water ski show will take place in front of Water Works Park along the Hillsborough River. Show will start a 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
2026 Tampa Riverfest Lantern Parade
The Riverfest Lantern Parade allows participants to 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 p.m. and end in Curtis Hixon Park. You can bring your own or buy one of their lantern kits ahead of time or for sale the day of the event from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Riverfest Lantern Kits available:
- Manatee Kit – $25
- Sea Turtle Kit – $25
- Basic Kit – $20
All kits purchased in advance to be picked up at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitor Center at 201 N. Franklin St., #102, Tampa.
Tampa Riverfest: Parking and Transportation
Since the Tampa Riverwalk spans all of downtown Tampa, there are plenty of parking options depending on which end of the Riverwalk you'd like to be on.
While you can always hunt for street parking, during a special event like Tampa Riverfest, you may find it easiest to park in a city garage and walk a few blocks to the Riverwalk. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Drive. The William F. Poe and Fort Brooke garages are the closest.
Or you can skip the traffic and join the fun by bike through FREE bike valet! It will be located on Ashley Drive at Curtis Hixon Park.
Another option to consider is using a rideshare service or Coast Bike Share. The TECO Streetcar (which is free by the way) runs from Ybor City to downtown Tampa. Once you're at the Riverwalk, Pirate Water Taxi runs right along the Riverwalk with plenty of stops along the way.
Check out the Riverwalk's full transportation details here.
Riverfest VIP Tickets
If you really want to splurge ($125 for Friday, $150 for Saturday or $240 for the whole weekend), a VIP Pass gets you complimentary beer, soda, water, and cocktails, light food, front row access to the concert, and access to restrooms.
The VIP tent is open from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and from 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday’s VIP passes also include a wristband for 5 samples at Taste of the Riverwalk. Prices will increase closer to the event date, so make sure to get your tickets now.
Be sure to follow Tampa Riverfest on Facebook for 2026 updates and more.