Support Us Button Widget

Tampa Riverfest is back

The seventh festival includes Hillsborough River races, a wiener dog costume contest, and a lantern parade.

Taste of the Riverwalk.jpg

Take in those scenic Riverfront views at the massive event

Photo by Keir Magoulas

We’ve got news for you, TBAY. It’s nearly time to party on — and alongside —the Hillsborough River. The massive (and free) Tampa Riverfest is booked for Friday, May 6-Saturday, May 7.

Here’s a few reasons to get amped for this year’s event:

  • Hit the River Saturday, May 6 with hundreds of your fellow Tampanians in canoes, paddleboards, and surfskis for the Urban Kai Paddle Invasion. Choose from six-mile or twelve-mile race courses — and win prizes.
  • Bring Fido along for the wiener dog race and costume contest also Saturday, May 6. Read more.
  • Extend the Cinco de Mayo celebration to Saturday, May 6 at the new “Riverfiesta” at Curtis Hixon Park with ample braised beef and mojo chicken tacos, Cuban nachos, and ropa vieja bowls.
  • Close out the festival by taking part in the Riverfest Lantern Parade. Purchase a DIY kit online (starting April 1) and attend a lantern-making workshop at Armature Works.

Read more about the event.

More from TBAYtoday
Take a peek at Eagles and Chiefs with a tie to Champa Bay ahead of the big game.
Here’s what’s on tap for the first weekend of February across Tampa Bay.
The immersive experience features treetop climbin’, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and a massive splash area.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Let’s take a look at the City of Tampa’s plans for improving West Tampa’s Main Street, opening new affordable housing in South Tampa, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino renovation.
The bread type is more popular than ever, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in Tampa Bay, or start making your own.
Whether you want to dress up or shop it out, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had this weekend.
The $4+ million project will bring the protected bike lane up Nuccio Parkway and North 15th Street to Cuscaden Park at East 21st Avenue.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Tampa Bay area.
From the invasion to the parade, we’ve got you covered with tips, snack options, and new tradition ideas.