Make the most of the Tampa Riverfest

Gaze at the floating lanterns lighting the Hillsborough River at Riverfest.

It’s almost that time of year. Tampa Riverfest , the annual festival right along the Hillsborough River, is set for Friday, May 3 + Saturday, May 4.

This year’s event features the lantern parade, Taco Fest, paddle invasion, water ski show, Taste of Riverwalk, and Riverwalk Market.

Here are a few tips to make this your best experience yet:

Tickets to Taste of Riverwalk — booked for Friday, May 3 — are on sale now — get three tastes for $15 + five tastes for $20.
Grammy-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development will perform to bookend the Saturday night fun. Make plans to enjoy the free show from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk is hosting in-person lantern-making workshops at Armature Works on Monday , April 15 and Thursday , April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. The $35 guided workshops include supplies and snacks.
Stop by a free lantern-making workshop at Water Works Park during the festival on Saturday, May 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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Bailey Lefever

Bailey is based in St. Petersburg, FL, but hails from Ocala: the “horse capitol of the world.” Previously, she reported on education for WUSF Public Media, seniors for The Tampa Bay Times, and local government and communities for The Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post. Happiest with sand on her sneakers, she loves visiting new parks and neighborhoods.

Make the most of the Tampa Riverfest

This year’s event includes a paddle invasion, tacofest, lantern parade, and lots of good eats.