Tampa Riverfest is Back for 2026! Here’s What to Expect at the Festival.
One of Tampa’s biggest events, Tampa Riverfest, is back!
The popular event is produced by the non-profit, Friends of the Riverwalk, and kicks off on Friday, May 1st and continues through Saturday, May 2nd. Taking place along the Riverwalk, there will be tons of family-friendly events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local music, and restaurants. On Friday the event will be hosted at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Saturday the event will be at Water Works Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Keep reading for all the details on what to eat, what to do, and more!
There's a new Kids Zone at Riverfest!
Our friends at BayCare Kids are excited to present the Kids Zone at Riverfest on May 2, beginning at 11 a.m. It's an all-new space packed with hands-on excitement for kids and their adults. You'll find it over at Water Works Park. Think science experiments, dance classes, a Bucs QB toss, puppy adoptions, arts and crafts, putt putt, and MORE!
The Food at Tampa Riverfest
Friday night, May 1, at Riverfest kicks off with a night of 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 pm – 9 pm. $20 gets you three samples, and $25 gets you five from participating restaurants.
The 5th annual TacoFest will take place from 11 am – 8 pm on Saturday, May 2. Savor different varieties at the new TacoFest Food Truck Rally this year as guests can enjoy tacos from four local food trucks, each serving their own unique flavors and taco creations.
You can purchase wristbands for 3 tacos ($20) or 5 tacos ($25). Come hungry and ready to chow down on some tacos!
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 executive restrooms. Friday’s VIP passes also includes a wristband for 5 samples at Taste of the Riverwalk. Prices will increase closer to event date so make sure to get your tickets now.
The VIP tent is open from 5 pm – 10 pm on Friday and 5 pm – 10:30 pm on Saturday.
The Events at Tampa Riverfest
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 – 9 pm both nights.
Paddle Invasion & Yoga
On Saturday morning, head over to Water Works Park for a Paddle Invasion in partnership with Urban Kai. Races will begin at 8:30am and racers can choose to race on a long (6 mile) or short (3 and 1 mile) course as they compete for awards.
Following the Paddle Invasion, you can get your zen on with Yoga in the Park at 9 am – 10 am. This donation-based class is for all levels.
Wiener Dog Derby
Ready for the cutest race in town? A Tampa Riverfest favorite is the Weiner Dog Derby, which will take place staring at 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday. 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.
There will also be tons of live music throughout the event. A full concert series will feature bands and a D.J. that will entertain the crowd on the main stage at Curtis Hixon Park both Friday and Saturday.
Music Lineups
- Riverfest Headliners
- Cowboy mouth
- Sixpence None the Richer
Friday May 1
- 5 pm – 5:30 pm DJ Deacon
- 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Common Ground
- 7 pm – 8 pm Lil Kintner BoysÂ
- 8:30 pm – 10 pm Cowboy MouthÂ
Saturday May 2
- 11 am – 1:30 pm DJ Shines
- 1:30 pm – 3 pm Whale Feral
- 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Tamayo
- 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm Tribal Style
- 7 pm – 8:15 pm Kristopher James
- 9 pm – 10:30 pm Sixpence None the Richer
Water Ski Show
For the second year in a row, the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show team will take place in front of Water Works Park along the Hillsborough River on Saturday, May 2 at 4 pm.
Riverfest Market
Riverfest Market by Tampa Bay Markets will feature a host of independent vendors at Water Works Park on Saturday, May 2 from 11 am – 4 pm. 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!
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 PM 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 pm-8 pm.
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. Or you can purchase lanterns here.
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.
You can also consider 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.
Be sure to follow Tampa Riverfest on Facebook for 2026 updates and more.
Looking for more family-friendly weekend fun? Check out our top picks of things to do in Tampa Bay!