Riverfest returns to downtown Tampa this weekend

This free, kid-friendly festival happens this Friday and Saturday.

click to enlarge Riverfest returns to downtown Tampa this weekend
Pam Ella Photography
When Tampa’s annual Riverfest returns to downtown, it’s always a sure sign that summer’s around the corner.

This annual, two day-long festival—happening Friday and Saturday, May 5-6— features a variety of food vendors, beer tents, live music and family-friendly activities like wiener dog derby, water ski shows and hot air balloon showcases.

One of the most iconic Riverfest activities is its lantern parade, where folks are welcome to showcase their homemade paper lanterns amidst a sea of colorful and creative works of art. Both Curtis Hixon and Water Works Park host Riverfest activities throughout the weekend; and while admission to the festival itself is free, some individual events may require registration.

Each spring, Riverfest aims to honor Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants by hosting this free weekend of kid-friendly fun.

For the latest news on Riverfest's many activities, programs and performances, head to thetampariverwalk.com.

About The Author

Kyla Fields

Kyla Fields is the Managing Editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay who started their journey at CL as summer 2019 intern. They are the proud owner of a charming, sausage-shaped, four-year-old rescue mutt named Piña.
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