Tampa Riverfest
- Dates
- Apr 30 to May 1, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Nov 10, 2026
Tampa Riverfest returns to Tampa, FL, Apr 30 to May 1, 2027. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
Tampa Riverfest is a free, family-friendly two-day festival along the Tampa Riverwalk, held the first weekend of May and set for Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, 2027. It is produced by the nonprofit Friends of the Riverwalk and presented by Publix Super Markets. The 2026 edition, the 10th annual, stretched from Curtis Hixon Park to Water Works Park with live music, Taste of the Riverwalk, Tacofest, a hot air balloon glow, the Lantern Parade, the Wiener Dog Derby and a new Kid Zone, with Sixpence None the Richer headlining Saturday night.
How it works
General admission is free and needs no pre-registration. The festival follows the Riverwalk from Curtis Hixon Park to Water Works Park, so visitors walk the river path between stages, food stations and family activities. At the 2026 festival Friday ran from 5 pm to 10 pm, and the weekend also included Taste of the Riverwalk, Tacofest and the Lantern Parade. The Tampa Bay History Center, at the southern end of the Riverwalk, stayed open until 8 pm both nights.
Who it suits
It suits families, locals and visitors who want a free evening of food, music and waterfront activity downtown. The organizers describe it as family-friendly, with a Kid Zone, a lantern parade and a dachshund race among the draws, while a Riverwalk setting makes it easy to combine with a museum visit or a stroll along the river. Expect a crowd along the path.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Tampa Riverfest on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport TPA.
How do I get to Tampa Riverfest?
By car
Most people drive to Tampa Riverfest. The nearest major airport is TPA, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
Affiliate Flying in? You can book an airport transfer from TPA in advance rather than joining the taxi queue on arrival. Transfer links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
🅿 Parking
Cost Downtown on-street meters and garages operate on the City of Tampa's standard rate structure (spaces run Sun-Sat 8am-midnight per the Riverwalk's own parking page); no festival-specific flat rate found. ADA: disabled permit holders park free up to 4 hours in a marked on-street metered space per City of Tampa policy (effective 1 Jul 2023). Free satellite-lot shuttle from Fort Homer Hesterly Armory is the official overflow option. Once downtown, the free TECO Line Streetcar (2.7-mile heritage streetcar linking Downtown/Channel District/Ybor City, every 15 min, free 7 days a week) and the Pirate Water Taxi (14 stops along the Riverwalk, day wristband for unlimited rides) are both explicitly recommended by the festival's own site as ways to avoid downtown parking congestion, alongside DASH shared-ride Tesla SUVs and a free bike valet at Curtis Hixon Park.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at TPA
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Tampa Riverfest?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 3
2739 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates3415 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33603
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates1155 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMid-range hotels 5
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates101 East Tyler Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates102 East Cass Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates1105 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates601 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesTreat yourself 2
Typically $350-700 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates500 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Typically $350-700 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirport hotels 2
4811 Memorial Highway, Tampa, FL 33634
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates5329 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33607
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMore hotels nearby 1
Airbnb & private camping
Downtown Tampa/Water Street has active, growing Airbnb inventory given the district's recent development. Riverfest is a free, family-oriented city event.
Search AirbnbDowntown Tampa's Riverwalk is dense urban waterfront with no private-land camping listings in-neighborhood, as expected for this setting. The nearest realistic Hipcamp inventory is broader Tampa-area listings (a car-hire-adjacent option.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near Tampa Riverwalk
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
While you're in Tampa
AffiliateTiqets sells timed entry to Tampa's museums, towers and tours, booked on your phone, worth a look if you have a spare day either side of the festival.
Browse Tampa attractionsWe may earn a commission if you book a ticket. It costs you nothing extra and never changes what we tell you about a festival.
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Quick answers
When is Tampa Riverfest 2027?
Apr 30 to May 1, 2027
How much are Tampa Riverfest tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is Tampa Riverfest held?
Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL.