TAMPA RIVERFEST
Riverfest is a public, two-day, free event that is held the first weekend in May. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk and includes several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local music and restaurants.
Tampa Riverfest 2023 is scheduled for May 5th and 6th! We were so happy with how our 2022 event turned out and we are working tirelessly to make it even bigger and better this year. We look forward to seeing you!
July 4th Boat Parade
Friends of the Riverwalk hosts our inaugural July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet. Similar route to our holiday light boat parade, however, this parade includes two blessing stations! The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began years ago but is still practiced in many fishing and boating communities around the world to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
Boats will be decorated in colorful flags and compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the small/motorboat and large/sailboat competitions. We will also provide a prize for the most patriotic boat. The boat parade will be followed by fireworks displays at multiple locations.
Trick or Treat
This is a FREE community event! Children in costume and their families are invited to come and trick or treat along the Riverwalk as well as enjoy fun activities. We will have over 50 treat stations participating along the Riverwalk from Water Works Park to USF Park including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. At the conclusion of the event, we invite you to stick around and enjoy the Halloween Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River.
HALLOWEEN LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
On October 29, 2022, Friends of the Riverwalk and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation will host a Halloween boat parade along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Join us to help scare away cancer!
RIVERWALK HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Don’t miss all 2.6 miles of the Tampa Riverwalk decked out festive holiday lights and floating displays on the Hillsborough River. The displays will begin after Thanksgiving run through New Year’s Eve.
HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen Saturday, December 17th along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf. Judges are pairs from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the winner of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy.
