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.
Friends of the Riverwalk had hoped to hold Tampa Riverfest in 2021. However, following dialogue with event organizers, city leaders and health care experts, we believe it is best to cancel the event this year. The good news is that Tampa Riverfest 2022 is already on the books for May 6-7. Please mark your calendar because we will be back bigger and better than ever!
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.
RIVERWALK HALLOWEEN HUNT
The Riverwalk Halloween Hunt is a family-friendly not-too-spooky virtual scavenger hunt along the Tampa Riverwalk. Individuals and teams compete to be the first place HalloWinner! Solve riddles, puzzles, tasks and explore the beautiful Riverwalk in this safe, outdoor Halloween activity fun for all ages. The 2021 hunt will being on October 16th and end on October 31st.
RIVERWALK TRICK OR TREAT
Join us for our 5th annual Riverwalk Trick or Treat event, sponsored by Banko Overhead Doors, on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 4 pm – 7 pm. 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 MacDill 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
A Halloween boat parade along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade will begin in the Convention Center basin, travel to the Heights, and end at Sparkman Wharf. The winner of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy. This year's parade will take place on October 30th at 6:30 pm.
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 run from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
RIVERWALK HOLIDAY HUNT
The Riverwalk Holiday Hunt is a mobile based scavenger hunt along the Tampa Riverwalk. Individuals and/or teams will compete to be the Holiday Hunt winner as they make their way through the Holiday Hunt by solving puzzles, completing holiday challenges and answering historical Tampa trivia.
HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen the Saturday before Christmas on December 18th 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.
