7 Things To Check Out This Weekend At Tampa Riverfest

Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, Tampa Riverfest will keep you busy! This free, two day festival showcases some of the great things that the city of Tampa has to offer. The event spans the entire length of the Riverwalk and lets you and your family enjoy Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.

Here are seven things that you should check out at Tampa Riverfest

This is the signature event of Riverfest and takes place Friday May 6th at Curtis Hixon Park from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Here are the restaurants participating this year:

Boulon Brasserie
Jotoro's
SiX
Driftlight Steakhouse
Murph's BBQ
Publix GreenWise Market
SaltBlock Catering & Events
Splitsville Southern + Social
Whatever Pops
Yacht StarShip Cruises + Events

Besides all the tasty eats there's a free concert series and beer trucks!

You will need to purchase a wristband for access to the food tent area.

The sky above Tampa will have a whole new look when the sun goes down. The Hot Air Balloon Glow happens at Curtis Hixon Park Friday and Saturday from 8:30PM to 9:00PM each night. It's a free event that the family will enjoy!

Oh yes, this event is one of our favorites! The 3rd annual Tacofest happens Saturday May 7th at Curtis Hixon Park from 10AM to 9PM. Get your fill of tacos and toppings while you enjoy all the activities of Riverfest!

Here's a sample of some of the deliciousness:
Hard Corn or Soft Flour Tortilla
Carne Asada Beef - diced onion, cilantro, lime wedge
Cilantro Lime Chicken - sofrito aioli, queso fresca
Al Pastor Pork - pineapple juice pickled onion
Roasted Beet Taco - cilantro gremolata
Birria Taco - diced onion, cilantro,
Mexican cheese Nachos
Chips + House Queso - béchamel, gouda, fire-roasted tomatoes
-add protein for another tab
Condiments: green + red salsa, hot sauce bar, Pico De Gallo

You will need to purchase a wristband for Tacofest.

With the help of Urban Kai, paddle boarders will take to the Hillsborough River! Will you be the first across the finish line? This event happens the morning of Saturday May 7th.

7:00 AM - Racer Check-in @ Urban Kai Shop at Armature Works.

8:00 AM - Captains Meeting @ Urban Kai Shop at Armature Works.

8:30 AM - Long Race Start launch @ Urban Kai Dock.

8:45 AM - Short Race Start launch @ Urban Kai Dock.

11:00 AM - Awards.

Register here for the Paddle Invasion

Start your Saturday morning on May 7th for Yoga in the Park. It happens at 9AM at Water Works Park and no registration is required. Just bring your yoga equipment and enjoy!

The free class is instructed by Robin LC with The Calm Collective and donations are humbly accepted.

This is so much fun to watch! The Wiener Dog Derby starts Saturday May 7th at 10AM and goes all day. Get down to Curtis Hixon Park and witness the largest Dachshund gathering in the state of Florida. Besides the races there will be Best Nose, the Speed Trap, the Costume Contest, the Kissing Contest, the Best Tail contests.

The Lantern Parade is new to Riverfest. Decorate your own lantern and join the parade Saturday May 7th at 8:30PM. The Lantern Parade goes from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Park.

Lantern kits will be for sale the day of the event, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM in Water Works Park. There will be an artist onsite 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM to help build your lantern!