The Tampa Riverwalk News & Updates

March 2020

Tampa Riverfest 2020

Riverfest 2020

The 6th Annual Tampa Riverfest is a FREE community event celebrating the Tampa waterfront and will be held on May 1-2, 2020. Events will include a full concert line-up, Wiener Dog Derby, Tampa Bay Pride Band, Sidewalk Chalk Artists, TacoFest, Beer and Margarita Bar, a Blessing of the Fleet, Hot Air Balloon Glow, Taste of the Riverwalk, Hillsborough County School student performances, and much more. Additionally, many of the venues, bars, and restaurants along the Riverwalk will be activated with special activities during the 2 - day event. Looking to be part of the event and having a presence at Tampa Riverfest? We are accepting event sponsorships. More info here: https://thetampariverwalk.com/events-riverfest-sponsorship/

Individual Memberships

Help to support the Tampa Riverwalk and become a member! Included in your membership is access to our me perks program. With the perks program you have access to discounts at many local businesses. Throughout the year we are constantly working to add new merchants to this program. Above are the current discounts for 2020.

Because of our individual members, we are able to provide free public events throughout the year such as Tampa Riverfest, Riverwalk Trick or Treat, Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular, and the Annual Lighted Boat Parade. None of these events are possible without the support from our members!

For more information on individual memberships, click on the link below!

Individual Memberships

Speciality Cup Program The City of Tampa adopted the Riverwalk Open Container Area Ordinance in late 2014 for the purpose of permitting the consumption of alcohol on the Riverwalk, and adjoining properties, providing the alcohol is contained in specialty cups designed and coordinated by Friends of the Riverwalk.

Visit one of your favorite bars or restaurants along the Riverwalk and ask for a Friends of the Riverwalk to go cup and be on your way venturing along the Tampa Riverwalk! Below are some participating bars/restaurants.

Ulele Columbia Cafe Malio's Remedy The Sail Riverwalk Cafe SIP at The Straz Center Four Green Fields

Corporate Member Spotlights

Cigar City Brewing

Steeped in the unique culture and history of Tampa, Florida, Cigar City Brewing began handcrafting award-winning beer in 2009. Cigar City Brewing’s ales and lagers bring to mind the sun and citrus for which Florida is known, while taking cues from the cigar industry upon which Tampa was built. Behind all of Cigar City Brewing’s liquid is the philosophy that quality is achieved by giving first rate ingredients to first rate people in a space where they are free to pursue their passion. Columbia Restaurant Group

The Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 and is Florida’s oldest restaurant℠. Locations include the flagship restaurant in Tampa’s Historic , additional locations include St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the Historic District in St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida's town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in Tampa and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport.

Board Member Spotlight

​Doug Bartley, Chairman

As a founding member of the Board of Directors for Friends of the Riverwalk, Doug is pleased and excited to see the tremendous progress Friends has made to the Riverwalk through its contributions toward the design, construction, and activation along the riverfront. The vision is to draw millions of visitors and residents annually to our waterfront and to make our downtown, and the city, a cool place to live, work, and play.

Doug has been a commercial real estate broker and consultant for over 40 years in Tampa and is a partner with Commercial Advisory Services.