TAMPA, Fla. — The stretch of the Tampa Riverwalk that’s in front of the Tampa Convention Center has reopened, once again connecting more than 2 miles of the city’s waterfront.

The stretch of the riverwalk was first shut down in October 2021 so work could be done on the convention center and pathways outside. Upgrades made to the area include new Americans with Disabilities Act ramps, railings and an updated LED light system.

The reopening is just in time for the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Summer Series that runs from July 7 to July 30 at Curtis Hixon Park.

This year, the 3-week long event will feature outdoor games and activities seven days a week and live music, food trucks, a pop-up bar and an outdoor market on the weekends. The event will be held under 6,000 square feet of shade in the park.

“In downtown Tampa, part of the urban lifestyle is to have your public spaces, activities, things to do with family and friends,” explained Shaun Drinkard with the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Drinkard says the Summer Series originally started about 10 years ago as a way to get people involved and drive business during what’s typically a slower month in Tampa. He says over the last few years, the area has had so much growth that now it's just more of a way to give the community something to enjoy.

Having the riverwalk reopened at its full capacity ahead of this year’s event is perfect timing, Drinkard says.

“Those incremental pieces, those different public spaces that were built over the last decade or two are now all connected,” he said. “With the 2.6 miles taking you from Tampa Heights to the Channel District and through the downtown core.”

View a full list of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Summer Series events and musical acts.