It took 40 years to realize the dream of a 1.8-mile Riverwalk, and Tampa aims to show off its jewel with a big new event this weekend, its first RiverFest. There will be an array of activities at 11 locations along the Hillsborough River. The most high-profile will be the Mayor's Mac and Cheese Throwdown on Saturday and a new Bloody Mary Festival on Sunday, both at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. But there will also be events in six city parks along the Riverwalk, as well as the David A. Straz Jr. Center for Performing Arts, the Tampa Convention Center and the Florida Aquarium, many of them free.
Here's a look at activities the nonprofit Friends of the Riverwalk has put together, as well as ones held in conjunction with RiverFest:
Saturday-Sunday
Tampa Downtown Carnival: One of the many "in conjunction with" events, this urban carnival will have classic carnival games and rides set up at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St., Tampa. There's no entrance fee, but they will sell tickets for the rides, games and drinks. It's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
String Theory's Fin Harp: Featuring the giant art installation that is an actual working harp. Docents will be available to play and discuss the harp. Straz Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. (813) 229-7827. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Plank: The popup bar that first appeared during the opening of the Kennedy segment of Riverwalk will make another appearance, this time at MacDill Park, 100 Ashley Drive, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday only
Mac and Cheese Throwdown: Find comfort food at its finest as area restaurants put their spin on macaroni and cheese. Buy a wristband ($10 for five tastings), 4-7 p.m., and there will be a free concert by G. Love and Special Sauce at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks finale in Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa.
Free museum admission: It's free on Saturday to visit the Tampa Museum of Art and Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and children get free admission at the Tampa Bay History Center and at the Glazer Children's Museum with paid adult admission.
Jazz on the Riverwalk: Bring blankets and chairs to Water Works Park, 1710 N Highland Ave., for a free jazz concert with food trucks, beer and soda on site from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Penguin Waddle: The Florida Aquarium hosts this 5.2K family-friendly walk or jog along the Riverwalk. Includes music by DJ Jake Dela Cruz, goodie bag, bubble art and raffles. $32, $22 children; $20, $10 children (members). Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 273-4000. 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Day Out: Family activities in MacDill Park include a kids play zone at the park at 100 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pet Festival: Bring the dog to Anchor Park at the intersection of the Riverwalk and the Selmon Greenway for pet activities and an adoption booth by the SPCA of Tampa Bay from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday only
Bloody Mary Festival: Tickets are $32 ($75 VIP) for unlimited samples of Bloody Marys from a variety of local restaurants. Brunch and mimosas available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa.
Cigar City River Run: The Tampa brewery is hosting this run that starts at the pier at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park at 10 a.m. and heads toward downtown on the Riverwalk to Curtis Hixon Park and back, about 2 miles. Runners get a T-shirt, a medal in the shape of a beer bottle opener and one Cigar City beer. Registration is $35 at Active.com, $40 the day of the run. Registration starts at 9 a.m.
Contact Sharon Kennedy Wynne at swynne@tampabay.com. Follow @SharonKWn.