Riverwalk has our own series of events that celebrate the Riverwalk District as a treasured place to Live, Work & Play. Most of Riverwalk’s events are free and open to the public and held in Downtown Riverwalk District parks. The below list is not inclusive of all Riverwalk and/or partnered events.
Riverwalk Tribute – Thursday, May 2, 2024
Riverwalk’s premier annual event, Riverwalk Tribute, in its 24th year in 2024, honors community members that have made a significant contribution to Riverwalk and the City of Fort Lauderdale. In an evening reception, Riverwalk members, community leaders and guests celebrate these leaders in our community. Past honorees include:
- Jim Ellis – Ellis Diversified
- Kelley Shanley – Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- Mike Jackson – AutoNation
- Jorge Perez – The Related Group
- Beverly Raphael Altman – RCC Associates
- Crush Law – Courtney and Jason Crush
- Bob Swindell – Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Riverwalk Tribute is a ticketed event held at a local venue. Tickets are included for some Riverwalk membership levels, and with all sponsorships. Annual attendance of 300-500 Riverwalk members and philanthropists as well as business, civic and government leaders.
Click here for more information on the 24th Annual Riverwalk Tribute, held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Riverside Hotel.
Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival – January 6, 2024
Held annually on the 1st full weekend in January, this is a celebration of Florida’s premier seafood delicacy, the Stone Crab! Unique among seafood, Stone Crab claws can be harvested and the Stone Crab will regrow its claw! This event is free and open to the public, and all seafood vendors must offer a $5 item.
The Stone Crab and Seafood Festival has an annual attendance of 8,000-15,000, with 200-300 guests participating in a VIP Beer Garden experience.
Riverwalk Chili Cook Off – February 10, 2024
The Riverwalk Chili Cook Off is an opportunity for Riverwalk to promote our neighboring non-profits in a fun and relaxed way! Competing teams raise money for their non-profit at the same time they raise awareness for the non-profits cause. This event is free and open to the public, and the public can participate in the judging by purchasing sample cups, and voting for the winner of the event. New in 2023, the winning team is eligible to participate in the International Chili Cookoff, Amateur division!
The Chili Cook Off has annual attendance 1,000-2,500.
Riverwalk Burger BattleTM – Date TBD
Riverwalk Burger BattleTM is an opportunity for area restaurants to pull out all the stops and win bragging rights for the year! A panel of judges will judge the entrants on a series of criteria, while attendees sample the burgers and select the “Fan Favorite”!
Burger Battle is a ticketed event with annual attendance of 400-800 with a VIP experience available.
Riverwalk Fall Festival – Held annually in fall (Date TBD)
Riverwalk Fall Festival, now in its 8th year, is a celebration of all things fall for the whole family! Featuring pumpkin decorating, sand art, pumpkin bowling and fall-flavored adult beverages, without the sweaters and mittens, it’s easy to remember why fall is so fun!
Fall Festival has an annual attendance of 1,000-2,500.
Riverwalk Mutts & MartinisTM – Held annually in fall (Date TBD)
Riverwalk Mutts & MartinisTM is a celebration of Riverwalk’s four-legged residents and their two-legged companions (sorry, no Cats allowed; we love our kitties, but cats and dogs… you know how they are!) Celebrating 17 years in 2023, Mutts & Martinis features the Doggie Fashion Show, including the dog and owner look-a-like category, peanut butter eating contest and local animal rescue shelters.
Additional events
Riverwalk Member Events – Get Downtown and Power Mixers
Riverwalk holds a number of events annually for members to connect and celebrate the Riverwalk. Get Downtown is held twice a year for the general membership in the spring and fall, while Power Mixers for Trustee members and above happen quarterly.
Riverwalk Rhythm & Brews – Presented by Funky Buddha – Quarterly
Held quarterly, Rhythm & Brews is a live music event, with Funky Buddha brews, lawn games and amazing local food trucks! All proceeds from this series directly benefit Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, including all alcohol sales.
Rhythm & Brews regularly attracts between 1,500 and 3,000 attendees for a relaxed evening or afternoon in the Park.
Click here for more information on the June 1, 2024 Riverwalk Rhythm & Brews.
Florida Day of the Dead – First Saturday in November
Florida Day of the Dead is one of the largest DOTD celebration’s outside of Mexico, and has been ranked in the top 10 in the US. Founded in 2010 by Puppet Network founder Jim Hammond and sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale, this cultural festival includes traditional DOTD puppets, face painting and folklorico dancers, culminating in a puppet processional along the Riverwalk.
DOTD attendance continues to grow, with annual attendance of over 10,000.
Other Events
Riverwalk holds additional events of our own, and partners with other organizations to build and support additional events. For more information on additional events please email events@goriverwalk.com.