Tampa's Riverwalk is gearing up for its biggest Halloween tradition yet. The 10th annual Riverwalk Trick-or-Treat is set for Saturday, October 24, at Cotanchobee Park, bringing more than 50 treat stations, costume contests and a flash mob dance to the downtown waterfront.
Friends of the Riverwalk is hosting the milestone celebration, according to Tampa Bay 28. Organizers describe the gathering as a free, family-friendly celebration, per Friends of the Riverwalk, which lists the event running from 4 to 9 p.m. A City of Tampa event listing, however, gives an end time of 8:30 p.m., so families may want to double-check the schedule before heading out.
City of Tampa announced the October 24 date in a Facebook post sharing photos tied to the celebration. The event takes place at Cotanchobee Park along the Riverwalk, a familiar backdrop for the annual tradition.
More Than 50 Stops for Candy and Costumes
This year's event includes more than 50 treat stations spread along the Riverwalk, per Friends of the Riverwalk. Costume contests are also on the docket, with organizers inviting kids and adults alike to showcase their most creative, spooky, funny and impressive looks, the group notes.
A flash mob performance of the iconic “Thriller” dance is planned as part of the festivities, according to the same listing. Organizers are also bringing back a Movie in the Park segment, with Ghostbusters set to screen for the crowd.
A Decade of Growing Halloween Crowds
Last year's event drew thousands of children, ranging from babies to 12-year-olds, who arrived in colorful costumes, organizers said, as reported by Tampa Bay 28. The 2025 celebration featured trick-or-treat stations, dance parties, food trucks and a costume contest, the outlet reported, with the contest judged by Tampa Bay 28's Sean Daly and Shay Ryan.
The Riverwalk's Halloween tradition has evolved year over year. In 2024, the event's eighth annual edition included free trick-or-treating, costume contests, a “Thriller” dance workshop and a movie in the park, according to a low-confidence report from WFLA. Now in its 10th year, the celebration appears to be leaning further into its signature elements, pairing the candy-station sprawl with the choreographed dance number and film screening that have become Riverwalk Halloween staples.
