Officials warn of heavy traffic over the weekend of May 1-3 due to multiple events, urging visitors to plan and consider alternative transportation.
TAMPA, Fla. — With another weekend packed with activities in Tampa, including Riverfest, officials say people should expect heavy traffic.
Wednesday, Tampa officials issued a traffic advisory, urging visitors and residents to plan ahead for the weekend, since crowds of pedestrians will be enjoying Riverfest, a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party at Water Works Park, among other events which draw people into the city.
Officials added that they expect the heaviest traffic along the river and that it could extend four blocks or more from Curtis Hixon Park.
Tampa officials say these will be some of the major events impacting the flow of traffic in the city:
Friday, May 1
Life Surge | Tampa Convention Center | 8 a.m. Riverfest | Curtis Hixon Park | 5 p.m. Straz Shows | 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. Lightning Watch Party | Water Works Park | 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2
Life Surge | Tampa Convention Center | 8 a.m. Step Out Walk | Perry Harvey Park | 8 a.m. Straz Shows | 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m. Riverfest | Curtis Hixon Park | 11 a.m.
RELATED: Riverfest and other events take over Tampa this weekend | What to know before you go
City officials say using alternative transportation options can help make moving around easier. Options include using the free TECO Line Streetcar, the DASH service, HART buses, scooters and bikes. Additionally, you can use the Pirate Water Taxi.
They add that garages in downtown Tampa offer free covered bicycle parking and the Riverfest will also offer a free bike valet located on Ashley Drive at Curtis Hixon Park.
You can learn more about parking options here, and you can stay up to date.
Regarding road closures that can impact your commute you can visit the City of Tampa’s website or through the 10 Tampa Bay News app, which is free to use and download.