Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series makes first Florida stop at St. Pete Pier June 5-6
Red Bull Cliff Diving Comes to St. Pete Pier
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series arrives at St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront June 5-6, marking the first Florida stop in the international competition’s history. The free event will feature elite divers performing from a custom-built tower on the northwest end of the St. Pete Pier, with competition rounds Friday from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. and Saturday with a pre-show at 12:30 p.m., followed by Women’s & Men’s Finals from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m. and the Awards Ceremony at 2:45 p.m. Transit officials recommend rideshare, walking, or public transportation due to limited parking availability.
A Rare North American Stop
Established in 2009 by Red Bull, the World Series brings together top cliff divers to compete in challenging urban and natural locations worldwide. The men’s competition launched in 2009, with the women’s division added in 2014. The series celebrates the Hawaiian tradition of lele kawa, meaning entry with no splash. St. Petersburg represents the only North American stop on this year’s tour, drawing athletes who will dive from heights up to 90 feet for men and 70 feet for women, reaching speeds of 53 mph before entering the water.
Viewing Options Across the Waterfront
Recommended public viewing locations include Spa Beach Park, Bayshore Drive NE sidewalk areas, North Straub Park, and public access points throughout the St. Pete Pier. Large video screens will be positioned at North Straub Park, the Spa Beach area, and on a floating screen off Bayshore Drive. Much of the event footprint is ADA accessible, including a designated viewing area east of the dive tower along the waterfront. Spectators may also watch by boat within the North Yacht Basin on a first-come, first-served basis, with a U.S. Coast Guard Safety Zone actively enforced. Paddleboards and kayaks are permitted and encouraged to remain behind a designated orange float line on the south side of the basin.
Two-Day Competition Schedule
Competition begins Friday, June 5, with preliminary rounds from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., followed by Saturday, June 6, with a pre-show at 12:30 p.m., Women’s & Men’s Finals from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m., and the Awards Ceremony at 2:45 p.m. The event will also stream live on YouTube, Red Bull TV, and the Red Bull Cliff Diving social channels. Food trucks, beverage vendors, restrooms, and medical tents will be available throughout the event areas. Local authorities may conduct bag checks and security screenings within the permitted event footprint.
Getting There Without a Car
With parking expected to be limited, transit officials encourage attendees to use rideshare services, walk, or take public transportation to the downtown waterfront. The St. Pete Pier is accessible via multiple pedestrian routes from surrounding neighborhoods and transit stops. Moovit provides real-time transit directions and service updates for riders planning trips to the pier area, helping visitors navigate the city’s bus network and identify the most efficient routes to the event. All festivities are free to attend, similar to the annual fireworks celebrations held at the pier.