Sunset On The River 2027
A boutique, 21+ dance music and arts weekend on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa
February 20–21, 2027
Venue: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33607, Tampa, FL
Is Sunset On The River Worth the Trip?
Sunset On The River is a reinvention. For years, Sunset Music Festival was Tampa's Memorial Day EDM blowout on the grounds at Raymond James Stadium, with past bills that included Tiësto, Deadmau5, Skrillex, Illenium, The Chainsmokers and Porter Robinson. It hasn't run since 2023. For 2027 the same team, Sunset Events with Disco Presents, is bringing it back as something smaller and more deliberate: two days in February at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, a 25-acre park on the Hillsborough River across from downtown Tampa.
The pitch is boutique. Attendance is intentionally limited, the festival is 21+, and the organizers are promising art installations, hospitality and curated food alongside the music. Music runs 3pm to 11pm, so the sets land at sunset over the river and you're back downtown for a late dinner.
Insider tip: this is a first-year festival with no lineup announced, and the presale is blind. Buy now only if you trust the promoters and you're coming for the setting. Otherwise, wait for the lineup, knowing the cheaper tiers may be gone by then.
Best For
Dance music fans who've aged out of stadium-lot festivals and want something smaller. Anyone who wants a February weekend in the Florida sun. Groups who want to stay downtown and walk between the river, the Riverwalk and dinner.
Less ideal for
Anyone under 21. Anyone who needs to know the lineup before buying. And anyone hoping for the old Sunset Music Festival scale: this edition is intentionally smaller.
Where to Stay
Julian B. Lane sits on the west bank of the Hillsborough River, directly across from downtown Tampa. The best bases are on the downtown side, where you can get to the park quickly and have the city's restaurants and the Riverwalk on your doorstep afterward.
- Downtown Tampa (closest). The obvious base: hotels within a short walk or rideshare across the river, with the Tampa Riverwalk running along the water for a sunset stroll before doors.
- Water Street and the Channel District (newest). The newer neighborhood at the east end of downtown, with recent hotels, restaurants and bars, and the Riverwalk connecting it all.
- Hyde Park and SoHo (most local). South of the park on the same side of the river, with tree-lined streets, Hyde Park Village and the bars and restaurants along South Howard Avenue.
- Ybor City (most nightlife). Tampa's historic Latin quarter, with cigar shops, Cuban food and late-night bars. Further from the park, but the right pick if the night's just starting at 11pm.
February is peak season in Tampa, so book early. The festival hasn't announced hotel partners or packages yet.
Getting There
Flying in: Tampa International (TPA) is one of the easiest airports in the country to get in and out of, and it's a short drive from downtown. St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) is another option for some budget airlines.
To the park: if you're staying downtown, the park is a short rideshare across the river, or a walk depending on where you're staying. The festival hasn't published parking or shuttle details yet; check sunsetotr.com closer to February.
Insider tip: spring training is starting around the same time, and the Yankees train in Tampa. If you're making a long weekend of it, check the early spring schedule before you book flights.
Where to Eat
Inside the gates, the festival is promising curated food rather than standard festival fare, but hasn't named vendors yet. Outside, you're well placed: downtown and Water Street have plenty of restaurants near the Riverwalk, Hyde Park and SoHo are a short ride south, and Ybor City is the place for Cuban sandwiches and a late night.
From Sunset Music Festival to Sunset On The River
The old Sunset Music Festival was a big Memorial Day weekend event on the stadium grounds, with Florida's late-May heat and storms to match. Sunset On The River moves to February, when Tampa's weather is at its best, and to a downtown riverfront park instead of a stadium lot. It's 21+, attendance is intentionally limited, and the organizers are adding art and hospitality to the music. Disco Presents, which co-produces it, also runs Lights All Night, Freaky Deaky and Ubbi Dubbi.
Should You Buy Before the Lineup?
The presale is blind: 2-day passes only, in four tiers from GA to Ultra VIP, sold before any artist is announced. Buying early usually means a lower tier price; waiting means knowing who's playing. Given the small capacity, the higher tiers may not last once the lineup is out. Ticket sales support ForHearts Worldwide, a cardiac care charity.