FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – November 6, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites the community to Esplanade Park on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM for the 5th Annual Riverwalk International Food Festival(RIFF), a vibrant celebration of culinary creativity. This free public event is part of Riverwalk’s 2025–2026 signature event season and showcases the rich flavors that define South Florida’s dynamic food scene.

Set along the picturesque Riverwalk, the festival will feature curated food vendors representing global cuisines—from Caribbean and Latin American staples to inventive fusion dishes. Guests will enjoy international bites, refreshing beverages, live music by musician Jonny Edwards, and lawn games in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

“RIFF is a true reflection of the cultural richness of our community,” said Eugenia Duncan Ellis, President and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “We’re most proud to bring together flavors from around the world in one place, and even prouder to make this event free and open to everyone.”

Confirmed vendors reflect the international flavors, including: The Greek, Pummarola, Gimme Grillin, Dutchy’s Sausages, Country Yaad, Kitty Boba Tea, Old World Polish Deli, Pinky’s Tacos, with more to be announced before the event. 

Attendees 21 and over will be able to enjoy a VIP Tasting Experience featuring local brewery Tarpon River Brewing, food from local restaurants The Chimney House and Señor Frogs, cocktails from Aupale Vodka, Oo-Lah RTD cocktails, J Street Wines and more! All food and drink is available while supplies last. Tickets are $30 when purchased before 12 pm on Friday, November 14, $35 at the event. More information and VIP tickets are available at www.GoRiverwalk.com/RIFF.

Admission is free, and proceeds from sponsorships and bar sales benefit Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, a 501(c)(3) non-profit and one of the lead organizations in making Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Riverwalk District the foremost place to Live, Work and Play. 

Free admission to Riverwalk events is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners. The 5th Annual Riverwalk International Food Festival is sponsored by: Journey Kid’s Dental, Rick and Flo Celender, Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, Swiggle, Aupale Vodka, Oo-Lah Cocktails, J Street Imports, Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine. 

Riverwalk’s 2025–2026 event season continues with:

• Riverwalk Holiday Lights Cruise – Monday, December 8, 2025 – 5 PM to 7 PM – Laura Ward Riverwalk Plaza (ticketed event)
• 16th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival – Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 11 AM to 4 PM – Esplanade Park

The schedule of events for the rest of the 2025-2026 season will be available shortly.

For more information on sponsor and vendor opportunities, please email events@GoRiverwalk.com or call (954) 468-1541.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – December 5, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality welcomed the community to the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 1^st in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos featured a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll featuring traditional, larger-than-life puppets and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This new Day of the Dead celebration was a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture. With audience participation through costuming, face painting and mask making, South Florida demonstrated it’s continued appreciation of this vibrant cultural experience. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mexican Consul General Eliel Campuzano Mendiola and event co-producers Genia Duncan Ellis of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Jarred John of Damn Good Hospitality welcomed attendees to the event and shared a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale proclaiming Downtown Day of the Dead a new Fort Lauderdale tradition!

The Skeleton Stroll, lead by traditional Day of the Dead puppets and a mariachi band, started at Esplanade Park and proceeded down SW 2^nd St to packed crowds before continuing along the scenic Riverwalk and culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees enjoyed the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party.

“With the help of our great friends at Las Olas Capital Arts and artists Heather Neiman and Stephanie Leyden, we were able to welcome a few new puppets for this years festival,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead will continue the traditions honoring Mexican heritage, building community and sparking joy and wonder in attendees that the community has grown to love.”

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration was produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Rick and Flo Celender, Florida Blue, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Kamora, Swiggle, Tequila Supremacía, Broken Tree Vodka, Producer Mezcal, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For information about upcoming Riverwalk events visit GoRiverwalk.com/signature.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 30, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality invite the community to join them for the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration—a vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Taking place Saturday, November 1^st, this free event features a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll featuring traditional, larger-than-life puppets and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• 2:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Face painting begins
• 3:00–8:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Cultural performances, arts & crafts, Latin food vendors
• 6:30 PM (Esplanade Park/SW 2^nd St/Riverwalk) – Skeleton Stroll kicks off
• 4:00–11:00 PM (SW 3^rd Ave/Revolution Live/Backyard) – Block Party

The Downtown Day of the Dead will be a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture through food and beverage, music, dancing and more! Face painting opportunities will open at 2 pm at Esplanade Park and continue throughout the event. The Skeleton Stroll, lead by traditional Day of the Dead puppets and a mariachi band, will start at Esplanade Park and proceed down SW 2^nd St, continue along the scenic Riverwalk before culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees will enjoy the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party. DJs and additional face painting will fill the evening with the lively spirit of this unique celebration.

“With the help of our great friends at Las Olas Capital Arts and artists Heather Neiman and Stephanie Leyden, we were able to build a few new puppets for this years festival,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead will continue the traditions honoring Mexican heritage, building community and sparking joy and wonder in attendees that past festivals have done so well.”

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration is proudly produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Rick and Flo Celender, Florida Blue, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Kamora, Swiggle, Tequila Supremacía, Broken Tree Vodka, Producer Mezcal, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

Media: Please contact Genia Duncan Ellis or Jarred John to arrange media access.

Follow us on social media, @RiverwalkFTL and @damngoodhospitalitygroup. Use hashtag #DowntownDOTD to share your celebration!

For more information, visit GoRiverwalk.com/DOTD.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk magazine.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – December 23, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to host the 16th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival, returning to Esplanade Park on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This flagship event celebrates South Florida’s most iconic seafood—and its dynamic culinary scene—with free admission, tantalizing seafood bites and fun for all families!

This signature Riverwalk event kicks off the 2026 event year featuring free admission events and programming for residents and future residents alike! As one of the lead organization’s promoting Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Riverwalk District as a preeminent place to Live, Work and Play, Riverwalk strives to maintain accessibility to events for all, while encouraging a wide-range of unique events that cater to our vibrant community.

What to Expect at Seafood Festival:

· 

• Fresh Stone Crabs and more presented by sponsor Vinny’s Stone Crabs & Seafood
• A diverse lineup of local restaurants and gourmet food trucks with each seafood vendor offering a $5 item
• The beloved Hermit Crab Races sponsored by Finnster Murphy’s Fresh Seafood
• NEW IN 2026: The Grove Lounge at Seafood Festival – A premium experience for attendees 21 and over with open bar and small bites. Bar sponsored by Swiggle, and supported by Tierra de Ensueño Tequila, J Street Imports (Wines), Bella Principessa Prosecco and Papa’s Grappa, with more to come. Food from Chimney House and Red Door Asian Bistro (while available) with additional food offerings in the works. All food and drink are available while supplies last. Lounge area opens at 11:30 am with last admission at 3:15 pm. 

More information about the event including registration is available at www.GoRiverwalk.com/seafood with updates through Riverwalk’s social media accounts, @RvierwalkFTL on Facebook and Instagram. 

The generous support of event sponsors and Riverwalk partners ensures that attendance at the Stone Crab & Seafood Festival remains free and open to the public. We thank our event sponsors: Toothaker.org, Bloom Sparkling Energy, Original Fat Cats, Vinny’s Stone Crabs & Seafood, Finster Murphy’s Fresh Seafood, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Morningstar Storage – Fat Village, GoRiverwalk Magazine and S. Mark Graphics.

“We’re honored to present the 16th Annual Stone Crab & Seafood Festival,” said Eugenia Duncan Ellis, President/CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “It’s a signature Riverwalk event that brings together communities, supports local businesses and highlights the vibrant culinary scene that the Riverwalk District and Greater Fort Lauderdale are home to.”

For more information and sponsor and vendor inquiries contact events@GoRiverwalk.com or call 954‑468‑1541.

Events currently scheduled through July 2026 include:

• 10^th Annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off – Saturday, February 21 from 12 pm – 4 pm at Esplanade Park
• 19^th Annual Riverwalk Mutts and Martinis – Saturday, March 21 from 2 pm – 5 pm at Esplanade Park
• Smoke on the Water – Saturday, May 16 from 12 pm to 4 pm at Esplanade Park
• 4^th Annual Riverwalk Tacos & Tequila Festival – Saturday, July 19 from 2 to 6 pm at Esplanade Park

Details about these and additional Riverwalk Signature events, including the Tunes on Top Series and the 26th Annual Riverwalk Tribute which are still being finalized, are available at www.GoRiverwalk.com/signature.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – December 5, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality welcomed the community to the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 1^st in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos featured a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll featuring traditional, larger-than-life puppets and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This new Day of the Dead celebration was a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture. With audience participation through costuming, face painting and mask making, South Florida demonstrated it’s continued appreciation of this vibrant cultural experience. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mexican Consul General Eliel Campuzano Mendiola and event co-producers Genia Duncan Ellis of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Jarred John of Damn Good Hospitality welcomed attendees to the event and shared a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale proclaiming Downtown Day of the Dead a new Fort Lauderdale tradition!

The Skeleton Stroll, lead by traditional Day of the Dead puppets and a mariachi band, started at Esplanade Park and proceeded down SW 2^nd St to packed crowds before continuing along the scenic Riverwalk and culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees enjoyed the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party.

“With the help of our great friends at Las Olas Capital Arts and artists Heather Neiman and Stephanie Leyden, we were able to welcome a few new puppets for this years festival,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead will continue the traditions honoring Mexican heritage, building community and sparking joy and wonder in attendees that the community has grown to love.”

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration was produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Rick and Flo Celender, Florida Blue, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Kamora, Swiggle, Tequila Supremacía, Broken Tree Vodka, Producer Mezcal, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For information about upcoming Riverwalk events visit GoRiverwalk.com/signature.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 3, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is pleased to announce the appointment of its incoming Board of Directors and Officers for the 2025–2026 term. As a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the Riverwalk and enriching downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk is most excited to welcome new leadership that will help continue to advance its mission. To mark the occasion, Riverwalk staff hosted a welcome reception for the incoming board members on Wednesday, October 1, 2026 at Boathouse at the Riverside, offering an opportunity for new and returning board members to connect and collaborate. The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Executive Committee for 2025-2026 will be comprised of:

• Chair, Howard Elfman – The Agency
• Vice Chair, Jack Seiler – Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink
• Treasurer, Jacqui Hartnett – Starmark
• Assistant Treasurer, Lacey Brisson – Truist
• Secretary, Alexa Lanier – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
• Immediate Past Chair, *Richard Rodriguez, Centuric
• At Large, Ann Marie Fox – Richard J. Fox Foundation
• At Large, Jim Farrick – Kunin Associates
• At Large, Melissa Fitzgerald – War Memorial – Florida Panthers
• At Large, Nadia Locke – RES
• At Large, Bill Walker – Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale, LLC

Board Members for 2025-2026 are:

Riverwalk extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing board members and officers for their dedicated service and impactful contributions, particularly to outgoing Board Chair Richard Rodriguez (Centuric), who has served in a leadership capacity on the Board for the past fifteen years. These volunteer leaders exemplify the qualities that make the Riverwalk a premier place to Live, Work and Play, and their leadership has played a vital role in strengthening Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s programs, partnerships and community engagement. “We are grateful for the time, energy and passion our outgoing board members have given to Riverwalk,” said Howard Elfman, Chair of the Board of Directors of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “As we welcome new members, we look forward to building on their legacy and continuing to enhance the Riverwalk experience for all.” For more information about Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and upcoming events, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com.