After 14 celebrated editions spanning two decades, Tampa’s beloved Sunset Music Festival is entering a bold new era. The iconic Memorial Day weekend tradition is officially rebranding as Sunset On The River – Music & Arts Festival for 2027, bringing major changes to dates, venue, and overall concept.
From Memorial Day Staple to Waterfront Experience
The newly reimagined festival will take place February 20-21, 2027, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park—a significant shift from its traditional Memorial Day weekend slot. This strategic move positions the event during Tampa’s peak weather season while offering attendees a completely different festival experience along the Hillsborough River.
Presented by longtime Tampa powerhouses Sunset Events and Disco Presents, Sunset On The River is being positioned as a “boutique experience” that “transcends the traditional festival model.” The organizers are promising an intentionally limited attendance designed around “world-class performances, immersive art installations, refined hospitality, and curated culinary offerings.”
Tampa’s Cultural Evolution
For those who’ve followed Tampa’s electronic music scene, this rebrand represents more than just a name change. Sunset Music Festival has been a cornerstone of the city’s dance music landscape since its inception, helping cultivate multiple generations of ravers and establishing Memorial Day weekend as a can’t-miss moment for Florida’s electronic music community.
The festival has historically featured massive lineups including Tiësto, Deadmau5, Skrillex, Illenium, The Chainsmokers, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson, and countless other dance music heavyweights. This new iteration promises a more curated approach, though specific artists have yet to be announced.
The Disco Presents Partnership
The collaboration with Disco Presents brings serious festival production credentials to the table. Founded by veteran promoter James “Disco” Donnie Estopinal in 1994, DP has sold over 20 million tickets across 20,000+ events worldwide, including major festivals like Lights All Night, Freaky Deaky, and Ubbi Dubbi.
This partnership suggests Sunset On The River will maintain the production quality fans expect while elevating the overall experience. The new venue at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park offers stunning waterfront views that could provide one of the most scenic festival backdrops in Florida.
What’s Next
While lineup details remain under wraps, the organizers are emphasizing this will be “Tampa’s next defining cultural statement.” The shift to a February date could also help avoid weather concerns that have occasionally impacted the Memorial Day weekend slot in previous years.
Every ticket will benefit ForHearts Worldwide, supporting life-saving cardiac care globally—adding a charitable component that aligns with the festival’s more refined positioning.
Fans can sign up at sunsetotr.com for early access to lineup announcements and ticket sales. Given the emphasis on limited attendance and elevated experience, early registration will likely be crucial for securing passes to what promises to be a completely reimagined Tampa festival experience.
With 20+ years of Tampa dance music history behind it, Sunset On The River represents an intriguing evolution that could set a new standard for Florida’s festival scene. The February dates alone should make this a must-watch announcement as lineup details emerge. To sign up for more information, click here.
