Red Bull Cliff Diving Comes to the St. Pete Pier

If you are looking for something unforgettable to do in St. Pete this weekend, the waterfront is the place to be. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is making its way to the St. Pete Pier on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, bringing some of the best cliff divers in the world right into the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.

For locals, this is one of those rare events that makes the city feel even more alive than usual. St. Pete already has the sunshine, the skyline, the bay views, and the Pier. This weekend, it also has elite athletes diving from platforms high above Tampa Bay, turning one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces into an international sports stage.

What Is Happening at the St. Pete Pier?

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is an international competition where professional divers leap from extremely high platforms into open water. For the St. Pete stop, divers will compete from heights of 21 meters and 27 meters, which is roughly 70 feet for women and 90 feet for men.

That is part of what makes this event so impressive. These are not casual jumps or local thrill-seekers. These are trained, world-class athletes performing carefully judged dives with precision, strength, and control. The dives happen fast, but the level of skill behind them is huge.

The St. Pete event is especially exciting because it is the only U.S. stop on the 2026 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series tour. That means people across the country who want to see this competition in person have only one place to do it this year: St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

When Is the Event?

The event takes place over two days:

Friday, June 5, 2026
Rounds 2 and 3
12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 6, 2026
Finals Day
1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET

The broader event window around the Pier may feel much longer because people will likely arrive early, walk around, grab food, and stay downtown afterward. If you want a good viewing spot, this is not the kind of event where you should show up at the last second.

Where Is It Happening?

The competition is centered around the St. Pete Pier and the North Yacht Basin in downtown St. Petersburg.

That location makes a lot of sense. The Pier is already one of St. Pete’s most popular gathering places, and it gives visitors a wide view of Tampa Bay, downtown, boats, restaurants, and green space all in one area. For a cliff diving event, it offers a dramatic waterfront backdrop without locals having to leave the city.

The address for the Pier is:

600 2nd Ave NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

 

Is Red Bull Cliff Diving Free to Attend?

Yes. The St. Pete stop is free and open to the public.

That is a huge part of why this is such a good local weekend event. You do not need a ticket, and you do not need to spend money to enjoy the main attraction. You can walk around the Pier District, find a viewing area, and watch an international sporting event right on the waterfront.

Of course, downtown St. Pete can get busy during major events, so even though the event itself is free, you may still want to plan for parking, transportation, food, drinks, or anything else you might need while you are out.

Best Ways to Get There

Because this event is happening at the Pier, parking will likely be one of the biggest things to think through. Downtown St. Pete is walkable, but large events can make traffic and garages more crowded than usual.

If you are local, consider parking farther away and walking in. Areas around Beach Drive, the Sundial area, or nearby downtown garages may be options, depending on availability. You can also use rideshare, bike, or scooter if that makes sense for where you are coming from.

If you are coming with a group, it may be worth choosing a meetup spot before you arrive. Cell service and crowd movement can get annoying during bigger events, and “meet me somewhere by the Pier” becomes less helpful when everyone else is doing the same thing.

What to Bring

This is a Florida waterfront event in June, so plan like a local. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and comfortable shoes. A hat is also a good idea, especially if you plan to arrive early and wait in the sun.

You may also want to bring a small portable fan, a light bag, and anything you need to stay comfortable while standing or walking for a while. Since the event is outdoors and near the water, check the forecast before you leave.

For families, this could be a fun event with kids, but the crowds may be intense near the best viewing spots. If you are bringing children, plan bathroom breaks, snacks, and an exit route ahead of time.

Where to Go Before or After

One of the best parts of attending an event at the St. Pete Pier is that you are already close to some of the best parts of downtown.

Before or after the competition, you can walk along the Pier, grab a meal nearby, stop by the Museum of Fine Arts area, explore Beach Drive, or head toward the Vinoy Park waterfront. If you want something casual, there are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and quick bites within walking distance.

Because this is a midday event, it also works well as part of a full downtown day. You could watch the diving, have lunch afterward, walk the waterfront, and still have the rest of the evening open.

Why This Event Matters for St. Pete

This is more than just a fun thing to do on the weekend. Hosting the only U.S. stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series puts St. Pete in front of a much bigger audience.

The city has already become known for its waterfront, arts scene, restaurants, walkability, and major events. Bringing an international competition to the Pier adds another layer to that identity. It shows that St. Pete is not just a beach-adjacent city or a Tampa Bay day trip. It is a destination in its own right.

For local businesses, events like this can also bring extra foot traffic to restaurants, shops, hotels, and downtown attractions. Even people who come mainly for the diving may end up exploring more of what St. Pete has to offer.

A Few Local Tips

Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Free waterfront events can fill up fast, especially when they are unusual, family-friendly, and easy to access.

Wear shoes you can comfortably walk in. You may end up parking farther away or moving around to find a better viewing spot.

Do not plan on casually driving right up to the Pier at the last minute. Downtown traffic and parking can be frustrating during major events.

Stay hydrated. It is June in Florida, and even a short afternoon outside can feel intense.

Respect restricted areas and safety barriers. The athletes are professionals, and the setup is designed for a controlled competition. This is a spectator event, not an invitation for anyone else to try anything dangerous.

Final Thought

Red Bull Cliff Diving at the St. Pete Pier is one of the most unique events happening in the city this summer. It is free, it is central, it is visually dramatic, and it gives locals a chance to see an international competition without leaving town.

Whether you are a longtime St. Pete resident, new to the area, or just visiting for the weekend, this is one of those events worth building your day around. Grab sunscreen, get downtown early, and enjoy seeing the St. Pete waterfront turned into a world-class sports venue.