St. Pete is about to host something it has never seen before.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving St. Pete World Series arrives at the St. Pete Pier on June 5 and 6, 2026, with 24 of the world’s best cliff divers competing above the North Yacht Basin. This is the only U.S. stop of the 2026 season and the first time the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has ever come to Florida. The event is free and open to the public, and organizers expect more than 50,000 spectators over the weekend.
Looking for the quick event listing? View the Red Bull Cliff Diving event page on Pulse St. Pete here.
Red Bull Cliff Diving St. Pete: When and Where It’s Happening
The competition takes place at the St. Pete Pier, with a custom-built 103-foot dive tower positioned on the northwest end of the pier facing the North Yacht Basin. Divers jump into the water between the pier and The Vinoy Resort, with the downtown skyline rising behind them.
Friday, June 5: The event site opens at 11:15 AM EDT. Rounds 2 and 3 run from 12:00 PM to 2:15 PM EDT.
Saturday, June 6: The site opens at 10:00 AM EDT. The pre-show begins at 12:30 PM EDT, followed by the Women’s and Men’s Finals from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT. The awards ceremony follows at 2:45 PM EDT.
Times are based on local reporting and are subject to change. Check the official event page at redbullcliffdiving.com before heading out.
Red Bull Cliff Diving St. Pete: Why This Event Is Such a Big Deal
This is not a typical weekend at the Pier.
Women dive from 21 meters, or about 69 feet. Men dive from 27 meters, or about 89 feet. For perspective, the building at the end of the Pier that houses Teak and Pier Teaki tops out at 52 feet. The men’s platform rises more than 36 feet above that. In just two to three seconds of freefall, divers execute multi-axis twists and somersaults before hitting the water at close to 53 miles per hour.
The 24 athletes competing here — 12 women and 12 men — are among the most skilled in the world. Qualification for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series takes years of proven performance. Short of the Olympics, few sporting events bring together this level of talent in one place. American diver James Lichtenstein is on the roster, competing in his fifth year in the series.
The dive tower itself is worth noting. It was custom-designed to resemble the iconic “Welcome to St. Petersburg” markers along the interstate, making this one of the most locally rooted setups the World Series has ever built.
With the North Yacht Basin, the Pier, North Straub Park, and the surrounding waterfront creating a natural viewing amphitheater, this is shaping up to be one of the most memorable events St. Pete has seen in years.
Is It Free to Attend?
Yes. All public viewing areas are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No ticket is required.
Recommended viewing spots on land include Spa Beach Park, the Bayshore Drive NE and North Straub Park corridor, and public access points throughout the St. Pete Pier. Large video screens are confirmed at Spa Beach Park and the North Straub Park area along Bayshore Drive, so you can follow the action even if you are not right next to the tower.
There is no reserved public seating. All VIP viewing areas are sold out or private. The event footprint is largely ADA accessible, with a designated ADA viewing area east of the dive tower along the waterfront.
What to Bring
Plan for a few hours outside in downtown St. Pete in early June. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a refillable water bottle, a portable phone charger, and a towel or blanket if you want to sit on the lawn.
Small personal bags and backpacks are allowed. Leave at home: outside alcohol, glass containers, drones, large coolers, tents, shade structures, large umbrellas, weapons, and laser pointers. Bag checks and security screenings may be in place within the event footprint.
Parking, Rideshare and Road Closure Info
Downtown will be busy both days, so arrive early and come with a plan.
Nearby parking options include Pier District lots, Pier Drive metered parking, Sundial Parking Garage, Al Lang surface lot, SouthCore Garage, City Center Garage, Plaza Tower and Courtyard Shops Garage, Vinoy Park parking, and 10th Ave NE parking. No public shuttle service is planned, and rideshare is a smart option.
Road closure: Bayshore Drive NE between 2nd Ave NE and 5th Ave NE will be closed to traffic on Saturday, June 6 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Watching From the Water
Boats and non-motorized vessels are welcome in parts of the North Yacht Basin on a first-come, first-served basis, with a U.S. Coast Guard Safety Zone enforced around the dive tower. Kayaks and paddleboards are allowed but must stay behind the designated float line. Swimming is not allowed within the North Yacht Basin viewing area.
The event will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV starting at 1:00 PM EDT on Saturday, with a full replay available afterward.
Pulse Tip Before You Go
Get there early, bring water, and expect real crowds. This is the kind of event that reminds everyone why St. Pete keeps showing up on every “best city” list. This is a big one for St. Pete and the Pier is going to feel it.
Make a Day of It in St. Pete
If you are heading downtown for Red Bull Cliff Diving, it is also a good excuse to explore more of the local scene while you are out. St. Pete has plenty of markets worth checking out, from fresh finds and local makers to weekend browsing spots around the city. For more ideas, read our guide to Markets Around St. Pete Worth Exploring.
