RiverFest 2026: A Celebration of the Catawba River, Powered by Catawba Riverkeeper

Gaston County Tourism is proud to sponsor RiverFest 2026, a day-long celebration of the Catawba River hosted by Catawba Riverkeeper. This unforgettable festival invites you to experience the best of Gaston County—local music, outdoor adventure, art, food, and family fun—all while supporting clean water and river conservation.

Make plans now to spend Saturday, May 2, 2026 on the banks of the South Fork in downtown McAdenville, with the party floating downstream to Cramerton in the evening.

What to Expect at RiverFest 2026

9 am - 4 pm

RiverFest isn’t just a festival. It’s a community experience that spans two towns, several stages, and one incredible river. The event is free to attend, with tickets available for the Floating Concert experience.

Here’s how to spend your day:

Plein Air Art Competition: Art Comes Alive

Midday: Music, Food, and Festival Fun

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: The River Room, 102 Main Street, McAdenville

This is the heart of RiverFest. Expect a full schedule of activities:

Floating Concert

The Floating Concert is RiverFest’s signature experience. Hop in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (bring your own or rent one on-site) and enjoy a live concert on the water as you float with the current down the South Fork River.

Why It Matters

RiverFest is more than a good time—it supports the mission of Catawba Riverkeeper, a nonprofit working year-round to protect the rivers that supply drinking water and power to millions across the Carolinas. Your participation helps raise awareness and funds for this vital cause.

Join Us on the River

RiverFest 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest celebration of the Catawba River yet—and Gaston County Tourism is proud to help make it happen. Come out and enjoy the music, art, food, and adventure that make our region so special.

For tickets and full event details, visit: www.catawbariverkeeper.org/riverfest

We’ll see you on the river.