RiverFest 2025: A Celebration of the Catawba River, Powered by Catawba Riverkeeper

Gaston County Tourism is proud to sponsor RiverFest 2025, 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 3, 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 2025

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:

Morning: Art Comes Alive

Plein Air Art Show

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Artists will be set up across downtown McAdenville painting landscapes and historic buildings outdoors. Stroll the streets, enjoy the creative energy, and catch the awards announcement at 2:00 PM.Interested artists can still register for free to compete for up to $600 in prizes.

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:

• Live Music Performances

  • John David Tice (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

  • No Whammies (12:45 – 1:45 PM)

  • Eternally Grateful (2:30 – 4:00 PM)

• Vendor MarketLocal artisans, makers, and nonprofit booths

• Food TrucksIncluding Arbor Coffee, Pita Palace, Noom Yai, and Cream Ice Concepts

• Craft Beer and Beverage StationsNo outside alcohol allowed; cold drinks available on-site

• Kids' ActivitiesFree inflatables, face painting, drum circles, and more

• Rain Barrel Workshop2:15 PM – 2:45 PMLearn how to conserve water and take home a rain barrel kit

• Kayak Rentals11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at McAdenville Greenway River AccessExplore the river with Aquatic Adventures (no reservation needed)

The Main Event: The Floating Concert

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Launch from McAdenville Greenway Boat Launch

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.

Musical Guest: HiramTickets are required and can be purchased in advance or at the launch site (if available). All proceeds benefit Catawba Riverkeeper and their mission to protect our drinking water and recreation spaces.

How It Works:

• Park in Cramerton, take the shuttle (12:00 – 3:30 PM) to McAdenville

• Float with the band from 4:00 – 5:30 PM

• Exit the river near Confluence in Cramerton—right where the evening fun begins

Evening: More Music in Cramerton

5:30 PM – 12:00 AM

Location: Confluence, 117 Center Street, Cramerton

The festival continues into the night with even more live music—and it’s all free.

• Dr. D & Co (5:30 – 6:30 PM)

• Zoe & Cloyd (7:00 – 8:15 PM)

• Karaoke with DJ Baxter (9:00 PM – Midnight)

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a full evening of entertainment by the water.

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.