RiverFest

RiverFest 2025 202

Celebrate the Catawba River with live music, local craft beer, food trucks, kids' activities, artisan vendors, a Floating Concert, and more at RiverFest!

Enjoy a day on the banks of the South Fork of the Catawba River! Head to downtown McAdenville (outside The River Room) on Saturday, May 3, for a jam-packed day filled with a great line-up of live music, a plein air art competition, local artisans, vendors, craft beer, and food trucks. Then, hop in your kayak (or rent one from us) and chill in the river with our FLOATING CONCERT as we float the party down to Cramerton! Stow your boats and head to Confluence for more live music Saturday evening. Entry to the festival is free, with the option to purchase tickets for the Floating Concert.

We can't wait to see you at RiverFest 2025!

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 3

Plein Air Art Show: 9 am - 12:30 pm
Watch artists pain "en plein air" (outside) around the festival grounds and throughout downtown McAdenville! Winners will be announced at 2 PM.

Want to participate in the Plein Air Art Show? Artists will have 3.5 hours to paint natural landscapes or historical building throughout downtown McAdenville for the chance to win up to $600 in prizes.

Registration coming soon!
Kayak Rentals: 11 am - 3 pm
Experience the river first-hand on kayak! Come on down to the McAdenville Launch, rent a kayak, and paddle around on the South Fork of the Catawba River.
Kids Activities: 11 am - 4 pm
Enjoy kids' activities in McAdenville! These activities are free to the public and will include multiple inflatables, face painting, a drum circle, and more!
Vendor Market: 11 am -4 pm
Shop around at our vendor market between 11 am and 4 pm! Visit local artisan, businesses, and non-profits. To become a vendor at RiverFest, click here.
Food Trucks: 11 am - 4 pm
Enjoy your pick of coffee, snacks, or lunch from one of our food trucks! Food trucks will be open from 11 am to 4 pm.

Food Trucks:
Arbor Coffee
Pita Palace
Noom Yai
Cream Ice Concepts
and more!
Music Set 1 - John David Tice: 11 pm - 12 pm
Come listen to this live music performance outside The River Room in McAdenville, NC! This performance is free to the public!
Music Set 2 - No Whammies: 12:45 - 1:45 pm
Come listen to this live music performance outside The River Room in McAdenville, NC! This performance is free to the public!
Music Set 3 - Eternally Grateful: 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Come listen to this live music performance outside The River Room in McAdenville, NC! This performance is free to the public!
Floating Concert with Hiram: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Don't miss the highlight of Fork Fest: the Floating Concert! Bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP (or rent one of ours) and hop in the South Fork to float down the river with the band!
Music Set 5 - Dr. D & Co: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Come to Confluence to enjoy the music of Dr. D & Co after the Floating Concert! Entry to this concert is free!
Music Set 6 - Zoe & Cloyd: 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Stick around at Confluence to enjoy the music of Zoe & Cloyd after the Floating Concert! Entry to this concert is free!
Karaoke with DJ Baxter: 9 PM - 12 AM
Finish a great day on a high note! Stick around until 9 PM for karoke with DJ Baxter.