CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville’s annual Riverfest Celebration returns for its 32nd year on September 5-7. This free, three-day music and arts festival features diverse music, both local and national, as well as assorted food and activities for the entire family.
Riverfest kicks off on Thursday, September 5, with the Riverfest Juried Art Show. This free event begins at 5 p.m. at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center and will feature art from local talent. Appetizers and drinks will be available.
The festivities continue Friday, 5 p.m, at McGregor Park with performances by Vanessa Williams, Justin Mobley and American Floyd. Ghost Town Remedy, Music for Mercy, #Stop22Tour and FEVER will also perform.
Saturday’s entertainment begins at noon, featuring local and regional talent like Nicole Coley, Leaving Lennox, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, Jane Rose & the Deadend Boys, Emmalee and Ethan Cole.
Watch local dance academies strut their stuff, followed by demonstrations by Austin Peay State University’s College of STEM. Local entertainers including Hayley Payne, Austin James, Rufus Dawkins and Jerda Musick will end the evening.
Saturday will also feature performances by Steve Rivers, Cody Parks and the Dirty South and Maggie Baugh. Headliner Montgomery Gentry will take the stage at 9:15 p.m.
For a full lineup and stage schedule, visit the event website.
Music is not the only thing to enjoy at Riverfest. Other attractions include:
The Family Zone: RiverWalk North Extension
Families can explore hands-on games and activities while learning about the environment and cultures. Enjoy performances on the International Stage by cultural groups every hour on Saturday.
Most games and activities are free for children in the Family Zone, including booths operated by event partners and a craft area. Guests ages 10 and up can test their diving skills in a giant 60-by-40 foot tank.
Inflatables and activities will be available from 5-8 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. Families will be required to purchase a wristband if they wish to use the inflatables, game trailer, or to shoot zombies with the Clarksville Zombie Hunters. The cost is $10 per person and is valid for unlimited use on both Friday and Saturday. The same wristband must be kept on for both Friday and Saturday. No replacements will be given.
Cardboard Boat Regatta: McGregor Park Boat Launch Area
Participants will race boats constructed from cardboard and recycled materials down the Cumberland River in a 100-yard dash. Will they sink or swim? Find out at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.
Shopping:
Over 40 vendors will be in attendance, displaying everything from handmade art and retail items to information on local businesses. Vendors will accept cash or credit card.
Food & Drink
Riverfest is doing away with tickets this year. All guests need to enjoy the festival’s many food and drink vendors is cash or card.
Free parking and shuttle transportation will be provided for this year’s Riverfest. For information on parking, as well as shuttle times and locations, click here.