Rivanna RiverFest

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Come celebrate and experience your river at Rivanna RiverFest on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 2-9PM!

Join us at the Rivanna River Company from 2-5PM for family-friendly activities, fun on the river, talks, demonstrations, and more. At 5PM, we’ll transition into a celebration with a live performance by Hometown Choir. Then dance the night away with a concert by We Are Star Children starting at 6PM. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 2-9PM. Admission is FREE!

Keep scrolling for important parking information and FAQs. Full schedule of events coming soon. Thank you to our sponsors and planning partners for making this event possible!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR RIVERFEST

Register for a paddle through the Rivanna River Company the morning of RiverFest:

9:30AM – A Guided History Trip with Earl Gibson (RRC to Milton) – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Rivanna Adventure Paddle – This trip is limited to paddlers with enough experience to control their boat because of several exciting rapids along the route. Beginning in Charlottesville, this trip follows the Rivanna as it cuts through the Southwest Mountains. The rocky terrain and remains of historic dams make for interesting paddling and a history lesson. Several Class II ledges require the ability to read rapids and control the boat. Just outside of town, the river enters an area that is surprisingly untouched, with excellent wildlife watching and scenery. Minimum age is 6. Novice paddlers or those new to river trips are strongly encouraged to take a Guided Trip as their first introduction to this section of the Rivanna.

10:30AM – “Speaking of Rivers…” A Guided African American History Trip with Horace Scruggs (Darden Towe to Riverview) – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Rivanna Sampler – This shorter trip is a great introduction to paddling and the Rivanna. Paddlers have a nice slow pool to get familiar with their equipment before a beach on river left signals the entry into the first challenging rapid of the trip. The remainder of the float is a variety of calm water and interesting “rock garden” rapids. A classic Charlottesville view of the historic water tower and Mt. Alto greet paddlers as they round the final bend of the trip. Minimum age is 6. Beginning paddlers will enjoy this stretch as an introduction to the interest and challenge of river trips.

Sign up for Fly Fishing 101 lessons with Orvis at RiverFest:

2:30-3PM – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
3:30-4PM – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
4:30-5PM – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

We are excited to welcome the following organizations, groups, businesses, and individuals to the 2024 RiverFest:

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site from:

Hogwaller Brewing (2-9PM)

Little Manila (4-8PM)

Starr Hill Brewery (2-8:30PM)

Potter’s Craft Cider (2-8:30PM)

Grit Coffee (2-8:30PM)

PARKING

Walk or bike to the event and receive a FREE RiverFest sticker!

FREE PARKING OPTIONS:

1) Rivanna River Company (RRC) – Parking on site is very limited and first come, first serve. There is handicap accessible parking available.

2) 5-minute walk to RRC – The parking lot directly across E High St from the Cosner Brothers shop, adjacent to the corner lot where food trucks park. Use the lighted crosswalk to cross E High St to RRC.

3) 6-Minute Walk to RRC – Lower Burnley Moran Elementary School parking lot – directly next to Fabio’s Pizza, drive up Riverdale Dr. This will take you directly into the lower parking lot of Burnley Moran Elementary. Walk back down the hill and use the lighted crosswalk to cross E High St to the RRC. Parking is also available in the upper lots at Burnley Moran Elementary School, which can be accessed from 250 E or Mowbray Place.

4) 8-9 Minute Walk to RRC – Fairway Ave is a wide public street with parking on either side. From there walk Caroline Ave, then enter into the field and take the path through the meadow to RRC.

5) Shuttle ride to RRC – The Albemarle County Service Authority parking lot is available for overflow parking. A shuttle will be running from the parking lot to the RRC from 3-8 PM.

NOTE: Parking at Cosner Brother’s Auto Body Shop is NOT allowed. Towing will be enforced.