RiverFest is a family friendly festival presented by Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. It takes place May 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in McAdenville and Cramerton, North Carolina.
The festival includes a floating concert between McAdenville and Cramerton, which is the only ticketed part of the festival. The rest is free, although there are opportunities to support Catawba Riverkeeper.
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Outside Dynamo 31 Building, 102 Main Street, McAdenville, NC
- 4:30 p.m.: Floating concert on the South Fork River
- 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Confluence, 117 Center Street, Cramerton, NC
The event features:
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Plein Air Art Show
- Local craft beer
- Artisan vendors
- Kids’ activities
- Floating Concert (postponed)
Tickets
No tickets are needed for anything except the floating concert.
- Bring your own kayak: $32.55
- Ages 8 and under (child in kayak with adult): $16.80
- Rent a kayak for the concert: $58.82
- Rent a tandem kayak (includes two floating concert tickets): $69.32
Riverfest Schedule
Everything prior to the floating concert takes place outside the Dynamo 31 Building in McAdenville. Everything after the floating concert is at Confluence in Cramerton. The only ticketed event is the floating concert.
Riverfest at McAdenville
- 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Plein Air Art Show
- 11 a.m.: Free yoga class
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Kayak rentals
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids’ activities
- 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Vendor market
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Food trucks
- 11 a.m.: Live music by Elijah Ray
- 12:45 p.m.: Live music by The Riverkeepers
- 2:45 p.m.: Live music by Mucho Gumbo
Floating Concert
At McAdenville Greenway Boat Launch
- 3:30 p.m.: John David Tice at the boat launch
- 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Jason Moss and the Hosses floating concert
Riverfest in Cramerton
- 6 to 8 p.m.: Live music with Cody Gentry
- 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Live music with David Childers & The Serpents
Parking and Shuttle for the Floating Concert
Parking for the floating concert will be in Cramerton, North Carolina. The parking is free. Take the FREE shuttle to McAdenville. During the concert you will float back to Cramerton, where your car is parked.
There will be no shuttle to McAdenville after the concert, so don’t park there!
Look for updates on Catawba Riverkeeper’s Facebook page.
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