welcome to riverfest
Riverfest is all about bringing the Clarksville community together and building comradery between neighbors. We create an atmosphere that celebrates and showcases the cultural diversity of our city through music, local eats, drinks, shopping, and recreational activities for the entire family.
Riverfest is Clarksville’s longest-running community festival and brings more than 30,000 people to the banks of the Cumberland River. The 33rd annual festival will be Sept. 9-10, 2022. Admission to Riverfest is free and open to the public. More announcements will be made soon, as new events and entertainment are finalized.
2022 EVENT DETAILS
RIVERFEST
McGregor Park
September 9, 2022 - 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
September 10, 2022 - 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
INAUGURAL DRAGON BOAT RACE
PRESENTED BY THE CUMBERLAND RIVER COMPACT
McGregor Park Boat Ramp
September 10, 2022 - TBA
TRADITIONAL CARDBOARD BOat REGATTA RACES
McGregor Park Boat Ramp
September 10, 2022 - TBA
F2CON
PRESENTED BY CDE LIGHTBAND
Wilma Rudolph Event Center
September 9, 2022 - TBA
September 10, 2022 - TBA
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!
ENTERTAINERS
We are looking for musicians, bands, street performers, dancers, ALL artistic entertainers. Riverfest will host two stages of entertainment that will embrace diversity of musical styles and genres.
APPLY TO BE AN ENTERTAINER
FOOD CONCESSIONAIRE
Great music isn’t the only thing to enjoy at Riverfest. When it comes to festival food - whether it’s a turkey leg, fresh-squeezed lemonade, funnel cake, or anything you can imagine battered and fried - we would like all kinds of local and diverse food offerings at this year’s Riverfest.
APPLY TO BE A FOOD CONCESSIONAIRE
CORPORATE PROMOTIONAL BOOTH
At Riverfest, your company will be in front of an audience of 30,000+. Here is an opportunity to equate your brand with the community and amplify your reach. This includes businesses that have a product or service that cannot be sold on-site, informational booths only!
APPLY TO BE A CORPORATE PROMOTIONAL BOOTH
RETAIL VENDOR
Guests will enjoy a wide array of marketplace vendors at Riverfest, set against the Cumberland River, creating a shopping experience like no other.
This includes local businesses (not corporate entities) that have products to sell on-site at the Festival.
APPLY TO BE A RETAIL VENDOR
ARTISAN VENDOR
Guests will enjoy a wide array of marketplace vendors at Riverfest, set against the Cumberland River, creating a shopping experience like no other.
These are hand-crafted items, with 100% of the products being handmade. If you would like to sell items that are not 100% handmade, please apply as a retail vendor.
APPLY TO BE AN ARTISAN VENDOR
civic/NON-PROFIT ACTIVITY BOOTH
At Riverfest, we welcome and embrace people from all ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs. We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive community that better reflects the world we live in. Help bring the community together and build comradery between neighbors at this year's Riverfest.
We’re looking for civic and non-profit organizations that represent a specific world culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs to showcase the cultural diversity of our city. All civic and non-profit organizations must host an activity at their booth throughout the Festival weekend.
Non-profit organizations must show proof of 501c3 status.
APPLY TO BE A CIVIC / NON-PROFIT ACTIVITY BOOTH
VOLUNTEER
Clarksville Parks & Recreation has a great tradition of enthusiastic volunteers. We are looking for individuals and groups to help be a part of our 600-plus Riverfest Volunteer team. We have volunteer opportunities available in a variety of areas for volunteers of all ages and abilities.
All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and credit for community service. Meals will be provided for those working a 4-hour shift and more.
Come join us and have a great time!
APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER
Riverfest offers sponsorship levels and benefits packages. This includes on-site activation opportunities, branding inclusion on collateral materials, online and in-media announcements, social media promotions, VIP passes for staff and clients, and much more. A sponsorship package can also be customized to meet the unique needs of your businesses.
click here for sponsorship opportunities
2022 Riverfest Stage Sponsors
2022 riverfest official beer sponsor
2022 Media Sponsor
2022 Event Sponsors
PADDLE Y’ALL!
It’s an exciting year for Riverfest! The festival returns and welcomes a new reason to enjoy the Cumberland River. Dragon Boat Racing will be a new addition to this year’s festival, offering an opportunity to get out on the water to participate in a global racing sport.
The Cumberland River Compact is a nonprofit that works to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and it’s tributaries through education, restoration, and collaboration. The nonprofit seeks to introduce Dragon Boat Racing to Clarksville at this year’s Riverfest in addition to expanding its restoration efforts and environmental education programming to the area. The Cumberland River Compact has hosted its annual Dragon Boat Festival in Nashville for the past 14 years, and will host its Nashville festival this year on September 17th, one week after Riverfest.
Dragon Boat racing is rooted in ancient Chinese tradition dating back more than 2000 years but today, it is a modern and international sport enjoyed by many. Decorative dragon boats are occupied by 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and one steerer. Teams race approximately 200 meters in heats throughout the day for the best time and the Grand Champion title.
Dragon Boat racing is an exciting team-building opportunity for civic and community groups, corporate groups, and individuals! Winning is not about strength - it’s about teamwork and synchronicity in the boat - making this a great sport for participants of all skill levels. All you need is 20 friends or coworkers and a team captain and the Cumberland River Compact will help you with the rest! Each boat will be provided a trained steerer. Teams will be able to schedule practice times during the week leading up to the races.
youtube videos
- Wild SideTV-Dragon Boat Races
- An Intro to Dragon Boat Racing
- Annual Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival
2022 Registration Fees
Community team or Nonprofit - $1,000
Corporate Team - $1,500
WHAT YOU NEED TO REGISTER A TEAM
- A team captain who will be responsible for coordinating registration & logistics, attending informational meetings, leading fundraising efforts, and recruiting paddlers for their team boat. *This person will be the Cumberland River Compact’s main point of contact up to race day! This person is often the team's drummer and mascot as well but that is not required.
- Please be prepared to complete your registration payment within 30 days of receiving your team's invoice to hold your boat. Payment can be made online or by check. Your boat slot will not be held if payment is not received within 30 days!
- Fill out the registration form below. Once you have completed the registration intake form, a Cumberland River Compact staff member will reach out to you to complete your registration payment.
Registration Timeline
- August 15 - Last Day To Register
- August 19 - Dragon Boat Race Informational Meeting
click here to register now!
Riverfest Cardboard Boat Regatta
On your mark…get set…GO!
The traditional Riverfest Cardboard Boat Regatta is back and will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at McGregor Park Boat Ramp on the Cumberland River. Between the Dragon Boat Race heats, participants will race their boats for 100 yards to compete for the fastest time in each division.
This event is just as much fun to watch as it is to race. So pull your team, gather the materials for your boat, select your captains, and get ready to race.
Pre-registration is required by September 9, 2022.
REGISTER FOR THE BOAT REGATTA
Check back soon for schedule updates!
F2CON, powered by CDE Lightband, is back and better than ever for its third year! Mark your calendars to join us over Riverfest weekend for two glorious days of intense competition, casual gaming, and fun for all ages. With CDE Lightband’s super-fast gigabit internet so you won’t have to worry about lag as you battle your way to the main stage!
F2CON is stocked full of entertainment from retro games to live streaming competitions. With 2 days of tournaments for all skill levels, fun activities, and vendors; there is truly something for everyone.
F2CON will feature 14 tournaments with a $10,000 pot bonus across various titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Street Fighter V, Super Bros SMASH Ultimate and more.
We have something for the casual competitor too! Jump in on open play events like Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 2v2, and Rocket Leauge!
F2Con
Wilma Rudolph Event Center
September 9, 2022 - TBA
September 10, 2022 - TBA
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Friday, September 9, 2022
bud light seltzer stage
Time | Performer |
---|---|
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Lillicat |
6:15 - 7:15 p.m. | Herschel and Bailey |
7:45 - 9:00 p.m. | Choir of Water |
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. | The Entice Band |
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2022
Blue cord realty STAGE
Time | Performer |
---|---|
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | J.D. Shelburne |
6:15 - 7:15 p.m. | Awaken |
7:45 - 9:00 p.m. | Tina Brown |
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. | TBD |
Saturday, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
Bud light Seltzer STAGE
Time | Performer |
---|---|
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Michael Rick |
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Can't Relate |
1:15 - 1:45 p.m. | TBD |
2:00 - 2:45 p.m. | Jason Lee McKinney |
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Friday Night Rush |
4:15 - 5:15 p.m. | Britt Dignan |
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Kodigoz |
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. | Stray Nova |
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Ivey |
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. | Generation Radio |
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
Blue Cord Realty Stage
Time | Performer |
---|---|
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Clarksville Adult Colorguard |
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Natalie's Dance Network |
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Cast & Crown |
1:15 - 2:00 p.m. | Ainsley Costello |
2:15 - 3:00 p.m. | Teresa Guidry |
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. | The Clarksville Nu Stirrers |
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Harold Dawson |
5:45 - 6:45 p.m. | Odiss Kohn |
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | A Gypsy Soul |
8:15 - 9:15 p.m. | DJ Pryor |
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. | Texas Hill |