CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Preparations for Riverfest 2021 are underway with the festival remaining scheduled as an in-person event. Clarksville Parks & Recreation has made the decision to cancel the Kids Zone for this year’s Riverfest out of an abundance of caution from rising COVID-19 numbers in the community.
“While continuing to err on the side of caution, minor modifications are being made so that Riverfest can return to its former glory as an in-person event," Mayor Joe Pitts said. "After an abbreviated version of Riverfest last year due to COVID-19, I’m excited to see families enjoy this year’s festivities. Clarksville Parks & Recreation has done a marvelous job once again planning this event and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying all that this Clarksville tradition has to offer.”
Masks are highly encouraged during the event for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals when social distancing cannot be maintained.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Juried Art Show from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Wilma Rudolph Event CenterMcGregor Park from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Sept. 10McGregor Park from 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sept. 11
CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA
McGregor Park Boat Launch Area1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11
This fan-favorite, sponsored by Waterdogs, is back for the 13th year. Boats are constructed from cardboard and recycled materials and raced down the Cumberland River in a 100-yard dash. Divisions include adult, youth (with adult), military, civic/churches, businesses, and local government agencies. Don’t miss this spectacle – will they sink or swim?
FOOD & DRINK
Food and drink are available for purchase with all major credit and debit cards now being accepted.
SHOPPING
Vendors will have everything from handmade art and retail items to great information from local businesses. You’ll want to visit them all! Vendors will accept cash or credit cards.
ROAD CLOSURES & PARK INFORMATION
Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 116 a.m., both southbound lanes on Riverside Drive and the center turning lane closed. Only one northbound and one southbound lane will be open for two-way traffic.
7 p.m. until midnight, Riverside Drive will be closed to through traffic from Spring Street to College Street.
Midnight, the far southbound lane of Riverside Drive Closed.
The courtesy boat dock and boat ramp at the RiverWalk will be closed Tuesday through Sunday evening. Boats can be anchored on the county side of the channel during the festival, however, no boat may anchor in the channel or on the RiverWalk side of the channel. River traffic may be subject to safety checks. There is no swimming in the event area after sunset, from the J.R. Corman Train trestle to the Red River/Cumberland River confluence. These regulations are subject to change at any time.
PARKING & SHUTTLES
Free parking will be available on the Austin Peay State University Campus at 311 College Street at the corner of Home Avenue and College Street. Shuttles taking patrons to Riverfest will run every 30-45 minutes on Saturday only, beginning at 11:45 a.m. and continuing until 11:15 p.m. Please see www.clarksvilleriverfest.com for exact pick-up location.
Riverfest parking will not be permitted at Two Rivers Business Center at any time or at Riverside Drive businesses during their business hours. Handicap parking will be available at designated parking lots directly across from McGregor Park.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We still need volunteers ages 13 and up available to work a 4-hour shift Friday or Saturday. All volunteers will receive a Riverfest t-shirt, a free meal, and direct access to all the Riverfest fun. To volunteer, email or call Clarksville Parks and Recreation at parksrec@cityofclarksville.com or (931) 645-7476.
For more information and a full stage lineup, visit ClarksvilleRiverfest.com
About the Festival
Riverfest is Clarksville’s longest-running community festival and brings more than 30,000 people to the banks of the Cumberland River in an arts and recreation celebration. This year, Riverfest will be Sept. 9-11, 2021. Admission and entertainment at the festival are free and open to the public thanks to our partners Blue Cord Realty, Five Star Media Group, Tri-Star Beverage of Clarksville, Waterdogs & Mary’s Music. To stay up to date on Riverfest, visit the festival website, www.clarksvilleriverfest.com and follow “Clarksville Riverfest'' on Facebook. The festival is brought to you by the City of Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department and Blue Cord Realty. For information or for ADA assistance, please call 931-645-7476 or visit www.cityofclarksville.com.