The Old Wilmington Riverfront Celebration, Inc. the organization responsible for the Annual Wilmington Riverfest, has been established as a charitable organization to benefit the Cape Fear River environment. To that end, it is our goal to actively participate with the community to raise capital for reinvestment in the human resources necessary to research and develop river preservation methods and technology. We will strive to promote the Annual Wilmington Riverfest to successfully

The first Riverfest was October 4, 5, and 6, 1979. Forty workers participated; the budget was $5,500 all in donations. There were four concessions, trolley rides and fireworks. It was a roaring success so we decided we'd do it again next year, and again, and again, on the first weekend each October. 30 years later - 2008: Twenty plus committees, over 300 volunteers, a budget of $80,000, over 160 craft vendors, 25 concessions, entertainment on two stages, fireworks, the Great Waiter's Wine Race, Run The River, exhibits and of course the Kidz Zone.

Would you like to help? if you have a unique talent or are interested in helping make the Riverfest a success, call 910-452-6862, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   with the date and time you are interested in entertaining. Or, CLICK HERE and fill in the online form. Entertainers! Can you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have any other entertaining talent and would like to entertain during Riverfest - October 4th and 5th? Groups, musicians, dance studios, karate academies, gymnastics centers, sports events, queens, kings, and individuals are all welcomed!!

Commercial caterer? Organization that would like to raise funds? The Riverfest has 150,000 Plus visitors in one weekend. This is a great opportunity! If you're intetested, download:

• The Riverfest Concession Application

The 18th running of the Riverfest Run the River 8K will be held on Sunday, October 5th. The race day race registration and packet pick-up will be in the Cape Fear Community College parking lot at Front and Brunswick Streets from 7:00 to 7:45 with the race starting at 8:00.

Cotton Exchange Parking Lot - Water Street
Saturday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday - 10:30 am - 5:00 pm October 4th and 5th

The KidZone plays host to over 100,000 children and young adults each year. Riverfest offers this wonderful event FREE to the public.