Wilmington NC Riverfest
Celebrated on the first full weekend of October, the Riverfest runs through Historic Downtown Wilmington along Front Street between Chestnut and Orange Street. Currently drawing tens of thousands of people, this free, family-oriented celebration is a two-day event and has grown to be a widely anticipated annual celebration. Riverfest was created in February 1979, by a group of Wilmingtonians interested in showcasing downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River and has since resulted in a cultural street festival that entices locals and tourists alike to our amazing Historic Downtown.
Fun & Entertainment
Riverfest boasts craft vendors, concessions booths, a children’s play area, entertainment on various stages, Saturday night fireworks, and more. This year, we will also be crowning a Wilmington Riverfest Pageant Queen & Wilmington Riverfest Pageant Teen! One well-deserving young lady in each age group will be crowned and perform hostess duties throughout the festival.
Voted Top Seven Festivals to Visit!
Benefit the Cape Fear Area
Although the yearly festival is dependant on sponsorships and donations from community businesses and organizations, the economic impact of Riverfest for Historic Downtown and the surrounding community has been estimated at over thirteen million dollars! Over 114,000 New Hanover county residents and visitors attend the Riverfest! Of those attending, 93% are FAMILIES, with 60% Female and 40% Male. Come on down to beautiful, Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC and spend a couple of days by the Cape Fear River where we will be celebrating our amazing community. See you there!
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Thank You Wilmington Riverfest Pageant Sponsors!
A Special Thank You to Our Media Sponsors
Cumulus Media and WWAYTV3
