RiverFest

History:

Riverfest began in 1978 when the Junior League of Little Rock had the opportunity to bring the American Wind Symphony to Little Rock.  The event was called The Summer Arts Festival and was held at Murray Park, with various activities built around the Wind Symphony's performance.  It was such a success that it was decided to have a similar event the following year.  The date was changed to Memorial Day Weekend and the name was changed to Riverfest.  It was also at that point the Riverfest a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors, was formed to operate the festival.  The Junior League continued it's involvement and made the commitment to provide primary volunteers support.  In 1983 Riverfest moved to Julius Breckling Riverfront Park and in 2002 the event expanded to the North Shore Riverwalk in North Little Rock.

Riverfest is the largest single event in the state of Arkansas with over 245,000 people in attendance.  That's almost 10% of the population!  Our festival is a celebration of the visual and performing arts that is held annually over Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock.  Riverfest is a private, non-profit corporation whose mission is to benefit the community.  In fact, Riverfest has invested more than $700,000 in the Riverfront Park and River Market District, including the Riverfest Amphitheatre and the Riverfest Pavilion at the River Market.Riverfest is unmatched in entertainment value.  In addition to an annual performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a spectacular closing fireworks extravaganza, festival-goers are treated to music from some of the best known names in music across all musical genres - from great kids entertainers to top names in the country, pop, jazz and rock music industries.  Riverfest also offers a fabulous kids area with games, arts and crafts, face-painting and loads of activities for children.  ArtZone is a great place for kids aged 8-12 to participate in art classes taught by local artists and teachers.  Teen Extreme offers cool games and activities for all of the tweens and teens looking for a great place to hang-out and play X-Box, sing Karaoke, watch a great slam-dunk basketball team perform, jump on the bungee trampoline or climb the rock wall.  If you are looking for a true cultural experience be sure to visit our International Village.  Or if you just want to watch some great family entertainment check out the Yarnell's Family Stage where you can watch the fabulous Jesse White Tumblers and watch local dance, gymnastics and Taekwondo groups perform. Riverfest offers something for everyone!