The RiverArtsFest Returns to the Riverfront October 18–19

By
Jalyn Souchek
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It’s a Memphis tradition, and this year it’s back on Riverside Drive! The RiverArtsFest returns October 18–19, 2025, with more than 150 artists, two full days of live music, art demos, and family fun.

Memphis’ largest fine arts festival is back for its 19th year! RiverArtsFest transforms downtown’s Riverside Drive into an open-air gallery featuring artists from across the country, live music, local theater and dance, and plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with the arts.

Fall colors and tents at RiverArtsFest along the Mississippi riverfront with the "M" bridge in the background.
Alex Shansky

Live Music and Performing Arts All Weekend

RiverArtsFest doesn’t stop at visual arts. The festival’s two performance stages bring together an incredible lineup of Memphis musicians and performing groups.

Saturday’s music lineup includes Terry “Big T” Williams, Victim of Doug, Mark Edgar Stuart, and Rachel Maxann. On Sunday, catch Beth Luscombe Strings, Jackie Austin Duo, 2 Quarts Low, and Alice Hasen and the Blaze.

The Performing Arts Stage, sponsored by ART CENTER Supply Store, features crowd favorites like Opera Memphis, Hattiloo Theatre, Marcella Simien, and the Stax Alumni Band on Saturday. Plus, Hot Foot Honeys, Cazateatro, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the Tennessee Mass Choir on Sunday.

You’ll also find local food vendors and bars throughout the festival grounds offering wine, beer, and specialty cocktails.

Hands-On Art for All Ages

Don’t leave the kids (or your inner child) at home. Hands-On Art is back with free, interactive stations where everyone can create their own festival masterpiece to take home. It’s open to all ages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, making it the perfect pit stop between artist booths or music sets.
 


Plan Your Visit

RiverArtsFest 2025

Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Riverside Drive from Jefferson to Beale

Entrances: Jefferson, Court, Union, and Beale

(Jefferson includes a U-turn drop-off for rideshare and those with mobility needs.)

Admission:

  • $15 Single Day
  • $20 Two-Day Pass
  • $5 Youth (ages 6–17)
  • Free for Children 5 and under

Please note: RiverArtsFest is a cashless event.

Paid parking is available at garages throughout downtown, including Wagner Lot, Metro 67 Garage, Court Square Garage, and others.

Festival Rules: No pets, coolers, bikes, scooters, or outside food and drink.

river arts fest
Alex Shansky
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Someone shopping for art at RiverArtsFest.
Alex Shansky
portrait of Jalyn Souchek

About the Author

Hey, I’m Jalyn Souchek! Director of Content for the I Love Memphis Blog and a full-time Memphis hype woman. I’m proud to call the 901 home, and when I’m not sharing the best of the city online, you’ll probably find me repping the Grizzlies, taking coffee walks down South Main, catching live music, posted up at a dive bar or brewery, or chasing down my next favorite bite to eat. Come explore Memphis with me. I’ll show you why this city is easy to love.

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Candace
Hope they move RiverArts back to South Main in 2019. Just didnt have same feel as on South Main. River is nice but on that hot asphalt with no green space, it didnt have the artsy, friendly, inviting, diverse & interesting atmosphere of South Main. Felt very closed in & crowded. Seemed like fewer booths. I like seeing artists fro outside the are but it's also disappointing to see so few Mid South arists represented. And the food choices were minimal. Where were all our great local food trucks? Also no provision made for handicap parking.
October 28, 2018 6:57pm
Holly Whitfield
Thanks for reading and commenting, Candace. I'd reach out to the organizers directly to be sure that your feedback is received. I know that construction prevented it from taking place in its usual location this year.
October 29, 2018 1:04pm

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