RiverArtsFest Celebrates 20 Years on the Riverfront October 17–18

By
Jalyn Souchek
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Twenty years in, RiverArtsFest brings more than 160 artists, live music, and hands-on art back to Riverside Drive.

Memphis' largest fine arts festival turns 20 this year. RiverArtsFest started on South Main in 2007, moved to the riverfront in 2018, and returns to Riverside Drive this month with more than 160 juried artists from Memphis, the Mid-South, and across the country. Expect an open-air gallery of painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wearable art, plus live music and plenty of ways to get hands-on.

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

What Is RiverArtsFest?

RiverArtsFest is the region's largest and longest-running fine arts festival. For one weekend each October, Riverside Drive becomes an open-air gallery where more than 160 juried artists from Memphis, the Mid-South, and across the country show and sell original work. You'll find painting, photography, ceramics, mixed media, glass, wearable art, jewelry, and more.

The festival's story goes back further than 20 years. It traces its roots to Arts in the Park, which began in Overton Park in 1984 as a program of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. When that festival ended, volunteers regrouped to build something new, and some of them are still involved today. RiverArtsFest spent its first decade on South Main, from 2007 to 2017, before moving to the riverfront in 2018.

It has earned national attention along the way. RiverArtsFest ranks No. 17 in the Fine Art and Design category of Sunshine Artist magazine's 2026 "200 Best" list, which is based on sales reported by participating artists.

It's also more than a weekend. RiverArtsFest is a nonprofit, and festival proceeds fund year-round arts programming that brings working artists into schools and community spaces across Shelby County.

"For 20 years, artists, volunteers, educators and supporters have come together around a belief that art should be experienced, shared and accessible," said Denise Ford, festival director and board chair.

Festivalgoers walking through RiverArtsFest in downtown Memphis
Alex Shansky

New for the 20th Year

FACE FORWARD: Reflections of Our Community. This new artist-led project gathers self-portraits made by Shelby County residents of all ages and abilities. Look for them on two 5-by-10-foot banner towers at the festival entrances.

A 20th anniversary poster by Birdcap. Memphis muralist Michael Roy, better known as Birdcap, designed this year's commemorative poster.

Three Emerging Artists. Meet Bobby Anderson (sculpture from found objects and reclaimed metal), Kiki Angkratok (mixed-media portraiture), and Chavela Racine (paintings exploring memory).

Live Music All Weekend

Saturday's lineup features Gia Welch, Heartbreak Hill, Memphis Ukulele Band, and Star & Micey. Sunday brings Deborah Swiney, Last Chance Jug Band, Rowdy Franks, and the Tennessee Mass Choir. DJ Super Brad holds down the north end both days.

You'll also find local food vendors and bars throughout the festival grounds.

Hands-On Art and Artists at Work

The Hands-On Art Station offers free, interactive art-making for all ages, presented by Art Center Supply & Frame Shop, the festival's longest-running supporter. At Artists at Work, six Memphis artists demonstrate metalsmithing, woodturning, papermaking, painting, fiber art, and pottery throughout the weekend.


Plan Your Visit

  • Dates: Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18
  • Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Location: Riverside Drive from Jefferson to Beale
  • Entrances: Jefferson, Court, Union, and Beale (Jefferson includes a U-turn drop-off for rideshare and mobility-needs access)

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.

Parking: 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.

Someone shopping for art at RiverArtsFest.
Alex Shansky
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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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