September 27-28, 2025 – Etowah River Park
We are excited to announce the return of Riverfest in 2025! After the unfortunate cancellation of Riverfest 2024, we are eagerly planning this year’s festival and look forward to making it one of our best yet. Join us on Saturday, September 27th from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, September 28th from 10 AM to 5 PM at Etowah River Park for a weekend filled with arts, crafts, food, and fun.
Our goal is to make this year’s event a huge success to continue supporting the needs of children in our community. We can’t wait to see our vendors, concessionaires, volunteers, and patrons back in action this September!
For those interested in applying, or for further contact information, please see the links below.
An Arts and Crafts Festival with Something for Everyone
Featured against the picturesque banks of the Etowah River Park in Canton, the Riverfest Arts & Crafts festival is the League’s flagship fundraising event where all funds raised support Cherokee County children in need. The two-day festival draws over 25,000 patrons, over 150 arts crafts exhibitors, 10-20 concessionaires, and a host of local entertainers.
Begin your Riverfest experience by talking with our amazing sponsors who support our mission through their generous donations. Continue through the park to shop from more than 150 artists and crafters from all around Georgia and other southeastern states. Stop by the concessions area to try a wide variety of festival fare and delicious food and treats from local food trucks.
Riverfest is a great time for the entire family. A Children’s area features games, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, and miniature train rides. Sports fans can relax in our tailgating area with live broadcasts of football games. There’s something for everyone!
For over 40 years, Riverfest has grown into a fun community event for both adults and children and is always held on the last full weekend in September. Mark your calendar!
Come see why people travel from all over the southeast every year to attend Riverfest!
Arts & Crafts Vendors
Applications are now open for Arts & Crafts vendors using our newly adopted platform on Eventeny! Arts and Crafts vendors and exhibitors are the heart of Riverfest, and we are seeking vendors who offer handmade, one-of-a-kind products, including art, jewelry, woodcrafts, children’s items, soaps, candles, unique lighting and décor, and gourmet food products. Application fees vary depending on booth size and electrical needs, with all details provided in the application.
Riverfest is a juried show, with a jury consisting of league members and longtime arts and crafts vendors convening a few months prior to the event. Vendors will be notified of their acceptance shortly after the jury concludes.
Applications are due by May 1st, 2025, but we strongly encourage vendors to apply early, as spaces typically sell out before the deadline. We ask that all communications be made using Eventeny’s messaging platform. However, if you are unable to reach us through Eventeny, please email us at rfartsandcrafts@serviceleague.net for assistance.
Concessionaires
Applications are now open for Concessions vendors using our newly adopted platform on Eventeny! The amazing treats offered by our food trucks, vendors, and concession tents are some of the highlights of Riverfest! After a full day of shopping, live entertainment, and children’s activities, festival goers love the variety of delicious options provided by our concessionaires. Whether you serve savory meals, sweet treats, or refreshing beverages, we welcome all food vendors, including food trucks, to apply.
For questions or assistance, please message us directly through the Eventeny platform. If you are unable to do so, you can also reach us at rfconcessions@serviceleague.net. We look forward to working with you to make this year’s event a success!
Entertainment
One of the most special parts of Riverfest is the wonderful talent on display at the Entertainment Stage. The weekend will be filled with local musicians, dance teams, gymnasts, choirs, and other performances. While the League is very excited to support local talent, we are unable to pay performers. If you would like to be considered as part of the entertainment for Riverfest, please click the link below.
Email rfentertainment@serviceleague.net if you have any questions about becoming a performer.
Scarecrows
If you have attended Riverfest in the past, you know Scarecrows are a big part of the festive décor. Businesses and civic groups in our community contribute scarecrows designed and decorated by their group or organization. Following Riverfest, the business or civic group is provided with an option to move its scarecrow to downtown Canton where they will be displayed throughout the month of October.
Please email rfscarecrows@serviceleague.net if you have any questions.
Sponsors
Sponsors are essential to a successful Riverfest, and all sponsorship dollars remain in Cherokee County! We offer various levels of sponsorship for Riverfest, ranging from $250 to $10,000. Sponsors committing $2,500 and up have the opportunity to greet patrons as they enter the festival and hand out promotional materials. With over 25,000 people attending over the two-day period, along with extensive pre-festival marketing featuring sponsor logos, sponsoring Riverfest is a great way for companies to gain exposure in Cherokee County while supporting a worthy cause.
Sponsorship applications will be available by early to mid-February. If you need assistance or have any questions, please email us at rfsponsors@serviceleague.net.
Latest Updates
Service League Cancels 40th Annual Riverfest Due to Hurricane Helene Concerns
Thank you Riverfest 2023 Sponsors
Riverfest 2023 Details
Thank you to our 2022 Riverfest Sponsors!
