Friday, May 1, 2026 – Special Kickoff event at the historic Wayne Theatre
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Festival at Constitution Park
Join us for an exciting two-day celebration! The event kicks off Friday evening with a special and free viewing of the incredible documentary Hidden Rivers, offering an engaging and inspiring start to the weekend.
Then on Saturday, the energy continues with a full festival experience featuring Reptile World shows, Stream Safari, presentation by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Fish and Fun Rodeo, canoe rides, kids’ arts & crafts, and is all capped off by the Great South River Duck Race!
Friday Night Kickoff:
Join us at the Wayne Theatre (521 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980) from 7:00–8:30 PM for a free viewing of the Hidden Rivers documentary. Hidden Rivers is directed by Jeremy Monroe and David Herasimtschuk, with sound by Matt Kellam, of Freshwaters Illustrated. Music by Humming House. Narrated by Suzanne Frank.
Saturday Festival:
This free annual event takes place riverside at Constitution Park in Waynesboro, VA. Activities begin at 10:00 AM and run until 4:30 PM.
Riverfest – Saturday, May 2 2026
Starting at 10 am & continuing throughout the day:
Canoe Rides • Nature Exhibits • Fish n’ Fun Rodeo • Stream Safari
Children’s Art Table • Face Painting • Food Vendors
Music and Announcements
PROGRAM SCHEDULE-AMPITHEATER
10:15 Reptile World – See snakes and other live reptiles and learn about
the important roles they play in our world
12:45 Wildlife Center of Virginia – Meet some of our non-releasable animal ambassadors, and discover how the Wildlife Center is carrying out its mission of conservation
2:00 Awards Ceremony for winners of the Riverfest Poster Contest
**We ask that award recipients gather at the Amphitheater by 1:45 pm**
2:45 Reptile World – repeat performance
4:15 The Great South River Duck Race