Riverfest Returns to Narrowsburg for Its 36th Year, Celebrating Art, Music and the Delaware River

Main Street in Narrowsburg will once again transform into a celebration of creativity, community and the Upper Delaware River when the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance’s 36th Annual Riverfest returns on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free, rain-or-shine festival brings together artists, musicians, local makers, environmental organizations and families for a full day of activities that highlight the region’s vibrant arts scene and its connection to the Delaware River.

“I think that it celebrates where we are, our special location along the Delaware River,” said DVAA Executive Director Ariel Shanberg. “It celebrates the incredible artistry and creativity amongst makers and designers and artisans in our region. And we are no shortage whatsoever of talented musicians to spotlight. So when you bring those three things together, you’ve got a winning combination for an enduring festival.”

Riverfest has become one of the Upper Delaware’s signature summer events over its three-and-a-half decades, drawing visitors to Narrowsburg’s Main Street to shop with dozens of artisans, enjoy live performances, discover local nonprofits and spend the day exploring the river town.

Shanberg describes Riverfest as “a community arts festival that has something for everyone.”

The day begins with the popular River Dogs on Parade, where dogs—and occasionally other animals—take center stage in creative costumes. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and this year’s theme is “Super Hero River Protectors.”

“Dogs do so much for us,” Shanberg said. “Our canine friends lift our spirits. They guard us, they protect us, they rescue us. And the river itself is something that needs so many protectors, environmentally, safety-wise, and we thought this would be a great way to tie in advocacy for stewardship of our waterways along with celebrating our canine friends.”

Throughout the day, visitors can browse more than 40 artisan vendors, enjoy children’s art activities, sample food from local vendors and food trucks, and listen to live music from Donna & Rick Nestler and Soil & Soul.

One of Riverfest’s longest-running traditions is the annual Poster Auction, featuring original works created by dozens of regional artists on specially prepared festival posters.

“What comes back to us are these absolute masterful works of art,” Shanberg said. “I’m just continuously blown away by the creativity that’s represented.”

He noted that the auction often serves as an introduction to collecting original artwork.

“If you are ever intimidated by the idea of owning a piece of art, I think for a lot of people Riverfest posters are sometimes that gateway experience into the feeling of owning a work of art.”

New RiverTalks Series

A new feature for 2026 is the RiverTalks series, with short presentations focused on foraging, local ecology and the natural environment.

Shanberg said the talks are designed to deepen Riverfest’s long-standing emphasis on the relationship between art and ecology.

“We’re really super excited about it,” he said. “Giving our attendees an opportunity to dig a little deeper into the ecology part of this art, music and ecology festival.”

Supporting the Local Economy

Beyond showcasing regional artists, Shanberg said Riverfest provides an economic boost for Narrowsburg businesses.

“Shop owners along Main Street have expressed to us over the years that this is the best Sunday of the year and one of their best days of the year,” he said. “People come to the community excited to discover, excited to spend time.”

He added that visitors can easily spend an entire day in town, taking in the festival before exploring Narrowsburg’s restaurants, breweries and shops.

Powered by Volunteers

Like many community festivals, Riverfest depends on volunteers and local support.

“It’s equivalent to raising a small city along Main Street,” Shanberg said, noting volunteers help with everything from traffic coordination to assisting vendors with setup.

“We simply couldn’t do it without them.”

DVAA is still seeking volunteers for this year’s event. Those interested can contact the organization through its website or by emailing info@delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

Planning Your Visit

Free parking will be available at Fireman’s Field, with shuttle service to Main Street throughout the day.

Riverfest takes place Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street in Narrowsburg. Admission is free.

The full schedule, parking information and additional details are available at https://delawarevalleyartsalliance.org/riverfest/.

Radio Catskill is Riverfest 2026 media partner.

Image: A festival attendee holds up a Riverfest poster in 2019. (Credit: David B. Soete/Upper Delaware Council)