Big changes are planned at next year's Riverfest, including splitting the concerts and family activities into separate events.
Officials said the family events traditionally offered during the festival would take place at a new, free Springfest set for April 2. Riverfest minus the family fare, meanwhile, will be moved to June 3-5, marking the first time in the festival's history that it hasn't been held on Memorial Day weekend.
DeAnna Korte, Riverfest executive director, said the cost of booking musical acts has “accelerated rapidly” and Riverfest ticket prices have reflected that.
“We have worried that this has become a financial burden for families and others who aren’t as interested in the evening concerts, so this year we’re presenting many of the classic Riverfest activities for free,” she said in a statement.
Performers and ticket prices have not yet been set. A wine and craft beer event, Flowing on the River, will kick off Riverfest on June 3 followed by concerts over the next two days.
Springfest will include daytime events previously offered during Riverfest, including the international village, dog jumping competitions, the Rock ’n’ Stroll 5K Fun Run, and arts and craft activities. Springfest will close with a concert by duo Trout Fishing in America.
See Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Reader poll
What do you think of the decision to split Riverfest into two events?
- I like it. It makes sense to separate the family activities from the concerts.
- I don't like it. The family and music events have always been together and should stay that way.
311 total votes.