Join us at the 35th Annual

Rappahannock Riverfest

September 20th | 3 – 8 PM | McDaniel Property adjacent to Fredericksburg’s City Dock

years celebrating Riverfest

Riverfest is FOR’s annual crab feast fundraiser. With live music, auctions, drinks, and DELICIOUS FOOD (yes, we mean the crabs), this is one event you don’t want to miss.

Sponsorships are Available

With a wide range of sponsorships and benefits, your business or group can enjoy Riverfest and make a more significant impact for the Rappahannock River.

TICKETS SOLD OUT

SPONSORSHIPS CLOSED

GOAL OF RIVERFEST

Protecting the Rappahannock can't be done alone. We need your help to fund all the work that is done on behalf of the river. Riverfest is our signature fundraiser, ensuring that our organization is able to continue running as smoothly as the river itself.

FAQ's

Rappahannock Riverfest 2025

Q: What does Riverfest support?	We’ve been hosting Riverfest for 35 years. It is our signature fundraiser, and all the money raised directly supports our mission to be a voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River.
Q: What should I bring to Riverfest?	Your Driver’s License: Due to our ABC License, we are required to check all attendees’ IDs to verify they are of legal drinking age. Comfortable Apparel: Our event is outside, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Your favorite giving method! This is a fundraiser with raffles and an auction where you can win some amazing prizes AND support the Rappahannock River.
Q: Can I bring my children?	Children are not encouraged to come to the event. If you choose to bring your child, they must have a ticket unless they are under 1 year old.
Q: Can I bring my pet?	No. We know how much you love your furry, scaly, or feathery friends, but for the health and safety of the event, we ask you not to bring your pets. ADA-certified service animals are the only exception. SEE SERVICE DOG DEFINITION HERE
Q: I can’t find my ticket!	No worries! We will have staff and volunteers able to pull up any missing tickets at the entrance.
Q: Who do I contact for help?	Contact Cat Carter at cat.carter@riverfriends.org \| 540-373-3448 x 152 if you have questions about tickets, sponsorship, auction or raffle item donations, or general Riverfest inquiries.
Q: Where should I park?	The VRE G & H Lot (FREE). We will have shuttles running continuously. Or consider taking a rideshare! ** If you or a member of your party needs to be dropped off at the Riverfest site location due to age, mobility, or another accessibility reason, please tell the parking attendant at the top of the city dock hill. They will allow you to drop off that member of your party and 1 guest to assist them.
Q: How is FOR making Riverfest a “green” event?	FOR is committed to eliminating single-use plastic at Riverfest. Dishes, flatware, cups, and food scraps will all be composted. All other items will be recyclable (such as soda cans and water). There will also be an option to purchase reusable wine or beer cups!
Q: What happens if there is a low regional crab count?	Rappahannock Riverfest has always been the region’s best crab feast, supplied by local and regional crab availability. Should the crab population not increase significantly by the event, a limited amount of crabs and/or alternatives such as fried catfish and oysters will be available, in addition to the BBQ provided.

Auction Items

SILENT AUCTION

Multiple Taste of the Rappahannock Butcher Boxes – Date Night Box for 2 // Family Sampler Box for 4 // Crock Pot Box for 4 // Bay Box for 4 // Griller Box for 4
Set Sail for Adventure – Sailing 101 lessons & a stay for 2
From the Depths: Megalodon Magic – Meg tooth live-edge table, PORT beer, and FOR beer pints
Crafted With Care – Live-edge table, Rappahannock Cellars Wine, and FOR tumblers
Sip & Stay by the river – 2 Night Riverfront Cottage For 2
Picture Perfect Nature – Nature Photography Workshop
Bay Breeze Escape – 2-Night Stay and Pontoon Rental
Jurassic Camping – Camping Set, Campsite Reservation & Dino Expedition
Hooked on the Potomac – ½ Day Fishing Adventure for 4
The Big Rappahannock Boil – Low Country Boil for up to 30
Wintergreen Wonders – 3-Night Wintergreen Condo Stay

LIVE AUCTION

Tides of Luxury – Two-night stay at The Tides Inn on the serene shores of Carter’s Creek. A charming waterfront resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Includes a full breakfast for two, available at the Salt & Meadow Restaurant
Bali Bliss –7 nights at a boutique resort on Bali’s tranquil eastern coast, where the Indian Ocean meets lush island beauty. Your trip includes daily breakfast and bottled water to start each day in paradise, a full-body spa massage, an authentic Balinese dinner, and a private snorkeling or diving excursion with a master guide.
Oyster Adventure Weekend – Luxurious 3-night stay in a 5-bedroom Lancaster home on the Rappahannock River, perfect for families or friends, and even pups! The package also includes: a private oyster tour and tasting at Rogue Oyster Farm, complete with champagne, private pool, a dock outfitted with kayaks and paddle boards, a Trampoline, and a ping pong table
Pick Your Vaca: St. Maarten, Barbados, or Costa Rica – Pick your 4 Night Oasis! Stay in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo.
“River Feast” – A Print Jazz original, this hand-screened, framed canvas, River Feast, celebrates the abundance of the Rappahannock River. The composition captures both the richness of the river’s natural bounty and the timeless beauty of its landscape, making it a striking, one-of-a-kind piece for collectors and river lovers alike.
A Land of Fire & Ice – Explore the rugged wilderness of Iceland and marvel at its beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage. This Nordic island is carved by powerful volcanoes and vast glaciers, creating jaw-dropping waterfalls, lava fields, and steaming geysers. Experience the best of Iceland with a 5 Night Stay at a Hilton, Center Hotels, and Radisson Blu in Reykjavik, and enjoy three cultural and scenic tours.
Spirit of Virginia – This one-of-a-kind table, crafted from a genuine Bowman barrel, is transformed into a stunning work of functional art with a hand-crafted Fraser Wood table top and a hand-painted oyster motif. Celebrating the beauty and bounty of the Tidal Rappahannock waters, the design features detailed oysters, waves, and coastal elements that make this piece both a conversation starter and a tribute to the region’s iconic waters. Perfect for entertaining or as a unique accent in any home, this barrel table brings the spirit of the river right into your space.
Wonderful Winter Park – Look no further for your perfect mountain getaway in any season. Return from your outdoor adventures to the warmth of this spacious, 3-bedroom private residence with breathtaking views of the slopes, located in the most prestigious neighborhood in Winter Park.
A Lancaster Escape – Escape to the beautiful Rappahannock River for a two-night stay at a private Lancaster waterfront home. This cozy retreat sleeps four, with breathtaking river views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a serene outdoor space perfect for relaxing by the water. Your stay includes an exclusive raw oyster tasting and cocktail party hosted by Friends of the Rappahannock board member Lincoln Boykin, featuring oysters from Rogue Oyster Farm and Sapidus Oysters, paired with refreshing cocktails.

Event Volunteering

Volunteers Help Riverfest Run Smoothly

You can volunteer as an individual or as a group.

Volunteers are needed to help Riverfest run smoothly. From running crabs, supporting raffle sales, or pouring beer, your help is needed!

Want to Help?

Interested volunteers (individuals or groups) can sign up below or email lis.heras@riverfriends.org

Thank You Sponsors

Title & Great Blue Heron Sponsors

River Defender Sponsors

HubTex North America | A. Smith Bowman | Mary Washington Healthcare | Ironwood Homes VA

River Guardian Sponsors

100% of Donations Fund a Healthy & Scenic Rappahannock River

Join us in advocating for smart river policy, restoring our watershed, and educating the river stewards of tomorrow.

Donate Now