Three Days, Two Parks, One Big River Weekend
The 38th Annual Riverfest returns to Farmington from May 22–24, 2026, filling the Animas River corridor with river races, live music, art markets, food vendors, and family events, free to attend over Memorial Day weekend.
Held across Berg Park and Animas Park, the festival draws thousands to the river trails for three straight days of recreation, performances, and open-air programming organized by the River Reach Foundation.
You’ll find raft crews launching, bands playing, artists set up along the water, and yes, even wiener dog races included in the schedule.
Supported by sponsors including Hutton Broadcasting, whose regional media reach helps drive awareness and turnout across the Four Corners, Riverfest continues to build momentum as one of Farmington’s most anticipated annual gatherings.
When & Where Riverfest Takes Place
Riverfest runs over Memorial Day weekend along the Animas River corridor, stretching between Berg Park and Animas Park.
Friday, May 22
5–8 p.m.
Friday evening gets things rolling with live entertainment, early vendors, and the first wave of foot traffic settling into the trails.
Saturday, May 23
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday delivers the most packed stretch of the weekend, with races, river events, performances, vendors, and family programming running across both parks.
Sunday, May 24
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday keeps the momentum going through the afternoon, giving visitors time to revisit favorites, catch what they missed, and wrap up the weekend along the river.
Attend one day or make a full weekend of it!
Races, River Events & Outdoor Action
Races and river competitions make up a big part of Riverfest’s daytime energy, pulling both participants and spectators toward the parks throughout the weekend.
The Fun Run & Duck Race
The Riverfest Fun Run includes a 10K, 5K, and 2-mile walk that moves through both Berg and Animas Parks, welcoming everyone from casual walkers to competitive runners.
The Duck Race sends rubber ducks racing downstream, with spectators cheering theirs on for a chance to win cash prizes.
Raft Trips & The Raft Parade
Raft trips take participants out on the Animas, sending guided floats through the festival corridor with just enough rapids to keep it interesting.
The Raft Parade turns the river into a floating tropical-themed parade, with decorated rafts, kayaks, and canoes drifting past shoreline crowds in full island-themed outfits.
Wiener Dog Races & Roverfest
The Wiener Dog Races are exactly what they sound like, short bursts of dachshund speed that tend to draw some of the weekend’s biggest laughs and loudest cheers.
Roverfest rounds things out with a community dog walk, pet activities, and vendor booths geared toward four-legged attendees.
While general admission to Riverfest is free, select activities such as raft trips, race entries, and duck race participation require paid registration or ticket purchase.
Live Music, Dance & Cultural Performances
Live music runs from Friday evening through the weekend, with bands scheduled across outdoor stages positioned along the river trails. Sets rotate throughout the day, so you’ll usually find something playing as you move between event areas.
Cultural performances are also worked into the lineup. Native dance groups, Apache dancers, and the One Nation Gourd Dance, held to honor warriors and veterans, bring traditional performance into the weekend.
You can stop and watch for a bit or stay for an entire set, depending on how long you want to linger before heading to the next activity on your list.
Arts, Makers & Creative Showcases
For art lovers, Riverfest offers plenty to explore between races and river events, with creative showcases spread throughout the parks all weekend.
Fine Arts & Plein Air Artists
A regional fine arts show brings together painters, makers, and exhibitors who display their work for viewing and purchase.
Nearby, plein air artists set up along the river to paint outdoors in real time, giving visitors a chance to watch pieces take shape over the course of the day.
Recycled Fashion & Artisan Vendors
The Recycled Fashion Show spotlights wearable designs made from repurposed and natural materials, turning reclaimed elements into runway-ready looks that nod back to the river environment surrounding the event.
Arts and crafts vendors line the surrounding trails with handmade goods, jewelry, textiles, and other locally produced items, making it easy to browse between events without stepping away from the festival flow.
Food, Drinks & Festival Staples
You won’t need to plan meals; Riverfest builds the food scene right into the trail layout.
Food vendors are spread across multiple zones between Berg Park and Animas Park, bringing in roughly 20 to 30 food, drink, and treat booths over the three-day weekend. Expect regional trucks, festival staples, desserts, and quick-grab snacks positioned so you’re never far from your next stop.
Beer and wine gardens operate in designated areas for adult beverage service, with seating nearby if you’re ready for a break before heading back onto the trails.
Kids Activities & Family Zones
Riverfest stays family-friendly across the board, with most daytime events open and accessible to kids.
Dedicated kids’ activities include children’s craft projects, educational displays, and interactive booths running throughout the weekend. Tractor rides also operate between select areas, including routes connecting the Red Barn and Rocky Reach venues, doubling as both transport and entertainment for younger attendees.
Lock In Your Memorial Day Plans
Memorial Day weekend lands right on the river at Riverfest, with races, live music, art markets, food vendors, and family events filling the parks from start to finish.
Plan your visit, rally your group, and come ready to roam the trails, catch a set, grab something good to eat, and see what you stumble into next!
Riverfest is also backed by sponsors, including Hutton Broadcasting, whose longstanding presence in the Four Corners helps support the community events that bring the region together year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Riverfest activities free, or do some require tickets?
Riverfest admission is free, but some individual activities require paid entry or registration.
While visitors can attend performances, browse vendors, and explore the parks at no cost, select experiences operate on ticketed or registration-based pricing. Examples include raft trips, race entries, and duck race participation. Raft trips have historically cost around $25 per person, while fun run registration ranges from roughly $15 for walks to $30 for timed races.
Duck race entries are typically sold per duck, often around $5 each, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits and river projects. Pricing and sign-up details are released closer to the event, so visitors planning to participate in paid activities should check schedules and registration deadlines in advance.
What should I plan to bring to Riverfest?
Visitors should plan for a full day outdoors along the river corridor.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, since the festival footprint stretches between Berg Park and Animas Park. Sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles are also recommended, especially for midday attendance.
Many attendees bring lawn chairs or blankets for music sets and performances. If participating in river activities, quick-dry clothing and secure footwear are useful. Because food vendors and paid activities operate on-site, bringing a card or cash is also helpful for purchases throughout the day.
Are raft trips suitable for families?
Yes. Riverfest raft trips are designed to be family-accessible under normal river conditions.
Trips typically run along Class I and II rapids, with one Class III section passing through the Animas River Whitewater Park. This makes the experience active but manageable for beginners and youth participants when accompanied by guides.
Raft trips launch from the Animas Park put-in and finish at Boyd Park, with shuttle service returning participants to the starting point. Age minimums, safety gear, and river conditions are confirmed closer to the event each year, so advance review of operator guidelines is recommended.
Is lodging available for out-of-town visitors?
Yes. Farmington offers a range of lodging options for Riverfest visitors.
Hotels, motels, and extended-stay properties are located throughout the city, and many are within a short drive of Berg Park and Animas Park. Campgrounds and RV parks are also available for travelers combining Riverfest with broader Four Corners exploration.
Because the event falls over Memorial Day weekend, booking accommodations early is recommended. Availability tightens as the holiday approaches, particularly for river-adjacent or downtown properties.
Do I need to register in advance for races and events?
Some events require advance registration, while others allow day-of participation or spectating.
Timed races like the 10K and 5K fun runs typically require online registration ahead of the event, with deadlines closing shortly before race day. Walk categories may offer lower entry fees but still follow registration cutoffs.
Other activities, such as vendor browsing, performances, and general attendance, do not require sign-up. Visitors planning to enter races, raft trips, or ticketed competitions should review deadlines and pricing once the official schedule is released.
