The festival features 160+ juried creators, hands-on experiences, live performances, collaborative public art and a special poster designed by local muralist Birdcap on the riverfront.
Twenty years after a group of Memphis volunteers set out to create a fine arts festival that could stand alongside the best in the country, RiverArtsFest will celebrate its 20th anniversary Oct. 17–18 on Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis.
The region’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival will bring more than 160 juried artists from Memphis, the Mid-South and across the country to the riverfront for two days of original art, live artist demonstrations, hands-on art experiences, music, food and community celebration.
About the Festival
RiverArtsFest runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Riverside Drive
from Jefferson Avenue to Beale Street. The anniversary marks two decades of growth for a festival whose history stretches even further back in Memphis’ arts community.
RiverArtsFest traces its roots to Arts in the Park, which began in Overton Park in 1984
as a program of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. When that festival ended, a group of volunteers regrouped to create a new event modeled after leading fine arts festivals around the country. Some of those early volunteers remain involved with RiverArtsFest today.
Since then, RiverArtsFest has made its home in two Memphis neighborhoods, including South Main from 2007 to 2017 before moving to Riverside Drive in 2018.
Today, the festival is nationally recognized, ranking No. 17 in the Fine Art and Design category of Sunshine Artist magazine’s 2026 “200 Best” list, which is based on gross sales reported by participating artists.
“RiverArtsFest has always been about more than one weekend,” said Denise Ford,
festival director and board chair. “For 20 years, artists, volunteers, educators and supporters have come together around a belief that art should be experienced, shared and accessible. This anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far the festival has come while continuing to invest in the artists and community that made it possible.”
Highlights of the 20th Anniversary Festival Include:
Juried Artist Market:
More than 160 fine artists from Memphis, the Mid-South and across the country will showcase original work in painting, photography, ceramics, mixed media, glass, wearable art, jewelry and more.
FACE FORWARD: Reflections of Our Community:
New for the anniversary year, this free, artist-led community project features self-portraits created by people of all ages and abilities across Shelby County. The portrait collection
will be transformed into vinyl banners displayed on two, 5-foot-by-10-foot towers at the festival entrances. Participants receive a “Find Your Face” coupon for free festival admission. The project is funded in part by a Tennessee Arts Commission grant.
20th Anniversary Poster by Birdcap:
Memphis muralist and Memphis College of Art graduate Michael Roy, known professionally as Birdcap, was selected to create this year’s commemorative festival poster, continuing a RiverArtsFest tradition of inviting prominent local artists to interpret the festival and its riverfront setting through their own distinctive artistic style and vision. Known for fantastical characters inspired by global mythology, folklore and a 1990s- and 2000s-era cartoon aesthetic, Roy’s murals can be found throughout Memphis and internationally.
Emerging Artists Program:
RiverArtsFest will introduce three 2026 Emerging Artists: Bobby Anderson, who creates sculptures using found objects and reclaimed metal; Kiki Angkratok, a mixed-media artist creating diasporic portraiture; and Chavela Racine, whose paintings explore memory. Each artist is paired with a mentor and receives $1,500 in waived booth fees and equipment to help advance their career.
Artists at Work:
Six Memphis artists will demonstrate metalsmithing, woodturning, papermaking, painting, fiber art and pottery throughout the weekend, giving festivalgoers an up-close look at the creative process.
Hands-On Art Station:
Free, interactive art-making for all ages will be offered throughout the festival, presented by Art Center Supply & Frame Shop, RiverArtsFest’s longest-running supporter.
Live Music:
Performances throughout the weekend will span blues, Americana, jazz, bluegrass and gospel. Saturday’s lineup includes Gia Welch, Heartbreak Hill, Memphis Ukulele Band and Star & Micey; Sunday features Deborah Swiney, Last Chance Jug Band, Rowdy Franks and TN Mass Choir. DJ Super Brad will perform at the festival’s north end both days.
The Impact Continues After the Festival
RiverArtsFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and proceeds from the annual festival help fund
Community Arts and Education programming throughout the year.
Through workshops, school residencies, artist demonstrations and community events, RiverArtsFest brings working artists directly into schools and community spaces across Shelby County. The organization also invests in artists through mentorship and paid demonstration opportunities and supports art educators through professional development.
“The festival may be what people see each October, but the impact of RiverArtsFest
happens throughout the year,” said Angela Less, board member. “When someone
buys a ticket, purchases a poster or supports RiverArtsFest, they’re also helping create opportunities for young people to experience art and for artists to build sustainable careers.”
RiverArtsFest 2026
- When: Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: Riverside Drive from Jefferson Avenue to Beale Street, Downtown Memphis
- Tickets: $15 single-day admission; $20 two-day admission; $5 youth 6 to 17; children 5 and younger free
- Information: RiverArtsMemphis.org
About RiverArtsFest
RiverArtsFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit presenting the region’s largest and longest- running fine arts festival and ranked among the nation’s top 20. Beyond its annual October festival, RiverArtsFest reinvests proceeds into year-round Community Arts and Education programs and supports local artists through mentorship, paid demonstrations and professional development for art educators. Learn more at RiverArtsMemphis.org.
