Riverfest

Riverfest in Lancaster, PA

•June 26 - 28, 2026•

Riverfest is an annual outdoor festival celebrating the Susquehanna River’s heritage, recreation, and river town culture in Columbia and Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.

Held each summer, this multi-day event commemorates the historic burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War while inviting visitors to enjoy live music, heritage programs, scenic trolley tours, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly activities along the riverfront.

Event Details

Bridge Burner Challenge

Outdoor Expo

Bridge Burning

Heritage Experiences

Event Details

When & Where

Friday, June 26 - Sunday, June 28, 2026
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center | 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512

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Bridge Burner Run & Paddle Challenge

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Race the Susquehanna in a one-of-a-kind run-and-paddle challenge beginning at Columbia River Park, with a 3.5-mile run along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and a 2.5-mile paddle on the river.
Choose your challenge level: participants can sign up to complete the run, the paddle, or take on both for the full run-and-paddle Riverfest experience.
The action starts at Columbia Crossing in Columbia, PA, with bib pickup available June 25–27, a safety meeting at 8:30 AM, and the race beginning at 9 AM on event day.
Participants ages 16+ may bring or rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP, but all paddlers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and carry a whistle during the paddling portion.
Must pre-register by May 1, 2026. See pricing information.

Outdoor Expo

Saturday, June 27 | 9 AM - 1 PM

Susquehanna NHA at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center | 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512

The Outdoor Recreation Expo at Riverfest invites visitors to explore the many ways to get outside in the Lower Susquehanna River region. Held alongside the Riverfest races at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, the expo highlights recreational opportunities across Lancaster and York Counties.

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26 Bridge Piers Illuminated

Sunday, June 28, 2026

The weekend concludes with the illumination of all 26 bridge piers of the historic Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge.
This will be the first time all 26 piers have been lit at once since 2013, creating a dramatic river-wide tribute visible from both river towns - Columbia and Wrightsville.
The public is invited to gather along the river Sunday evening for this powerful commemoration.

Heritage Experiences

Throughout Riverfest Weekend

Riverfest 2026 will feature expanded programming and one-of-a-kind heritage experiences connecting local history to the broader American story.
Events throughout the weekend are designed to highlight the region’s role in the Civil War, Revolutionary era, and early American history through special programs, interpretive experiences, and heritage tours.
Visitors can expect a festival experience that honors courage, sacrifice, and community action in a meaningful and memorable way.

Where to Stay

Spend the weekend near Riverfest! Here are a few top-rated accommodations nearby:

Coming Soon: Chip Factory Hotel in Columbia!

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Free Add-On Experiences

Credit: @discovercolumbia

Columbia Scavenger Hunt

Details

Lancaster County

America’s 250th Passport

The Passport is a free, yearlong experience celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Pick up your passport at our Visitors Center or participating attractions, then collect unique stamps and use coupons as you explore 23 historic sites and more across Lancaster County.

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