RiverArtsFest

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RiverArtsFest

Returning to Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis, October 17 & 18, 2026. Celebrating 20 Years!

RiverArtsFest Features:
- A Juried Artist Market featuring original works from local artists and artists from across the nation and Canada
- Live entertainment
- Artists at Work demonstrating new and innovative artistic techniques
- Hands-On Art activity center for kids of all ages

09/14/2026

Meet Bobby Anderson, another one of this year’s emerging artists.

He takes upcycling and reclaimed art to a new level. His work is guided by three simple ideas: form, function, and fun.

Every piece is beautifully made, genuinely useful, and capable of bringing a little more joy into everyday life. These works are more than reclaimed materials brought together. They become characters.

The moment someone forgets they're looking at reclaimed materials and starts interacting with a character is the moment curiosity takes over, a story begins, and a work of art becomes part of someone's everyday life.

Craftsmanship builds the work and imagination brings it to life.

Form, function, and fun. Forever.

🗓️ Save the date to see Bobby’s characters in person at this year's festival.

October 17 & 18 | Downtown Memphis | Riverside Drive

09/10/2026

Meet Kiki Angkratok, one of our 2026 Emerging Artists! 🎨

She creates neo-spiritual African diasporic portraiture by combining pattern, fibers and paint to capture soft moments, leaving viewers with a sense of the subject’s soul in infinite expression. Through this practice she also explores the convergence of Black and Brown presence with belonging, community, and ancestral legacy.

🗓️ Save the date to see Kiki's unique creations at in person at this year's festival.

October 17 & 18 | Downtown Memphis | Riverside Drive

09/03/2026

📢 We’re looking for volunteers to help us celebrate year 20 the right way.

Our festival's success is because of the volunteers who show up behind the scenes to make it all happen. Whether it’s welcoming visitors, assisting artists, or keeping things running smoothly, you’ll play a key part in bringing the festival to life. 🤝

Low-pressure. Flexible shifts. So many ways to make a difference.

➡️ Check out some of the benefits of volunteering with us, then head to the link in bio to sign up.

October 17 & 18 | Downtown Memphis

09/01/2026

Happy 901 Day, Memphis! 〽️

There's nothing like Memphis creativity, and we love every opportunity to bring people together through art.

We spent the weekend joining in on the city's 901 Day celebrations and bringing a little more art to Beale Street with our FACE FORWARD project.

As we gear up for our 20th annual fine-arts festival, we're looking forward to another year of bringing art, music, and family fun to the riverside.

Here's to Memphis, creativity, and community. 💙

08/31/2026

Recognize the action: This September, we're taking RiverArtsFest beyond the festival and into our community. 🎨

Join us Saturday, September 12, from 1–4 p.m. for Free Family Day at Stax Museum of American Soul Music , where we'll bring FACE FORWARD: Reflections of Our Community.

FACE FORWARD is our community-wide art project inviting people of all ages and abilities to create a self-portrait and become part of something bigger at our festival installation.

🎟️ Even better? Everyone who creates a portrait will receive a free admission coupon to RiverArtsFest, happening downtown on Riverside Drive, Oct. 17 & 18.

Be on the lookout for additional FACE FORWARD popup events in September!

ARTSmemphis

08/28/2026

For 20 years, great art has brought people together—and great food has kept them coming back. 🥙

Our annual fine arts festival is just around the corner, and this is your last chance to join us as a food vendor. If you've been thinking about applying, now's the time.

We're putting together a delicious lineup to mark two decades of art, community, and unforgettable festival memories.

🥤 Applications close Monday, August 31.
Submit yours today at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14136

08/15/2026

Join us tomorrow at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens 1970s Community Night! 🕺✨

Artist Katie Lepo will lead a hands-on art activity in the Stout Gallery as part of our FACE FORWARD project, an artist-led, free art experience that invites people of all ages and abilities to create colorful self-portraits.

These self-portraits will be featured on banners at the entrances at this year’s festival. Complete your portrait and get a "Find Your Face" free admission coupon to RiverArtsFest!

Expect an evening of art making, feel-good music, and retro vibes. Wear your best 1970s inspired outfit and help us turn back time for a night of creativity, connection, and fun! 🪩

Orion Financial Tennessee Arts Commission

07/16/2026

🎉 Twenty years of art, community...and incredible food.

As we prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of RiverArtsFest, we're looking for food vendors to help make this milestone year our most delicious yet.

Whether you're a returning festival favorite or joining us for the first time, we'd love to see what you're bringing to the table. From savory bites to sweet treats, we're building a lineup that gives festivalgoers even more to celebrate.

🍔 Food vendor applications are now open through August 31.
Apply today: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14136

07/02/2026

You showed up, you toasted, you bid, and you made our first ever Summer Social one for the books. ☀️🥂

If you couldn’t be there, don’t worry, we saved the highlights.

What began as a new idea quickly became everything we hoped for: a vibrant night full of art, music, and the people who make it all possible.

To everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered, or cheered us on — thank you for making the night one to remember.

Because of your support, we’re able to able to continue to fuel our programs, expand access to the arts, and build momentum for the future. We couldn’t do this without you.

We’re just getting started! Be on the lookout for upcoming events as we gear up for our festival in October.

More art. More community. More soon.

Sponsors: The Ugly Art Co. Bar Limina JEM Kirby Wines & Liquors Crosstown Brewing Company Morningside Brands: Waymar Gin House

Address

47 Riverside Drive
Memphis, TN
38103

Website

http://www.riverartsmemphis.org/

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