Waynesboro's Riverfest Draws 3,000 Visitors, Aims to Attract More Overnight Stays

The annual festival celebrating the South River receives a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Riverfest, a long-standing community festival in Waynesboro, Virginia, celebrating the South River, received a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation for the 2026 event. The festival, which takes place on May 1-2, features a variety of activities including reptile shows, a stream safari, canoe rides, a fishing rodeo, arts and crafts, and the Great South River Duck Race. The event typically draws around 3,000 residents and visitors from surrounding areas, and the city hopes the grant will help attract more overnight visitors.

Why it matters

Riverfest is one of Waynesboro's signature events, bringing the community together and supporting local businesses. The grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation is designed to increase visitor spending and promote overnight visitation, which could provide a boost to the city's economic vitality.

The details

The 2026 Riverfest will kick off on Friday night with a film screening of 'Hidden Rivers' at the Wayne Theatre. The main festival will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Constitution Park and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities. In this grant cycle, the Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded nearly $900,000 in matching funds to 88 special events and festivals across the state.

  • Riverfest will be held on May 1-2, 2026.
  • The film screening will take place on Friday night before the festival.

The players

Riverfest

An annual community festival in Waynesboro, Virginia, celebrating the South River.

Virginia Tourism Corporation

A state agency that awarded a $5,000 grant to the Riverfest event.

Stephanie Duffy

The assistant director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Waynesboro.

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What they’re saying

“Riverfest is one of Waynesboro's signature celebrations, bringing residents and visitors together along our beautiful riverfront.”

— Stephanie Duffy, Assistant Director of Economic Development & Tourism, City of Waynesboro

The takeaway

The Riverfest grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation highlights the city's efforts to attract more overnight visitors and boost the local economy through community events that celebrate Waynesboro's natural assets and draw in both residents and tourists.