Join us as we explore the history of the French Broad River and its seminal place in the development of Asheville–from the time when Native Americans lived along its banks to the Buncombe Turnpike, the railroad, and industries of yesteryear.

We’ll also tell you how the river has changed since the days of George Vanderbilt, Thomas Wolfe, and when NASCAR greats Richard Petty and Junior Johnson raced cars in the area.

We’ll progress to the 1950s when Wilma Dykeman asked, “Who poisoned the river?” in her groundbreaking book, “The French Broad.”

Then, we’ll showcase the current-day thriving River Arts District, the beautiful chain of parks along the riverfront greenway, and the recreational opportunities that abound.

Our tour showcases not only the river, but also the great work of the RiverLink organization and its many partners (government, corporations, civic, non-profit conservation groups, and individuals) that have worked together to protect, preserve, and enhance the riverfront area so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy its beauty and grandeur.

If you like history and you appreciate environmental sustainability, this tour is for you.

During the tour, we’ll stop at the RiverLink office for a quick boxed lunch. Please be sure to note any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.

Since the tour meets at the New Belgium Brewery, once the tour concludes, we encourage you to hang out at the brewery’s tasting room to enjoy one of their acclaimed beers or relax on their patio overlooking the French Broad River. (Note: Any food and/or beverage purchases at the brewery are not included in your ticket price.)

The Anything That Floats Parade is where people from all walks of life come and express their creativity on the river. Teams work together to create all sorts of river vessels; some simple, some elaborate, some made from recycled materials, and others made with lots of flair. The sky is the limit, as long as it floats. The whole parade is hosted during the annual RiverFest Music Festival at New Belgium where people can watch the floats go by from the liquid center deck.

Teams will start their journey from Hominy Creek River Park and float down to the dock at the Craven St Bridge. People will be able to view the parade from many of the beautiful greenways and parks along Amboy Rd. and Riverside Dr. as well as the Liquid Center deck at New Belgium. Float teams and parade viewers are encouraged to stick around at New Belgium for RiverLink’s Annual RiverFest concert which goes from 1-8PM.

A big thanks to all of this years event sponsors: French Broad Outfitters, Black Orthodontics, & Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty

Over the years RiverFest has brought thousands of people down to the banks of the French Broad to enjoy live music, local beer, food, and sunsets over one of the oldest rivers in the world. We’re excited for another year of jammin’ out by the river! Joining the festivities this year are Alarm Clock Conspiracy, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Lyric, and Coconut Cake.

Leading up to the music we will be hosting the Anything that Floats Parade. All sorts of creative floats will start to be visible from New Belgium around noon.

RiverFest serves as a fundraiser for RiverLink, and a chance for us to celebrate our beautiful river and incredible community. The proceeds from the event goes to support our on the ground work throughout the watershed. A big thanks goes out to Prestige Subaru, 98.1 The River, and New Belgium Brewing for sponsoring this event and making it possible.