NARROWSBURG, NY — Welcome back to Riverfest! It’s happening on Sunday, July 23 starting at 10 a.m.

The festival, now in its 33rd year, celebrates art, music and ecology. It is produced by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) and is free to attend.

The day offers art and activities, all taking place while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Narrowsburg.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring an incredible lineup of performers and an array of activities for all ages, a spokesperson said.

It takes place rain or shine.

The schedule

10 a.m.: River Dogs on Parade

The festival kicks off with River Dogs on Parade, where proud pet owners can show off their furry friends to a panel of judges and an enthusiastic crowd.

Registration for the parade is open, and participants can sign up in advance by calling the DVAA at 845/252-7576; on the day of event signups are at 9 a.m. in front of Narrowsburg Feed & Grain.

Special thanks to the dog parade sponsors: Narrowsburg Veterinary, Narrowsburg Feed and Grain, Dog Mountain Lodge, Pet Central, Delaware Farm and Garden and Beach Lake Bread.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Kids’ tent

Children can channel their creativity in the kids’ activity tent. Led by teaching artist Catherine Chesters, children can explore their creativity using found and natural materials as well as traditional ones to create their own Riverfest art posters to take home.

11 a.m.: Live music

The Riverfest Main Stage will be hopping throughout the day with exceptional live performances. The morning offers world music with Madárka, crossing borders and centuries with a blend of traditional Eastern European music.

12:45 p.m.: Street theatre

Returning to Riverfest are ensemble members of Farm Arts Collective, who will lead a processional down Main Street, featuring excerpts from the Dream on the Farm cycle, the environment-focused theatre production.

New this year, the DVAA will collaborate with Tusten Social and the Tusten Youth Commission on River Stories. The show features local youth who have created short performances inspired by original Riverfest posters. The kids star in sketches they have written and staged. It takes place on the Riverfest Main Stage.

1 p.m.: Poster art auction

One of the highlights of Riverfest is the highly anticipated Riverfest Poster Auction, which takes place on the Main Stage. The auction features nearly 50 original, one-of-a-kind posters created by talented local artists.

Preview the auction and learn how to bid on your favorite poster online at delawarevalleyartsalliance.org/Riverfest.

Posters can be previewed in the DVAA’s gallery window and in storefronts along Main Street until Saturday, July 22.

2 p.m.: Live music

Hollywood Herb & 7he 7eam, a rap, rock and pop band from the Hudson Valley, calls on influences such as the Beatles, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco and Big Daddy Kane. The band plays a unique blend of musical styles that bridges genres and captivates audiences of all ages.

All day

Makers’ market

Featuring over 40 artisan market booths, this year’s Riverfest will showcase a diverse range of handcrafted treasures including locally made paintings, photography, prints, hand-made crafts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, body care products and more.

Highlights include tintype photographer Rebecca Daniels, who will offer portrait photography on site; ‘zines, art prints, and comics by Real Time Ink’s Dasha Zibarova; and chainsaw-carved sculptures from Harnett Designs Woodworking.

The Chi Hive will offer a special pop-up space for kids’ fitness activities and demos at their aerial pavilion throughout the day. The activities are led by Hilary Chapman and Corinna Grunn.

Additionally, Riverfest offers visitors an opportunity to engage with local nonprofit environmental and service organizations through informational booths.

Food trucks

Festivalgoers can savor a wide range of culinary delights, including classic favorites such as Luigi’s Italian fare; the Bibimbus, which features vegetarian and non-vegetarian Korean foods; and Nikki C’s Sea Food. You’ll also find sweet treats like crepes and fruit-infused lemonade. Not to be forgotten are Narrowsburg’s renowned eateries, which will be open throughout the day.

Sponsors

The Jeff Bank is back as Riverfest’s 2023 sponsor, and WJFF Radio Catskill is the media sponsor. Additional support comes from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York State Legislature, DVAA’s members, and from businesses and individuals.

Riverfest ends at 4 p.m.

Don’t miss the electrifying performances, art, activities and food that make Riverfest an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Learn more at delawarevalleyartsalliance.org/riverfest/.

Contributed by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.