Parkersburg Riverfest unfolds every year along the energetic banks of the Ohio River in Parkersburg, West Virginia, inviting adventurers and families alike to engage with the water’s pulse and the community’s vibrant spirit. The festival centers on the river—its swift currents daring you to join in boat races, fishing contests, and live music stages that ripple with local sounds. The event’s sprawling footprint includes riverfront trails, pop-up markets, and food vendors that make the riverfront buzz like it’s fiercely alive.

The festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a practical playground for water lovers. Kayaking and paddleboarding sessions are plenty but require moderate skill—water levels vary, and currents can challenge newcomers at different points along the river. If paddling’s not your pace, the hiking paths alongside the river offer a gentler adventure. These trails stretch approximately 4 miles round trip, winding through mixed hardwood forests, with elevation shifts that rise about 200 feet, providing refreshing stretches of shade and open views where the river pushes steadily beneath.

Lace your footwear with sturdy soles, and prepare for a terrain that blends packed dirt with occasional loose stones. The river’s chatter accompanies your steps, sometimes rising to the roar of organized raft races daring riders to match its speed. Timing is crucial: mornings tend to be cooler and calmer for water activities, while afternoons bring larger crowds and more vibrant festival energy.

Stay hydrated and pack light layers. Weather can shift quickly near the river, where breezes pick up and skies can darken without warning. For those planning to capture this mix of kinetic celebration and natural beauty, early or late daylight hours offer a dance of light and shadow across the water’s surface.

Parkersburg Riverfest respects the river’s power—it’s a force to interact with, not tame. Whether navigating a kayak with rising confidence or cheering from the shore as a boat edges forward against the current, the festival keeps adventure balanced with accessibility. It’s a chance to tune into the river’s cadence, experience a community’s heartbeat, and walk away with a practical appreciation for the environment and a satisfying surge of outdoor fun.