Columbia – Wrightsville, PA — The Susquehanna River’s most dramatic history celebration returns June 26–28, 2026, as Riverfest brings together dozens of heritage organizations, immersive tours, outdoor recreation, live music, and a breathtaking re-creation of the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War.

Presented by Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), Riverfest commemorates the heroic actions of local residents who burned the covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River in June 1863 to stop Confederate troops from crossing into Lancaster County and advancing toward Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Just days later, the Battle of Gettysburg began.

This year’s expanded festival schedule includes boat tours, walking tours, African American history experiences, Underground Railroad programs, live music, family activities, river recreation, and America 250-themed programming throughout Columbia, Wrightsville, Marietta, and surrounding river communities. The full schedule is available at RiverfestPA.com.

The spectacular finale takes place Sunday night, June 28, when all 26 historic bridge piers across the Susquehanna will be lit ablaze in an unforgettable spectacle beginning at 7:45 PM. Thanks to the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation’s generous support, this will be the first time all 26 bridge piers have been lit simultaneously since the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013.

Also, for the first time in years, the entire Veterans Memorial Bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville will be CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC and opened exclusively to pedestrians, so visitors can walk directly above the fiery line of bridge piers. Thanks to the Columbia Water Company and John Klinedinst for their sponsorship of the Bridge entrances and our safety and traffic teams on both sides of the bridge.

Festival organizers are urging the public to plan ahead and arrive early for the Sunday evening finale due to expected crowds and bridge closures. “This is one of the most unique historic commemorations in Pennsylvania,” said Hope Byers with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. “There are very few places in America where you can stand on a bridge at night and witness an entire line of historic bridge piers illuminated by fire across a major river. It’s an emotional, powerful experience that connects people directly to the events of 1863.”

Sunday evening viewing opportunities include:

  • The Riverfest Ignite Finale at the John Wright Restaurant lawn with live music and fire performances.
  • The Columbia 300th Light the Night Watch Party at Columbia River Park.
  • Pedestrian-only access across the Veterans Memorial Bridge for up-close viewing of the blazing piers.
  • The Burning Bridge Bash VIP Party overlooking the river from John Wright Restaurant’s River Room. Exclusive to 100 people with a fiery cocktail and appetizer menu.

Additional weekend highlights include:

  • The Bridge Burner Challenge Run & Paddle Race.
  • River Recreation Expo featuring 20+ vendors and demonstrations to connect you to all the outdoor opportunities in our region!
  • Flames Across the Susquehanna Boat Tours departing daily from SNHA’s Zimmerman Center for Heritage.
  • Underground Railroad van tours and reenactments with the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and Bethel AME/Living the Experience.
  • Historic Mifflin Farm tours with Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
  • Columbia and Marietta walking tours from the Mount Bethel Cemetery, Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster, and Rivertownes PA USA.
  • Civil War presentations and museum experiences from Historic Wrightsville Incorporated, Columbia Historic Preservation Society, and Columbia 300 Committee.
  • America 250 anniversary programming celebrating the Susquehanna River’s role in shaping the nation.

Most events require advance registration, and several experiences are expected to sell out. For tickets, schedules, and event details, visit RiverfestPA.com.

Riverfest is possible through the dedication of SNHA, our heritage partners, and our sponsors. The financial and creative support of Wright’s Ferry Mansion, the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, John Wright Restaurant, and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority was critical to the amazing expansion of programming for 2026. We would also like to thank Brightspeed, CPRS Physical Therapy, WellSpan, and Discover Lancaster for their support.

About SNHA

Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) uses storytelling, place-based interpretation, and strategic partnerships to deepen people’s connection to the region. Rooted in deep expertise and a profound connection to the land and river, we help residents and visitors navigate the rich, layered, nationally important stories that shape Central Pennsylvania. We steward the legacy of this region so that what we’ve learned can impact generations to come.

In addition to our regional work, SNHA operates three visitor sites in the region. The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is a colonial riverfront museum in York County highlighting the river’s influence on our culture over centuries, from Native American lifeways to modern inspiration for artists. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is an outdoor recreation hub on the riverfront in Lancaster County, offering youth programs that connect children to the natural and cultural history of the river. SNHA’s historic Mifflin Farm in Wrightsville, York County, has been recognized as a National Park Service Network to Freedom site. The site’s rich history related to the Underground Railroad and Civil War is shared through guided tours available on a limited basis.

 

Media Contacts

 

Megan Salvatore                                                        Peter Miele

Interim Director of Visitor Engagement                   Senior Project Leader

Susquehanna National Heritage Area                     Susquehanna National Heritage Area

msalvatore@susqnha.org                                        pmiele@susqnha.org
717-449-5607                                                              717-252-0229 ext 107

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