RIVERFEST WEEKEND
June 26, 27 & 28

Head to the Susquehanna for Riverfest on June 26–28, 2026! Susquehanna National Heritage Area (NHA) will commemorate the Civil War burning of the world’s longest covered bridge. Riverfest brings our Susquehanna River communities together to celebrate history and recreation. In 2026, the celebration is even bigger. As America marks its 250th, Pennsylvania honors 250 years, and Columbia turns 300, the Susquehanna NHA will bring those stories alive with expanded programming and one-of-a-kind heritage experiences you’ll only find this year.  Learn more about local stories that connect directly to the larger American story and celebrate together. Join us on the river and be part of history in the making!

HISTORY

In June 1863, Confederate forces marched into Pennsylvania and spread across south central counties, raiding and sacking small towns. Columbia and Wrightsville joined together to protect Lancaster from the same fate. After a short battle, outnumbered Union troops and local volunteers set the wooden covered bridge ablaze. This act stopped the Confederates cold. They retreated west and, just two days later, those soldiers battled Union forces in the Battle of Gettysburg.

This year is a special anniversary across the country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The counties of Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania, hold a special place in the founding of America. The Continental Congress spent 9 months in York, where it officially ratified the Articles of Confederation. Lancaster’s strong economy and craftspeople were integral for the supplies and munitions to fight the Revolutionary War. But this anniversary isn’t just about a moment in time; it’s about American identity and its legacy. During Riverfest, our heritage partners will highlight the long legacy of the battle for liberty, equality, and justice.

BRIDGE BURNER CHALLENGE

Conquer the Bridge Burner Challenge Run & Paddle Race, a multi-sport race tracing the paths of the 1863 bridge burners. Bridge Burner Challenge happens on Saturday, June 27th at 9 AM. Participants will run from Columbia River Park up the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail to the Iron Furnaces (1.75 Miles). Collect the “dynamite” (race baton) you’ll need and race back to the River Park (1.75 Miles). Board your kayak and paddle across the Susquehanna River north of the Covered Bridge Piers (1.25 Miles). Once across, drop off the “dynamite” (race baton) and paddle back on the south side of the Veterans Memorial Bridge to Columbia River Park (1.25 miles). Rise to the challenge and sign up for the Bridge Burner Challenge today! Save big on race fees with early race registration before May 1, 2026. Race registration is available online. Download the paper application to mail your registration. 

EVENT SCHEDULE 

COMING SOON!

Visit riverfestpa.com to register for events and plan your Riverfest experience!
Donations to support heritage hosts can be made at: https://riverfestpa.com/donate/.

GET INVOLVED IN RIVERFEST WEEKEND!

Become a Riverfest sponsor to support our mission to bolster our regional economy with heritage and recreation tourism. There’s still an opportunity for our local businesses to be involved through sponsorship of this event. Sponsors have special access to event experiences and support all our heritage partners. Check out the sponsor information below. Show your support for the amazing history of our river region! 

Get involved in Riverfest Weekend! Visit riverfestpa.com to sign up to be a part of Riverfest Weekend.  Become a volunteer to help with race support, parking, visitor services, concert support and more.

Become Recreation Partner at the River Expo. Visit riverfestpa.com to sign up to be a part of Riverfest Weekend. Our goal is to showcase the Lower Susquehanna River region’s vast recreational opportunities in Lancaster & York Counties.

 

We are especially thankful to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and local communities that believe in our mission to bolster our regional economy with heritage and recreation tourism.

2026 SPONSORS

Bridge Pier Lighting Sponsor
Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation

 

BLAZE SPONSOR

 

 

Interested in Sponsoring Riverfest & Bridge Burner Challenge? Contact msalvatore@susqnha.org for details!

Interested in becoming a Riverfest Heritage Partner? Contact svayansky@susqnha.org for details!