RIVERFEST WEEKEND
June 28, 29 & 30

Head to the Susquehanna for Riverfest on June 28-30, 2024! Susquehanna National Heritage Area  (NHA) and Rivertownes PA, USA have partnered to commemorate the Civil War burning of the world’s longest covered bridge. 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 that crossed the Susquehanna River ablaze. This act stopped the Confederates cold. They retreated west to a location in Adams County and, just two days later, that Army battled Union forces in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Riverfest is a weekend-long celebration of our river towns’ heritage and recreation. Susquehanna NHA, Rivertownes PA USA, and our heritage partners have created a range of experiences that tell the amazing stories of our past. Learn about the burning of the bridge story through several different heritage walks, talks, and trolley tours! Thanks to our heritage partners. Check out all the recreational trails that meander through our historic industrial landscape at the River Expo. Conquer the Bridge Burner Challenge Run & Paddle Race, a multi-sport race tracing the paths of the 1863 bridge burners. Looking to discover on your own? Discover self-guided adventure options from Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. There are over 100 miles of trails, 10 scenic overlooks, and over 2 dozen heritage sites in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

Get involved in Riverfest Weekend! Visit riverfestpa.com to sign up to be a part of Riverfest Weekend.

Become a Riverfest sponsor to support our mission to bolster our regional economy with heritage and recreation tourism.

Become a volunteer to help with race support, parking, visitor services, concert support and more.

Become Recreation Partner at the River Expo. Our goal is to showcase the Lower Susquehanna River region’s vast recreational opportunities in Lancaster & York Counties.

 

Bridge Burner Challenge

Run & Paddle Race along the Susquehanna!
Save big on race registrations by registering before May 1, 2024.

 

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.

2024 SPONSORS

CPRS Physical Therapy
Renewal by Andersen of Central Pennsylvania
Sahd Metal Recycling

 

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

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