Come join us for a dam release weekend at the Lehigh River Adventure Center in Weatherly, PA on August 23rd to the 25th, and take part in our annual Lehigh RiverFest. Music, entertainment, and more will all be available onsite throughout Friday and Saturday of this weekend.
Friday, August 23rd:
5:30 PM ShawneeCraft beer table opens.
8:45 PM Ceremonial toast to officially open festival (North Stage)
9:00 – 11:30 PM Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen (full band set on North Stage)
Sat, August 24th:
7:30 – 10:30 AM: Hot breakfast options available by way of WC snack bar and Two Wayz, One Passion food truck
9:00 AM: Public rafting trips begin checking in for the day.
12:00 PM: ShawneeCraft beer table, Last Leg Cidery table, food trucks, and other vendors begin opening.
1:00 PM: The Lehigh Classic boating race begins along the Upper Gorge at the White Haven put-in. Race ends at Race Rock, just below the 2nd Chance rapid.
3:00 – 5:15 PM: Gypsy Funk Squad plays full-band set on the North Stage
4:00 – 8:30 PM: Hot meals and dinner options by way of WC snack bar, Two Wayz, One Passion (food truck) and Cook’s Corner (food truck).
5:15 – 5:30: Presentation of the 2024 Kerron Barnes/Whitewater Challengers Scholarship
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Lehigh Classic awards ceremony held at the foot of the recreation field (in front of the showerhouse stage).
6:30 – 7:00 PM: 3rd annual Lehigh RiverFest beer pong tournament in the Rec Field by the Sanctuary Pavilion.
7:00 – 9:15 PM: The Lonesome Found full-band set along the Showerhouse Stage.
9:30 – 11:30 PM: The Goods full-band set on the North Stage
11:45 PM: Acoustic jam around the fire (Bring your instruments and be in good voice)
River Festival Location:
The Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers:
288 North Stagecoach Road, Weatherly, PA 18255.
RiverFest Camping Package:
$15/person (Book Now). The camping package includes two nights of camping (Friday and Saturday) along with access to all bands and other activities throughout the weekend (see below).
How to Book the RiverFest Package:
You can either book online by clicking here, or you can call us to book at 1-800-443-8554. Our dedicated sales team will get you all squared away.
Activities:
Outdoor activities are the centerpiece of the Lehigh RiverFest. In addition to the RiverFest Package, guided rafting trips (reservations required in advance) and overnight tent camping are some of the other activities that we offer.
Vendors:
Interested in being a craft or food vendor? Email us today for more information. Special rates are available for non-profit groups and organizations.
For more vendor information please call 800-443-8554 or email us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does it cost to attend Lehigh RiverFest?
General admission is free to the public. Visit the Lehigh RiverFest to check out vendors and enjoy the entertainment. Purchase a wristband for the ‘RiverFest Package’ (2 nights of camping on Friday and Saturday with no official checkout time on Sunday). The cost is $15.How do I book a Lehigh RiverFest camping package?
You can either book online, or you can call us to book at 1-800-443-8554. Our dedicated sales team will get you all squared away.When can I arrive on Friday?
Whenever! If there is not an attendant near the entrance, just make your way to the campground store. Our staff will direct you to the camping area and/or to purchase your RiverFest Package wristband.I heard that this is the same weekend as the Lehigh Classic. Can I register with you?
The Lehigh Classic is an organized event which is separate from the Lehigh Riverfest. You should register in advance. Click here. There will be a check-in for the race at Rockport on Saturday morning from 10:00am – noon. Good Luck! You’re doing great!What is the size of the planned water release on the weekend of the festival?
The Army Corps of Engineers has a detailed schedule for how water releases are managed. All releases are subject to available water storage at the Francis Walter Dam and can be impacted by required emergency flood mitigation actions. However, we anticipate a boosted level above 1,000 cfs. Click here to view the Flow Management Plan.I don’t own my own boat. Can I rent one?
We do not offer rentals of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or other equipment. If you want to get on the river you can make a reservation for a guided whitewater rafting trip.What facilities are available at Whitewater Challengers?
The Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers an onsite campground with bathrooms, showers, snack bar, bike rental/shuttle, sand volleyball and outdoor basketball are available onsite.Is there a minimum age for the ‘RiverFest Package’?
There is no minimum age to attend Lehigh RiverFest, and we have attendees of all ages who enjoy the festivities year after year. With that said, there will be alcohol on the premises throughout the weekend as our usual drinking policy will be softened. Parents should be aware of this, along with the fact that there will likely be bands playing well into Saturday evening. As such, minors should be monitored accordingly.Can I camp overnight even if I don’t want to participate in activities?
Yes! The camping fee is $9.75/person/night for a private campsite. You can preregister for the RiverFest Package, which will enable you to choose your own general campsite area within the sectioned-off festival camping grounds.Is there a quiet area away from the festival for camping?
Whitewater Challengers has a 25-acre campground, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and find a quiet corner. While we will not be strictly enforcing our normal quiet hours starting at 11 pm, we will be scaling back the volume of our entertainment prior to midnight.Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Yes, non-aggressive dogs are welcome at the festival if on a leash (6-foot leash maximum). Do not leave dogs unattended in campsites. Please be responsible and clean up after your own pet.Is alcohol permitted at the festival?
Alcohol will be sold at the Lehigh RiverFest. Alcohol is permitted in moderation. Intoxication is not permitted on the festival grounds, and anyone who has overindulged will be required to leave (with the assistance of a sober driver). If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and be respectful of other guests.How do I become a vendor?
Email bob@whitewaterchallengers.com and tell us a little bit about yourself and what type of vending space you would require. Vending fees are minor, and we waive them for any and all non-profits.
Please email us or call 800-443-8554 with additional questions.