MAY 29 - 31, 2026

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IDLEWILD AWAITS

THE RIVER JUST GOT WILDER

The river just got wilder! The Reno River Festival is taking over every corner of Idlewild Park in 2026. That means we’re packing the entire park with more music, more experiences, and a lot more summer.

This year will feature the most live acts ever PLUS two of the biggest headliners in RiverFest history! Keep an eye out for our lineup drop in the coming weeks.

We’re also bringing in an adrenaline-pumping carnival with mechanical rides, adding more food and craft vendors, expanding our drink lineup PLUS throwing a NEW coed softball tournament and a NEW dog jog. That’s in addition to whitewater rafting, RiverFest’s 18-hole Bucket Golf course, scavenger hunt, yoga, kickboxing, and an art experience.

Your summer begins at RiverFest.

RENO RIVER FESTIVAL HISTORY

RiverFest has taken place in downtown Reno’s Wingfield Park since it began in 2003. The festival moved to it’s tempoary home at Idlewild Park last year due to the Arlington Bridges Project. Wingfield Park is closed as crews replace the two nearly century-old Arlington Avenue Bridges that have become structurally deficient. The project is also looking to enhance community access to the Truckee River and Wingfield Park. Once the project is complete, the Reno River Festival will return to Wingfield Park.

ABOUT IDLEWILD PARK

Idlewild Park is a 49-acre Reno park located along the Truckee River. The park is home to a number of facilities including the California Building, the Sensory Garden at Idlewild Park, the Rose Garden at Idlewild Park, and the 53rd Whispering Giant sculpture carved by Peter Wolf Toth. Idlewild features a number of amenities including year-round restrooms, playgrounds, a skate park, volleyball court, baseball/softball fields, swimming pool, exercise area, water play feature, rentable shelters, pathways, bike path, picnic shelters, barbecue area, and tables/benches.

Idlewild was once just a few ranches owned by Bennett, Murray, and Ferris. In 1907, the property was purchased by James Newlands (nephew of former US Senator Francis Newlands). In 1921, the City of Reno purchased this property from Newlands for $23,500.

There used to be a fish hatchery in Idlewild Park as well as carnival rides, an ice skating pond, a zoo, and (reportedly) Mark Twain’s cabin.

ABOUT THE ARLINGTON BRIDGES PROJECT

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC), in cooperation with the City of Reno and with the participation of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering (USACE), and the Carson-Truckee Water Conservancy District (CTWCD), is proceeding with replacing the two nearly century-old Arlington Avenue Bridges that have become structurally deficient. The project is located within the City of Reno between Island Avenue and West First Street, including the roadway through Wingfield Park. Proving access over the Truckee River and to the natural island of Wingfield Park, a single pier North Bridge will replace the existing two-pier structure, and the South Bridge will remain a clear span structure.

ARLINGTON AVENUE BRIDGES PROJECT