New ‘Liver-Fest’ event aims to support vendors after Riverfest cancellation

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new event in Wilmington is looking to fill the gap left by the cancellation of one of the Port City’s most popular annual festivals.

Wilmington Riverfest, which typically draws crowds of up to 30,000 people, was canceled last week because of concerns about the festival’s layout, according to organizers.

Now, Steve Gibbs, co-owner of Fermental Beer & Wine, is opening the business’s doors to vendors who were counting on Riverfest as one of their biggest events of the year.

Gibbs is organizing an event called “Liver-Fest” at Fermental in Wilmington’s Cargo District. Nearly 20 vendors have already agreed to participate.

Gibbs said the idea came from wanting to give vendors another opportunity after they had spent months preparing for Riverfest.

“You’re not just preparing one month in advance, you’re preparing several months in advance to get your supplies and your inventory ready, and if you miss that opportunity, it’s kind of a big loss,” Gibbs said. “So we’re here to just kind of open up the doors and allow those people a space to continue with whatever they’re doing.”

For many vendors, Riverfest represents a significant opportunity to sell products and reach thousands of people.

Gibbs said the name “Liver-Fest” also has a personal meaning. The event honors Mark Mueller, the former owner of Waterline Brewing Co., who died of liver failure in 2020.

A portion of the proceeds from Liver-Fest will benefit the American Liver Foundation.

Liver-Fest is scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at Fermental.