From Front Street to a parking lot: Why Wilmington Riverfest was canceled

WILMINGTON, N.C. — After two years of hosting Wilmington Riverfest on Front Street, organizers have canceled this year’s festival, citing venue logistics and public safety concerns.

The festival’s Board of Directors announced in a Facebook post that it unanimously voted this week to cancel the 2026 event.

The decision comes after months of discussions between festival organizers and the city over where Riverfest could be held.

For the past two years, the annual festival has taken over Front Street. Organizers asked the city to use Front Street from Red Cross Street south to Princess Street for this year’s event.

Instead, the city suggested a parking lot near Cape Fear Community College at Nutt Street and Brunswick Street. That option was later taken off the table because of an event scheduled at the Wilson Center.

“So we went from the river to Front Street, now to a parking lot,” said Roderick Bell, president of Wilmington Riverfest.

Bell spoke at a Wilmington City Council meeting last month, raising concerns about the proposed alternative layout.

“It creates safety concern from the ADA, there is one way in and one way out, and it’s a logistical nightmare to put all those vendors within that parking lot along the street,” Bell said.

As concerns about the proposed location grew, vendors began pulling out of the festival. Organizers said that ultimately led to the decision to cancel.

Hunter Ford, owner of Momentum Distillery, said he was confused to learn the festival had been canceled.

“I don’t understand what the difference is between Riverfest and the Craft Walk because they just marked the streets for the Craft Walk and this is the same footprint as Azalea Festival and Riverfest, so I don’t understand what the problem is,” Ford said.

The city said Riverfest organizers preferred a location on Front Street, but fire safety requirements prevented the city from permitting a stage in the middle of the street.

“For more than four months, right up until this week, the City has continued to work in good faith to find solutions as the festival’s needs and available spaces changed,” the city said in a statement. “At no point during those conversations were City staff told that a final decision was required by July or that the 2026 festival was at risk of cancellation if that deadline was not met.”

The disagreement over the festival’s location has also raised concerns among downtown businesses that rely on the crowds generated by large events.

“It’s a huge disappointment for local businesses because there are not a lot of eyes on our businesses compared to what these festivals bring,” Ford said.

Vendors, sponsors and community partners will receive refunds, according to organizers.

Organizers say they plan to bring Wilmington Riverfest back next year.