If I cannot find what I need to know on the website who can I contact? – You can contact Doug Barber,Festival Manager, 931-245-4344 or email:dbarber@clarksville.tn.us.
What is the Rivers & Spires Festival? - It is an awesome annual event held every April in the Historic Clarksville Downtown Central Business District. Rivers & Spires Festival, Inc is a three day outdoor festive event, featuring a night of patriotic tribute to military heroes, 5 stages of entertainment, International Streetfest, Kidz Zone,Jazz’N Wine area, car shows, parades, and much much more. Last year we had an estimated 36,000 enjoyed the music, great outdoors, food and of course people watching.
Who organizes the Rivers & Spires Festival? – The festival is sponsored by the City, County, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau with many other partners helping to make it an outstanding event. Rivers & Spires, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. It takes approximately 600 volunteers to do this event each year. This event is community driven with many organizations helping to make the event successful.
Is there an Admission Fee? – No, the Rivers & Spires Festival is a Free gated event. Generous sponsorships from many local and regional companies as well as hundreds of volunteers from the community allow the event to remain free to the general public. Because it is free admission, we ask you not bring in any outside food or beverages. Rivers & Spires Festival is possible because of our sponsors, volunteers, and the sale of food and beverages at the event.
What are the Hours of the Festival?-On Thursday evening only two stages in two areas open. The stage, which is located on Public Square, will host the Young Professionals event. There will also be a Patchwork Premiere featuring old country music, a quilt show and more with the hours being 4 pm – 10:30 pm. Friday evening the festival opens with all stages and booths set up with the hours being 5 pm-10:30 pm, and on Saturday, 10 am- 10:30 pm.
What if it rains? – Hopefully it won’t, but the festival must go on RAIN or SHINE! If the forecast calls, bring an umbrella and come out anyway!
Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities? - ADA Parking is available in the parking garage off Commerce Street in front of the Montgomery County Sheriffs Dept. on first level. This will give a person the opportunity to be right in middle of the festival site. “Seeing eye” and “support” dogs are welcome.
What type of music is at the festival? – There is a wide variety of music every year including jazz, blues, international, rock, etc. We work very hard to provide as much variety as possible with the resources provided to bring this event to the public.
Will your festival have any art & craft or retail dealers? – Yes. We will have artist displaying and selling original artwork, photographs, jewelry makers, painters, and more. Check out the Artz Galore and The Marketplace pages for a list of art and retail vendors that will appear at Rivers & Spires this year.
Are shuttle buses available? – No. But you can take Public Transportation buses which will be running until 10 pm in the evening that will take you to the main Downtown Transit location at the festival site.
How do I get to the festival and where can I park? – Directions to get to the festival from all four of Clarksville’s exits (off I-24) can be found here (pdf). Parking is available anywhere you can find a space. The parking garage downtown is available and can be accessed from Riverside Drive by turning onto Commerce Street. There is also a parking lot off Madison Street. Please be mindful of the residents and homes downtown. Certain parking spaces may be restricted. No parking space can be guaranteed.
Where can I book a Hotel room? - The Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau has a complete listing of accommodations in and around the area. We encourage you to stay with one of our festival sponsors. Ask for special rates.Check out the Clarksville website www.clarksvillecvb.com
Can I bring in a canopy or an umbrella? - Canopy style awnings and large-scale shade umbrellas will not be allowed in the festival grounds. These items block the view of other persons, and everyone deserves the right to see the stages…including you.
Can I bring a cooler with outside food or beverages to the festival? – No. The Rivers & Spires Festival, Inc is a FREE gated event and all proceeds from beer, soda and water sales go to the festival to help offset cost.
Can I bring my dog? – It’s not against the law to bring your leashed dog to the festival but it’s not a good idea. The Rivers & Spires Festival is held downtown on city streets and pavement gets too hot for little paws. There is no where they can go to the bathroom, and even the most socialized dogs tend to panic in such a large crowd of people. We love animals and we encourage you to keep them at home during the festival.
What should I bring to Rivers & Spires Festival? – A small lawn chair or blanket, cash for tickets, a hat, sunblock, sunglasses, your whole family, and a great attitude!
What should I leave at home? – Coolers, outside foods or beverages or refillable containers or glass bottles, skateboards, roller blades, laser pointers or weapons of any kind.
Can I volunteer for the Rivers & Spires Festival? - Yes. Go to the volunteers sign-up page here. We are looking for creative, enthusiastic and resourceful people with an appreciation of festive. If you are interested in being part of this exciting cultural event check fill out the form on the website and someone will contact you.
Will the festival provide anything for children? – Yes! The Rivers & Spires Festival, Inc is an event for all ages. Kidz Zone is a special area just for kids with tons of activities, such as entertainers, games, and many other fun things to do. Check out the details of the Kidz Zone here.
