Festival Program
Music. Community. Culture. By The River.
Riverside Rhythms Festival brings together live music, community performances, river activities, family entertainment and the River Regatta for a full day of celebration at Riverside Park, Kempsey.
Event Details
Date:
Saturday 5 September 2026
Location:
Riverside Park, Kempsey NSW
Time:
12:00pm to 10:00pm
From midday through until 10:00pm, Riverside Rhythms Festival delivers a full day of live music, community performances, river activities and family entertainment along the banks of the Macleay River.
With performances across multiple areas of the festival grounds, visitors can explore live music, cultural activities, community demonstrations, market stalls and the return of the River Regatta throughout the day.
12:00pm | Festival Opening
Welcome To Country
Riverside Rhythms Festival officially begins with a Welcome To Country, recognising the rich cultural heritage and traditional custodians of the land.
The festival grounds, market stalls and community displays open to visitors as the day's celebrations begin.
Afternoon Sessions
Community Demonstrations
River Activity Area
Community organisations and service groups will present demonstrations and displays throughout the afternoon.
Scheduled demonstrations include:
1:00pm – Service Demonstration 1
3:00pm – Service Demonstration 2
Additional activities may be announced closer to the event.
Main Stage Performances
Ten music acts will perform across the Main Stage throughout the day, showcasing local talent, original music and community entertainment.
Performance Times:
9:15pm – Tasman Keith
8:15pm – Chase The Sun
7:15pm – The Adam Ruthless Band
6:15pm – Matt Xander
5:15pm – Gary
4:15pm – Rutho
3:15pm – Rock Up
2:15pm – Black Cow
1:15pm – Steve Passfield
12:15pm – Georgia Cortes Rayner
Ground Performance Area
The Ground Performance Area features a mix of music, dance and community performances throughout the afternoon and evening.
Program Highlights:
2:00pm – Green Ginger Choir
3:00pm – Jim Pike
4:00pm – TBA
5:00pm – Kempsey District Silver Band
6:00pm – Wanngardi
4:00pm | River Regatta
One of the festival's signature attractions returns to the Macleay River.
The River Regatta celebrates creativity, community spirit and local participation, with decorated vessels and themed entries creating a colourful spectacle along the river.
Regatta activities continue throughout the afternoon and into the early evening.
Evening Entertainment
As the sun begins to set, Riverside Rhythms Festival transitions into an evening celebration featuring live music, lighting displays and riverside experiences.
Additional headline performers will be announced soon.As the sun begins to set, Riverside Rhythms Festival transitions into an evening celebration featuring live music, lighting displays and riverside experiences.
7:15pm | Feature Performance
The Adam Ruthless Band will perform a special festival set featuring original blues, rock and psychedelic-inspired music.
As proud supporters of Riverside Rhythms Festival, the band is donating its performance and helping promote the event throughout the Mid North Coast community.
8pm | RFS Arch
Visitors are invited to watch the NSW Rural Fire Service Arch demonstration along the riverfront, showcasing local emergency services as part of the festival celebrations.
8:15pm | Lantern Float
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
The Lantern Float transforms the river into a beautiful display of light, reflection and community connection as illuminated lanterns drift across the water.
10pm | Festival Close
Thank you for joining us for Riverside Rhythms Festival.
We look forward to welcoming you back next year.
Getting To Riverside Park
Located in the heart of Kempsey, Riverside Park is easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot from surrounding areas.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for parking and pedestrian access during peak periods.
Address:
Riverside Park, Eden Street, Kempsey, NSW, 2440
Parking & Access
Accessibility
Public parking is available within walking distance of the festival grounds.
Additional parking information, traffic management plans and any road closures will be published closer to the event date.
Riverside Rhythms Festival aims to be accessible and welcoming for all members of the community.
Facilities include:
Accessible pathways
Accessible toilet facilities
Designated accessible parking
Festival Site Map
Use the site map below to familiarise yourself with the festival layout before arriving.
Featured locations include:
Main Stage
Ground Performance Area
Market Zone
River Activity Area
First Aid
Toilets
Emergency Assembly Area
Family Friendly Spaces
What To Bring
To make the most of your festival experience, we recommend bringing:
🧺 Picnic blanket
🪑 Fold up chair
🧢 Hat
🧴 Sunscreen
💧Water bottle
📸 Camera
💰 Cash and card payment options
Weather Information
The festival will proceed in most weather conditions.
Any updates regarding severe weather or event changes will be communicated through our website and social media channels.
Email Us
Frequently Asked Questions
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Event entry information will be confirmed closer to the festival date.
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Yes. Visitors are encouraged to bring fold up chairs or picnic rugs.
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Information regarding pets will be announced closer to the event.
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Yes. Food vendors and refreshments will be available throughout the festival grounds.
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The latest event schedule and activity information can be found on our Program page.