Celebrate Life on the Mighty Cumberland River! August 2026

Battle of the Bands

Presented by Don Franklin Burkesville Chevrolet

River Festivus is excited to announce the return of the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands, presented by Don Franklin Burkesville Chevrolet.

Solo artists and bands are invited to register for the opportunity to compete for a spot on the SKD Stage at River Festivus. The grand prize winner will receive $2,000 and a 90-minute opening performance slot for The Frontmen LIVE during the River Festivus headlining concert on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The competition is open to solo and group acts, original and cover material, and all genres of music. River Festivus is a family-friendly community event, so vulgar or obscene material will not be accepted.

Registration Information

Registration is free and open now. Click HERE 

Entry deadline: June 1, 2026
Questions: shopriverfestivus@yahoo.com

Public Voting

The Top 5 entries selected to perform live at the Battle of the Bands will be determined by public voting on the River Festivus Facebook page.

Voting will begin June 19, 2026, and end July 17, 2026. Voting will consist of “Like” and “Love” reactions to each entry’s official photo posted on the River Festivus Facebook page. Each post may also include links to the act’s submitted video, music, social media pages, website, or other related materials.

Only legitimate votes submitted on the original River Festivus Facebook post will be counted. Bot activity or fraudulent voting will not be accepted.

The Top 5 finalists will be announced on July 24, 2026. Rules, regulations, and scoring criteria for the live competition will be sent to the finalists after the public announcement.

Live Competition

The Top 5 finalists will perform live in Burkesville, Kentucky, on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Each finalist will have a 45-minute stage block, which includes sound check and performance time. The order of performance will be determined by random draw.

A house kit consisting of a drum set and bass amp will be provided. Professional stage lighting and sound will also be provided for the competition.

The live competition winner will be selected by a panel of judges. All decisions made by the River Festivus Committee and Battle of the Bands judges are final.

Prizes

Grand Prize Winner
The grand prize winner will receive:

$2,000 in prize money
A 90-minute set on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the opening act for The Frontmen LIVE
A commemorative framed poster

Other Finalists
Each remaining finalist will receive:

$500 in prize money
A commemorative framed poster

For questions about the Battle of the Bands, please email shopriverfestivus@yahoo.com.

Join River Festivus in Burkesville, KY, as a vendor! Sell your products, food, or services at one of Kentucky’s biggest festivals. Limited spaces available—sign up now!https://form.jotform.com/260574922370054

Get ready to paddle the Mighty Cumberland River.

Join us in Burkesville, Kentucky, on August 15, 2026, for the Mighty Cumberland River Run and Festivus Float, a highlight of River Festivus. Choose from two exciting race options or enjoy a relaxing paddle on one of the most scenic stretches of the Cumberland River.

Choose your adventure.

Mighty Cumberland River Run is a competitive 7-mile or 12-mile race down the cool, trout-filled waters of the Cumberland River. Compete for custom awards and enjoy free post-race meals and camping.

Festivus Float is for those who want a five-mile scenic paddle to enjoy the beauty of the river at their own pace.

Race and float details.

Location is Cumberland River, Burkesville, Kentucky.
Date is August 15, 2026.
Race start times.
Twelve-mile race at nine o'clock in the morning.
Seven-mile race at nine thirty in the morning.
Festivus Float at ten thirty in the morning.
Shuttle service will run every fifteen minutes to transport participants and gear.

Participant perks.

Mighty Cumberland River Run includes a custom cap, awards for top finishers, free camping, and post-race meal.
Festivus Float includes a custom event cap.

Registration and fees.

Mighty Cumberland River Run solo racer is $60 for the seven-mile or twelve-mile race.
Mighty Cumberland River Run tandem team is $100
Festivus Float adult is $35.
Late fee is an additional $10 after August 10, 2026

Register now.

Spots are limited and prices increase after August tenth. Do not miss your chance to be part of this incredible paddling event.

Are you ready to take on the challenge of Alpine Hill? The River Festivus Run for the Hills 5K/10K is back. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just looking for a fun fitness event, this race has a course for you.

Set in the scenic town of Burkesville, Kentucky, this event is a highlight of River Festivus, bringing runners from all over to test their endurance, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the charm of the Cumberland River Valley.

Choose Your Course

5K Flat – A smooth, scenic course perfect for runners and walkers of all levels.
5K Alpine – Challenge yourself with an exhilarating climb up Alpine Hill, overlooking Burkesville and the Cumberland River.
10K Flat + Alpine – The ultimate challenge, combining the best of both worlds with a mix of flat terrain and a rewarding climb.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Start Location: Cumberland County Welcome Center, 111 Hill Street, Burkesville, KY
Registration: 7:30 AM
Race Start: 8:00 AM

Participant Perks

All participants receive a custom finisher’s medallion and race bib. The event offers a chance to conquer Alpine Hill and be part of an unforgettable experience.

Race t-shirts are available for purchase during registration.

Registration and Fees

$30 per participant

For questions, contact Traci at 270-406-2959.

Register Now

Don't miss your chance to be part of one of Kentucky’s most scenic and challenging races.

Sign up today at https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Burkesville/riverfestivus

Burkesville Trout Tournament – Catch & Release! 

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Cumberland River, Burkesville, KY

Registration Fee: $25

⏰ Schedule & Check-In:
• 6:00 AM–8:00 AM — Check-in at Burkesville Boat Ramp

Pick up your official River Festivus token at check-in

Take your fish photo with the token visible

Format & Rules:
• Catch & Release — biggest trout wins!
• Measure your trout using the “Golden Rule” measuring device (provided)
• Submit your fish photo to officials by 4:00 PM (plan ahead for cell service)

Prizes:
• 1st Place – $1,000
• 2nd Place – $500
• 3rd Place – $250

Presented by: Experienced Stays (Lexington, KY)

To Enter:
Call Samantha at (270) 459-0248 or Willie at (270) 459-3171

Tight lines and good luck! ??

River Festivus Jeep Ride
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Registration starts at 12:00 PM CST at the Cumberland County Extension Office ( 90 Smith Grove Rd., Burkesville, KY 42717)
Ride begins at 1:00 PM — route revealed during registration
Free lunch provided

Cost:
• $30 per Jeep (includes 1 t-shirt)
• $5 per extra rider
• $15 per extra t-shirt
Cash or Check Only

FREE CONCERT
Enjoy a free concert that night with The Frontmen

Proceeds benefit the Advocates for Recovery and Prevention Scholarship Fund

More Info:
(270) 459-3329
(270) 433-0152
Follow us on Facebook: Cumberland River Jeep Club