Celebrate Life on the Mighty Cumberland River!
The River Festivus is a community event that was created to celebrate life on the mighty Cumberland River in Burkesville, Kentucky. This annual multi-day event offers multiple ways to have fun.
To learn more about the River Festivus like and follow "River Festivus" on Facebook. Also stay tuned to WKYR 107.9 and this website for updates.
August 18 - August 19
Veterans Memorial Park
229 Upper River Street
Burkesville, KY 42717
Headline Act: Diamond Rio
Saturday, August 19 • 8:00 PM • Southern Kentucky Distillery
Formed in 1989 in Nashville, TN the band consists of Marty Roe (lead vocal), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals), Brian Prout (drums). Diamond Rio recently released I Made It, their tenth studio album. The title track was co-written by the band’s lead guitarist Jimmy Olander and features 11 new songs. Produced by Olander and Mike Clute. Get to Know Diamond Rio Here!
Featured Events
The River Festivus Battle of the Bands Sponsored by Don Franklin Burkesville Chevrolet will take place on August 18th on the Southern Kentucky Distillery Stage. Five bands will battle for a chance to win $2,000 and get to open for Diamond Rio on August 19. The five bands that get to compete will be chosen by voters on the River Festivus Facebook Page. Voting is open until July 21.
Grab your kayak, paddle-board, or canoe and head to Burkesville, Kentucky for the 2023 Mighty Cumberland River Run and the Festivus Float this August 19th. Both paddle events take place during the annual River Festivus on a stretch of the Cumberland River that is truly eunique. Due to the size and height of Wolf Creek Dam, the water that passes through and forms the Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland is a year-round constant temperature of approximately 54°. The river is often shrouded in a beautiful early morning fog, full of fresh water trout, and the cool waters are guaranteed to keep you from getting too hot as you paddle.
Grab your kayak, paddle-board, or canoe and head to Burkesville, Kentucky for the 2023 Mighty Cumberland River Run and the Festivus Float this August 19th. Both paddle events take place during the annual River Festivus on a stretch of the Cumberland River that is truly eunique. Due to the size and height of Wolf Creek Dam, the water that passes through and forms the Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland is a year-round constant temperature of approximately 54°. The river is often shrouded in a beautiful early morning fog, full of fresh water trout, and the cool waters are guaranteed to keep you from getting too hot as you paddle.
August 19 • Biggest Trout Wins!
- 1st Place • $200
- 2nd Place • $75
- 3rd Pkace • $25
Catch and Release!
Sponsored by KY-TN Trphy Fishing Guides
Questions? Call Aaron (270-459-3193) or Willie (270-459-3171)
The Head for the Hills - Festivus 5K and 10k is one of the feature events of the River Festivus held each year in Burkesville, Kentucky. Join us for an adventure up, down, and around Alpine Hill that overlooks the City of Burkesville and the Cumberland River Valley. The Festivus 5K and 10k is scheduled for August 19th at 8:00 AM Central Standard Time. Check-In/Registration will start at 7:00 AM on the square in Burkesville at Cumberland County Welcome Center located at 111 Hill Street.
Use a crosscut saw that your grandfather or great grandfather might have used and cut a "cookie" off of a 12 inch diameter log. The fastest time wins a beautiful medallion and bragging rites until next year.
Complete Schedule:
Friday, August 18
4:00 PM • Vendors Open (Veterans Memorial Park)
5:00-8:00 PM • Registration for Events Open (River Festivus Headquarters Tent)
6:00 PM • Battle of the Bands (Sponsored by Don Franklin Burkesville Chevrolet)
Saturday, August 19
7:30 AM • 5K and 10K Registration Check In (Sign Up Here!)
9:00 AM • 12 Mile River Run (Bakerton Ferry, Safety Meeting at 8:45 AM)
9:30 AM • 7 Mile River Run (Bakerton Ferry, Safety Meeting at 9:15 AM)
10:00 AM • Vendors Open (Veterans Memorial Park)
10:00 AM • Riverboat Revue (Cumberland Queen Riverboat Stage)
10:00 AM-4:00 PM • Cruise In (Upper River Street)
10:30 AM • Festivus Float (Burkesville Boat Ramp, Safety Course Meeting 10:15 AM)
12:00 PM • Jeep Ride (Cumberland County Welcome Center • 111 Hill Street)
12:00 PM • 4:00 PM Trout Fishing Tournament (Check in at Burkesville Boat Ramp)
12:00-4:00 PM • Kids Casting Derby (Veterans Memorial Park)
1:00 PM • Cross-Cut Saw Competition (Veterans Memorial Park)
2:00 PM • Dryland Boat Race (Veterans Memorial Park)
4:00 PM • Riverboat Revue (Cumberland Queen Riverboat Stage)
6:00 PM • Battle of the Bands Winner Performance (Southern Kentucky Distillery Stage)
8:00 PM • Diamond Rio (Southern Kentucky Distillery Stage)
Our Sponsors:
