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 t-shirts, awards for top finishers, free camping, and post-race meal.
Festivus Float includes a Custom T-Shirts.

Life Jacket Requirements.

On the Cumberland River, the state requires that all paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) and inflatables (rafts, tubes, inflatable kayaks) must carry a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved wearable life jacket for every person on board, children 12 and under must wear their life jacket while on the water.

Inflatables are regulated exactly like traditional hard-shell boats. Inflatable pool toys or "water wings" do not qualify as legal personal flotation devices.

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.

Get ready to sparkle and shine at the 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗨𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧!

Sign up TODAY or register at the door for your chance to win great prize packages PLUS all winners will advance to the Kentucky Festivals State Pageant in November!

• August 8, 2026 - one week BEFORE River Festivus
• Pageant begins: 8:00 AM
• Doors open for registration: 7:00 AM
• Admission: $5 per person (contestants are admitted free)
• Concessions will be available throughout the day.

𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Entry Fee:

• Beauty Only: $20
• All-In Package: $35, which includes:
• Beauty
• Prettiest Hair
• Prettiest Eyes
• Prettiest Smile
• Best Dressed
• Rising Star

Age Divisions:

• 0 to 11 months (Girl/Boy)
• 12 to 23 months (Girl/Boy)
• 2 to 3 years (Girl)
• 4 to 6 years (Girl)

Pre-register here: https://form.jotform.com/261938768025064

Entry fees will be paid at the door when you check in to receive your contestant number.

𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Entry Fee: $50

• Add $5 to enter Most Photogenic. Please bring one photo for the judges.

Age Divisions

• 7 to 9 years (Girl)
• 10 to 12 years (Girl)
• 13 to 15 years (Girl)
• 16 to 21 years (Girl)
• 22+ Ms. (Single or divorced, with or without children)
• 22+ Mrs. (Married, with or without children)

Pre-register here: https://form.jotform.com/261938790982071

Entry fees will be paid at the door when you check in to receive your contestant number.

Out-of-town judges will be selecting this year's winners.

𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢

Winners and runners-up will qualify to compete in the Kentucky Festivals State Pageant, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, in November.

All 1st Place winners ages 10 and up are invited to attend River Festivus on August 14-15 to help sell Split the Pot tickets and assist with the Saturday evening drawing, if available.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out - Call Tiffanie at 270-459-0472. Can't wait to see you there!

🏃‍♂️ River Festivus 5K & 10K 🏃‍♀️
Part of the annual River Festivus celebration in Burkesville, Kentucky
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ Start Time: 8:00 AM CST
📍 Check-In/Registration: Opens at 7:00 AM at the Cumberland County High School, 912 North Main Street, Burkesville, KY
💲 Registration Fee: $30
👕 T-Shirt is included with registration (Register by July 30th to guarantee your preferred size!)
Whether you're aiming for your best time yet or just want to enjoy a festive run, this is a must-do event during River Festivus!
📞 For questions, contact Candi Hostetler at candicehostetler@cchospital.org or call (270) 864-2511 ext. 1464.

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 (participants must provide their own)
• 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