Riverfest in New Westminster

RiverFest is a festival that celebrates World Rivers Day in September. It features art, historical and environmental exhibits along the Quay in New Westminster.

RiverFest in New Westminster

RiverFest is organized and hosted by the Fraser River Discovery Centre. It’s a three-day event that takes place on the Saturdays and Sunday at the end of September. Last year the event happened on September 20th, 27th and 28th. It will likely happen around the same time in 2026, but with exact details to be confirmed.

RiverFest Activities

RiverFest is a family-friendly festival with a variety of things to see and do. Below are details about what happened last year (which is similar to what has happened in previous years too).

On the first Saturday, there was family yoga, a quayside tour, a horticulture walk and a smartphone photography workshop.

The second Saturday had the same schedule as the year before, with the exhibitor expo and market along the boardwalk outside the Fraser River Discovery Centre, the Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade and live performances on the outdoor stage.

On the unday, there were guided walks in the area. Visitors took part in birdwatching, educational boat talks and other walks.

On both the second Saturday and Sunday, there was a Family Fun Zone at the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Children made art and learn about the environment. Every year admission to the centre is free during the festival and there are special exhibits and activities indoors.

Also on both days, the Samson V Museum was open from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visitors could meet members of the maritime community on board the vessel and enjoy the Wooden Boat Rendezvous. The Vancouver Wooden Boat Society has an open house and wooden boat display at Sapperton Landing Park with interactive activities for kids during the festival most years.

During RiverFest, admission to the Fraser River Discovery Centre is free. Many of the things to do are great for little ones.

Main Stage Entertainment

In addition to the market vendors, there were a number of live performances on the Saturday last year. The entertainment takes place on the Sturgeon Stage on the New West Boardwalk. The 2025 schedule was the following (and the 2026 lineup will likely be similar).

11:00 am – DJ O Show
12:00 pm – Shan E Punjab Arts Club
1:25 pm – Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack)
3:00 pm – Dean Thiessen & the Good Apples

Community organizations also set up informational booths along the boardwalk at RiverFest. Typical attendees include Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, FortisBC Gas, Metro Vancouver and Tourism New West.

Riverfest Live Entertainment — RiverFest Entertainment at Westminster Quay

RiverFest Guided Walks

On the first Saturday most year, there are a series of guided walks in various locations around Metro Vancouver. Most of them include a free shuttle ride from the Fraser River Discovery Centre and back again. The walks last for around an hour each and attendees must pre-register on the RiverFest website.

Below was the list of walks available last year (and 2026 will likely be similar).

10:30 am – Quayside Boardwalk with Fraser River Discovery Centre
12:00 pm – Horticulture Walk with Julia Alards-Tomalin
2:00 pm – Smartphone Photography Walk

RiverFest Video

Check out the video below for an idea of what to expect at RiverFest. The video shows scenes of the event in 2021. That was during the COVID-19 era, at a time when public events were still possible. Because of the times, however, the event was smaller than usual.

As you’ll see in the video, the waterfront in New Westminster is a beautiful area. It’s especially interesting, though, when events and live entertainment are taking place, like during RiverFest.

The group of drummers performing in the video are Katari Taiko.