French Broad River Festival takes place in October of 2020 (normally the event is staged during the first weekend of May) in beautiful Hot Springs, North Carolina. The festival, a benefit for American Whitewater, The Mountain Area Child & Family Center and Hot Springs Community Learning Center, is located just 35 minutes north of Asheville at the beautiful Hot Springs Campground and Spa. Come spend the weekend with family and friends listening to great regional and national recording artists. Enjoy shopping for new outdoor gear at the Live Auction or with one of our many art and craft vendors. Try participating in the “Paddle with the Pros”, the Annual FBRF Kid's Bike Race, or the Annual French Broad River Raft Race.
Guests may choose to attend Friday – Sunday and primitive camp/RV for an additional fee. Saturday's stage is filled with music from morning to midnight.
Come on out for a weekend of fun, family, art, music and adventure!
2021 Line-Up:
- Town Mountain
- Jon Stickley Trio
- Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
- Empire Strikes Brass
- Sol Driven Train
- Snake Oil Medicine Show
- Hipgnostic
- Lovers Leap
- The Get Right Band
- Savannah Smith & Southern Soul
- The Snozzberries
- Phuncle Sam
- Lureto
- Copperhead
- Ska City
- The Skrillbillies
- Bald Mountain Boys
- Silas Frayser Band
And lots of fun for all ages:
The French Broad Raft Race (The race that got this whole thing started!) – Our Annual FBRF Raft Race is the the biggest, mass start, whitewater raft race in the southeast. The race begins in Barnard, North Carolina and ends at the festival in beautiful Hot Springs, NC. During the 9 mile race, you will experience Class 1-4 whitewater excitement, as well as bumping boats, crazy people, and a lot of heckling. It’s always a good time! Tickets are available through our site in advance. These include a spot in a raft for the raft race with a guide plus everything the normal ticket offers. You won’t find a deal like this at any other festival! If you have your own boat, registration is free with your general admission festival ticket.
Kids Bike Race – We can’t let the grown-ups have all the fun! The Annual Kid’s Bike Race takes place on Saturday, around the dirt road that circles the campground. All ages are welcome to participate in this just for fun race around the campground. Decorate your bikes and get out there and shred! Everyone is a winner in this race!
Saturday Festival Parade – One of our favorite French Broad River Festival traditions is the Saturday Festival Kids Parade. We start the morning off with a special kid's music performance on the main stage, then everyone gathers for a big parade down to the Flood Stage where the musical fun continues! We encourage everyone to dress up and march! Doesn't matter if your a kid, or just young at heart! This event is sure to bring a smile to your face!
