Get ready for a highlight of the summer! The 41st Annual James River Batteau Festival returns June 17, 19 & 20 at Percival’s Island and Riverfront Park.
Kick things off Wednesday as you step back in history and experience firsthand what it was like to journey the river on a Batteau Experience Ride. Start the weekend off strong as the crews prepare to launch on Friday at the Launch Party with live music from Hackensaw Boys. Then on Saturday, celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence with the ceremonial batteau launch, Forward to Freedom, followed by art, culture, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Batteau Experience Rides
6/17
Riveredge Park (Madison Heights)
Ages 50+ | 10 AM – 1 PM | REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All Ages | 2 PM – 6 PM | WALK UP ONLY
Climb on board The Addie Beth and the rest of the batteau fleet for a unique educational batteau 30 minute ride and tour of the James River, hosted by the James River Association. Morning rides are reserved for those ages 50+ and are pre-registration only. Afternoon rides are open to all ages. Enjoy lunch on your own at the food truck on site! Meet at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights. Those who are ages 50+, register for the morning rides by 6/14.
Tour Times for Ages 50+:
Group 1: 10:00
Group 2: 10:40
Group 3: 11:20
Group 4: 12:00
Group 5: 12:40
The crews take a break for lunch and will return at 2 PM for rides for the general public, walk up only! Walk up rides are available for any age from 2 pm – 6 pm
Please note, riders will need to be able to transport themselves down the concrete boat ramp, and take a knee high step up (assisted) into the boat. Should you need accommodations or additional support boarding, please contact Hannah.Rathje@lynchburgva.gov to determine the best plan to ensure a safe experience for crew and riders.
Batteau Launch Party
All Ages
6/19
6 PM- 9 PM
Pervical’s Island
Join us as we kick off the 41st Annual Batteau Festival with a celebration like no other! This exciting Launch Party will set the stage for a week of history, adventure, and river culture.
Enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment by the one and only Hackensaw Boys!
Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or new to the Batteau experience, this launch party is the perfect way to dive into the spirit of the festival. Don’t miss out on this celebration of heritage, community, and the James River!
No registration required for attendees. Doors open at 5 PM, show starts at 6 PM. Food and beverage vendors are scheduled to be on site. No outside alcohol permitted. Please, no glass containers. No seating available, please bring lawn chair/blanket for your comfort. Chairs must not have awnings/umbrellas that impedes other audience members view.
Forward to Freedom Celebration
All Ages
6/20
10 AM – 1 PM
Percival’s Island and Riverfront Park
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence as well as the 50th Anniversary of the James River Association on the banks of the James River, where history, heritage, and outdoor adventure come together. The festival begins with the highly anticipated batteau launch at 10 AM. Watch as these historic, handcrafted boats set off down the river, continuing a tradition that has honored our waterways for over four decades.
After the boats depart, keep the celebration going as you journey from past to present, exploring art, culture, and hands-on activities that showcase the James River’s enduring role in our community and our nation’s story.
This is a day of history, heritage, and celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible tradition and milestone anniversary of our freedom.
Want to join the Batteaux on their journey to Richmond?
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation is excited to start the festivities for this year’s James River Batteau Festival while the boats are in the city. Once they depart, all festivities are managed by the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society. Learn more about the schedule, camping, and what to expect here: https://www.vacanals.org/batteau
Canoeists and Kayakers Welcome!
