Riverbend Festival Takes a Hiatus in 2024 for Reevaluation and Restructuring
Picture Courtesy of Riverbend Festival
Chattanooga, TN – In an announcement today, the organizers of the Riverbend Festival have declared that the beloved event will be on hiatus in 2024.
The decision was made public through a release from Friends of the Festival, the group responsible for organizing the event, who stated that Riverbend is taking a temporary pause to reevaluate and restructure, aligning their mission with the authentic music scene of Chattanooga.
“Like other independently owned and operated music festivals across the nation that are going on a temporary pause, Riverbend is reevaluating and restructuring in order to be successful in the future. Riverbend has celebrated 40 amazing years and it will never go away; however, it’s time to go back to our roots – to music that is authentic to Chattanooga. We’re dedicated to our mission and the next time Riverbend’s gates open, audiences across all demographics will have music they can embrace and experiences they’ve come to expect,” the release from Friends of the Festival stated.
Riverbend Festival, which made a triumphant return in 2022 after being cancelled for two consecutive years due to the coronavirus pandemic, has been a staple in Chattanooga’s cultural calendar for four decades.
The decision to take a hiatus in 2024 has left many festivalgoers disappointed, but the organizers are optimistic about the future.
In the same release, Friends of the Festival announced an exciting development for music lovers in the area. The Riverfront Nights free outdoor summer concert series will be expanded in 2024, offering music enthusiasts more opportunities to enjoy live performances. The event will now feature concerts on 14 different Saturdays across the summer, promising a diverse range of musical acts and genres.
While Riverbend Festival takes a break, Chattanooga residents and visitors can look forward to an extended season of musical enjoyment along the riverfront. The expanded Riverfront Nights series is expected to fill the void left by Riverbend’s absence, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talent.
As the community eagerly anticipates the return of Riverbend Festival in the future, the focus remains on preserving Chattanooga’s rich musical heritage and offering unforgettable experiences for music enthusiasts of all ages.
SOURCE: News Channel 9
