DOWN BY THE RIVER FESTIVAL

EDMONTON’S 2ND ANNUAL RIVERSIDE FOLK MUSIC GATHERING

September 18-20, 2026
@ Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

As summer winds down, Edmonton gathers by the water to soak up the last of the season with three days of live music, dancing, and community. Down by the River is a unique open-air festival set in the beautiful Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, offering stunning views, lush greenery, and a carefully curated lineup of artists from across Canada and beyond.

Produced by The Factory Music & Arts, this all-ages celebration blends indie, folk, rock, and alternative sounds in a relaxed riverside setting. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and enjoy a weekend of music in the heart of the city.

TICKET INFORMATION

General Admission tickets are available for single days or the full weekend.
Children 12 and under get in free with a ticket-holding adult.
All ticket sales are final.
Lineup, set times, and event hours are subject to change.
All attendees agree to our Safe Spaces Policy
Media may be captured onsite for promotional use, including social media, online content, and future event marketing.

MAP YOUR WEEKEND

FAQ

· FAQ ·

General Information

When is Down By The River?

Down By The River takes place September 18–20, 2026 at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park in Edmonton.

Friday, September 18: Gates open at 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 19: Gates open at 1:00 PM
Sunday, September 20: Gates open at 1:00 PM

Programming ends at approximately 10:30 PM each night.

Where can I find set times?

Full set times are now available on our website and social media! We recommend taking a screenshot of the schedule before arriving so you have it handy throughout the day.

Is the festival rain or shine?
Yes! Down By The River is a rain-or-shine event, so please dress for the weather.

In the event of severe or unsafe weather, programming may be delayed, paused or modified for the safety of artists, staff and guests. Any important updates will be shared through our social media channels.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes! The main event is family-friendly, and kids 12 and under get in free. Please note that after-parties are 18+.

GETTING HERE

Where is the festival?

Down By The River takes place at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park in downtown Edmonton.

Is there parking?

There is no dedicated festival parking on site, and parking in the immediate area is limited. We strongly recommend taking transit, biking, walking, using a taxi or rideshare, or getting dropped off.

Can I bike to the festival?

Absolutely! Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is easily accessible from Edmonton's river valley trail system. Please bring your own bike lock.

TICKETS & ENTRY

Is Down By The River all ages?

Yes! Down By The River is an all-ages festival, and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Do kids need a ticket?

Kids 12 and under do not require a paid ticket but must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Can I leave and come back?

Yes! Re-entry is allowed throughout the day. Please keep your festival wristband on, as you will need it to re-enter the festival.

What should I bring for entry?

Please have your festival ticket ready on your phone when you arrive. We recommend having it downloaded or taking a screenshot before arriving in case cellular service is busy around the festival grounds.

Guests planning to purchase alcohol should also bring valid government-issued photo ID.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Down By The River is a cashless festival. Please bring a debit or credit card for all purchases on site.

FOOD & DRINK

Can I bring outside food?

Small personal snacks are welcome! Granola bars, fruit, crackers, kids' snacks and similar items are totally fine.
We ask that guests leave full outside meals, takeout, picnic baskets and coolers at home.
Exceptions will always be made for medical, dietary and accessibility needs, as well as food required for babies and young children.

Will there be food available?

Yes! Freson Bros. is the exclusive food provider for Down By The River, with food available for purchase throughout the festival.
Their festival menu will include gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
If you have a serious allergy or specific dietary requirement, you're also welcome to bring the food you need for yourself.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Outside beverages are not permitted.
Empty reusable water bottles are welcome and encouraged. Free drinking water will be available on site so you can refill throughout the day.

Can I bring a reusable water bottle?

Yes! Empty reusable water bottles are welcome. Bottles must be empty when entering the festival and can be filled for free once you're inside.

Will there be alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on site.
You must have valid government-issued photo ID to purchase or consume alcohol.

WHAT CAN I BRING?

Can I bring a lawn chair?

Yes! Lightweight, low-profile lawn chairs are welcome.
Please leave large loungers, reclining chairs and other oversized seating at home. Chairs cannot block walkways, emergency routes or access areas, and festival staff may ask you to relocate your chair if necessary.

Can I bring a blanket?

Yes! Small picnic blankets are welcome. Please be considerate of the people around you and don't use blankets to reserve excessive amounts of space.

Can I bring a stroller or wagon?

Strollers are welcome! Wagons are not permitted on the festival grounds.

Can I bring a backpack or bag?

Yes. Small backpacks, purses and bags are permitted and may be subject to inspection upon entry.

Please leave oversized bags and large backpacks at home whenever possible.

What items are allowed?

You're welcome to bring:

Small backpacks and bags
Lightweight lawn chairs
Small blankets
Strollers
Sunscreen
Hats and weather-appropriate clothing
Empty reusable water bottles
Small personal snacks
Personal cameras
Necessary medical and accessibility items

All bags and belongings may be subject to inspection upon entry.

What items are NOT allowed?

For everyone's safety and comfort, please leave the following at home:

Outside alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
Coolers
Full outside meals, takeout and large picnic setups
Wagons
Glass containers
Weapons of any kind
Illegal drugs or substances
Fireworks, flares or explosives
Professional camera or recording equipment without prior approval
Large umbrellas or items that obstruct other guests' views
Oversized bags
Large or reclining chairs
Pets, with the exception of service animals
Any item festival security determines could create a safety concern

Festival staff and security reserve the right to refuse entry of any item deemed unsafe or disruptive.

FAMILIES & KIDS

Is the festival family-friendly?

Absolutely! Down By The River is an all-ages festival, and kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
Make sure to visit The Littles Honkytonk, our dedicated kids' area, while you're here.

Can I bring food for my kids?

Yes! Personal snacks for children are absolutely welcome.
Food required for babies and young children is also permitted. We're simply asking guests not to bring large coolers, takeout orders or full picnic setups onto the festival grounds.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes! Strollers are welcome. Wagons are not permitted.

ACCESSIBILITY

Is Down By The River accessible?

We want Down By The River to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is located within Edmonton's river valley and includes hills, pathways and changes in elevation. Some festival areas may be more difficult to navigate for guests with mobility concerns.

If you have accessibility requirements or questions before attending, please contact info@thefactoryma.ca and we'll do our best to help you plan your visit.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Trained service animals are welcome at the festival.

FESTIVAL SITE

Are there washrooms?

Yes. Washrooms will be available throughout the festival grounds.

Is there free drinking water?

Yes! Free drinking water will be available on site. We strongly encourage everyone to bring an empty reusable water bottle.

Is there seating?

The festival takes place primarily outdoors on the grass. Guests are welcome to bring a lightweight lawn chair or small blanket.

Can I leave my chair or belongings overnight?

No. Please take all personal belongings, chairs and blankets with you when leaving the festival each night. Items left behind may be moved or disposed of.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

Smoking and vaping are permitted in designated smoking areas ONLY.

Smoking or vaping outside of designated areas is not permitted anywhere on the festival grounds.

BARS & THE SEA CHANGE SALOON

What is The Sea Change Saloon?

The Sea Change Saloon is our on-site bar and hangout featuring Sea Change Brewing Co. beverages and a great place to grab a drink and enjoy the festival.

Do I need ID?

If you plan to purchase or consume alcohol, please bring valid government-issued photo ID.

THE HONKY TONK MARKET

Will there be vendors?

Yes! Check out The Honky Tonk Market throughout the weekend for local vendors, makers and more.

MERCH

Will festival and artist merchandise be available?

Yes! Festival merchandise and merchandise from participating artists will be available on site throughout the weekend while supplies last.

LOST & FOUND

What if I lose something?

If you lose something during the festival, visit our Guest Services/Box Office team for assistance.

For lost and found inquiries after the festival, please email volunteer@thefactoryma.ca and CC info@thefactoryma.ca.

Please include a detailed description of the missing item and any information that may help us identify it.

PETS

Can I bring my dog or other pet?

No. Pets are not permitted on the festival grounds.

The only exception is trained service animals.

Please leave your pets safely at home — festival environments can be loud, busy and stressful for animals.