Riverfest 2026

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Each Labor Day Weekend, the Muskingum Valley Park District teams up with the City of Zanesville to host Riverfest at Zane’s Landing Park.

Park District Executive Director Russell Edgington says the free event provides residents with a weekend of fun on the banks of the natural landmark that defines the city and is celebrated by the community.  

“We have a full schedule in the pavilion, here at Zane’s Landing,” Edgington said. “Musical entertainment, animal programs including various types of wildlife and educational types of programs. And then, you know, what event is not complete without food trucks. So we’ve got lots of great food that’s going to be here this weekend. And then one of the other highlights for the kids at least is lots of bounce houses and children’s activities.”

The Lorena usually serves as a major draw but unfortunately is sitting drydocked for repairs at Riverside Park, a mile or so upriver.

“We’ve got lots of exciting things planned for this year’s event. Including on Saturday, there will be canal boat rides on a pontoon boat through the locks. That’ll be sponsored by Ohio State Parks. And then we will also have a wildlife officer from the Division of Wildlife and he is going to be doing fishing demonstrations. So that’ll be a lot of fun. I know it was very popular last year,” Edgington said.

Riverfest will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Zane’s Landing Park in downtown Zanesville.