Cover photo: Mary Wenz Photography
For the 71st year, the river town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, is honoring and celebrating the history and bounty of the Potomac River. The entire Town of Colonial Beach joins in the fun, hosting a full line-up of weekend activities during this beloved and time-honored event. The traditional, 3-day Annual Potomac River Festival begins Friday, June 10, at 7:30 pm, and concludes on Sunday, June 12, at 4 pm. Click here for our Parking Brochure to help you find out where to park.
The event features a Fire & Rescue Parade, Grand Parade, Pet Parade, Boat Parade, Beauty Pageant, music, food, arts and craft and retail vendors, kids activities, moon bounce, community booths, and fireworks. Potomac River Festival is one of the Town’s largest events of the year and a fantastically fun filled weekend for the entire family! Most events take place on Town Hill (corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues), with the exception of the parades which march through the main streets of downtown and the waters of the Potomac!
Photo: Mary Carter
The Fire & Rescue Parade, brought to you by Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department, features fire and rescue vehicles from all over joining the parade to show department pride in the ‘Nation’s Loudest Parade’. Parade begins at 7:30 pm, rain or shine, beginning on Colonial Avenue and continuing onto Washington Avenue. The Miss Colonial Beach contest is held after the Firemen’s Parade on the Town Stage at Town Hill.
The festival continues on Saturday, June 11, 10-5 pm, with food, retail, kids activities, and community booths. Arts & crafts vendors set up on the Boardwalk, The Grand Parade featuring floats, marching bands, decorated golf carts and more, starts at noon, proceeding from Colonial Avenue down Washington Avenue and looping around to Taylor Street. Saturday evening, enjoy fireworks beginning just after 9 pm.
Photo by Bobby Hooker
On Sunday, June 12, stroll vendor booths from 10 am to 4 pm. Watch the Boat Parade, hosted by Colonial Yacht Club, as it cruises the Potomac River, beginning around 1 pm. All boaters are invited to join the procession. Spectators can watch the parade of decorated boats from the beach or Town Pier as they cruise the Potomac River. The parade is free to participate and watch. A pet parade and show takes place on the stage on Town Hill at 2 pm.
Photos by Bobby Hooker
The whole Town celebrates Potomac River Festival! In addition to the schedule above, Second Friday Art Walk, hosted by Colonial Beach Artists Guild, takes place June 10 from 6-9 pm. Occurring every second Friday of the month, the event includes art work from local and regional artists, with viewings at various locations in Town. Some places include live music, refreshments, and special events.
On Thursday, Riverboat on the Potomac will host Beach Bingo, while Colonial Beach Brewing hosts Music Bingo. It’s Trivia Night at Ice House CB. Monroe Bay Winery is hosting a dance party with lessons on Friday. Dockside Tiki Bar & Restaurant, High Tides on the Potomac, Colonial Beach Brewing and Ice House CB will feature live music all weekend.
Thanks to Virginia Tourism Corporation and Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce for making this beloved event possible!
Hi! My name is Jill Short and I’m honored to be the current Mrs. DC American 2022. I wanted to reach out and offer to help judge the pageant if you end up running short on judges. I’m not sure who to reach out to, so I thought I would send this to you! Feel free to pass this along to the right person if needed!
(240) 346-0932
Thank you! We will pass the information along. You could also reach out to the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce at (804) 224-8145.
How do you sign up for the pageant? Also is it open to girls age 8 or just teen/miss?
Please contact Tara Seeber for more information. (540) 419-2496
It is for girls over 16 https://www.facebook.com/cbvfdla/posts/5349708751733832
When will this be next year?
Potomac River Festival is always held the second weekend in June.
How does one go about entering/participating in the pet parade/event? Have one squishy bulldog who wants to attend.
Hi Casey, thanks for your pup’s interest in the Pet Parade! You can email jbgunderson@gmail.com for an application. Good luck!
Hello! How do you sign up to be a vendor?
Hi Melissa, thank your for your interest in Potomac River Festival! We have forwarded your information to Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, but you can also reach out to them directly: (804) 224-8145 or info@colonialbeach.org. Hope to see you at the festival!
look foe tickets to the 71 st Annual Potomac River festival
No tickets needed!
I saw a kid zone was mentioned. Could you give more information on that, please?
Thanks
Hi Kathy, you can contact Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce for details, but it is our understanding there will be a bounce house, kids games, facepainting and other kids activities. There will not be carnival rides.