There's a particular kind of June weekend that feels like the whole summer opening up in front of you. RiverFest is that weekend. Historic downtown Occoquan, a few hundred makers and artisans, live music by the river, and a Sunday rubber duck race to close it all out. June 6 and 7, free to attend, fifteen minutes from Woodbridge.

The Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show is one of the best warm-weather traditions in Northern Virginia — a full weekend that manages to be both genuinely lively and genuinely unhurried. It runs 10am to 5pm both days, and there is no good reason to miss it.

Here’s what’s happening.

This is the heart of RiverFest. Hundreds of makers from across the region spread through the streets of downtown Occoquan — fine art, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more. What sets a show like this apart from a typical craft market is the chance to actually talk to the people who made the work. The stories behind the pieces are half the point. Browse slowly. Ask questions. Buy something beautiful.

One of RiverFest’s most distinctive features, Conservation Alley brings together eco-conscious vendors, environmental organizations, and hands-on activities for the whole family — all free. This year’s lineup includes the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District, Virginia DEQ, Friends of the Occoquan, Merrimac Farm Virginia Master Naturalists, and Prince William Water, among many others.

Kids can pick up a Junior Passport and collect stamps from vendors throughout Conservation Alley to earn their official Occoquan Conservationist Sticker Badge (recommended for ages 5+). There’s also a Freestyle Art Bar using recycled materials, a kinetic sand dinosaur dig, sensory activities from ABA Centers of Virginia, and a KidStrong Woodbridge obstacle course. All of it is free, all of it runs both days 10am–5pm.

Separate from Conservation Alley, the Dig It! Kid’s Zone gives kids ages 6 and up the chance to operate remote-control dump trucks, excavators, and loaders in a mini construction zone. It’s hands-on, loud in the best way, and genuinely hard to pull kids away from.

Yes, there are alpacas. Athletic Alpacas will be in Conservation Alley both days. No further justification needed.

River Mill Park is where you go to exhale. The Beer Garden opens at noon both days and runs until 5pm, with food and drink from Occoquan’s own Mill St. Draft Garden. This year features extra seating and shade — a welcome upgrade. The music lineup:

•        Saturday: The Paper Airplanes, a Northern Virginia rock band, noon–4pm

•        Sunday: 2MB The Band, “classic vibes with a modern twist,” noon–4pm

The views from River Mill Park — the river right there, the trees, the music floating over it all — are worth the drive on their own.

RiverFest takes its name seriously. There are two ways to get out on the Occoquan River this weekend, and both are worth booking in advance.

Boat Tours (both days): Carefree Boat Club runs 45-minute pontoon tours along the Occoquan River, departing hourly from 11am to 4:45pm. Tours are limited to 8 guests, include light refreshments, and cost $28 per person. Recommended for ages 5+. Book your tickets at occoquanfestivals.com/river.

Kayak Tours (Saturday only): This one is special. Mayor Earnie Porta leads a one-hour historical kayaking tour on the Occoquan River — paddling at a relaxed pace while hearing stories of the town’s history and spotting local wildlife. Tours run hourly from 11am to 4:45pm, limited to small groups. All equipment included, $28 per person, recommended for ages 12+. Book your tickets at occoquanfestivals.com/river.

Sunday closes with one of the most joyful things you can witness: hundreds of rubber ducks racing down the Occoquan River. The Duck Splash is a fundraiser hosted by Visit Occoquan — sponsor a numbered duck for $5, then gather at the Town Dock to cheer it home. The first ten ducks across the finish line win prizes up to $500. Adopt your duck at givebutter.com/2026ducksplash.

📍 While You're There

If you're making a day of it — and you should — Occoquan's Mill Street is one of the loveliest stretches of small-town Virginia you'll find within twenty minutes of Woodbridge. Wander the side streets, grab a bite from one of the town's restaurants, and don't leave without stopping into Cozy Calico Books, a charming independent bookshop right on Mill Street that deserves its own afternoon entirely. While you're at it, duck into Hitchcock Paper — a beautifully curated stationery and paper goods shop that's the kind of place you didn't know you needed until you're standing in it. Crystal lovers won't want to miss Earth Addictions, a gem and crystal shop that's as enchanting as it sounds. And just down the street at 413 Mill Street, the Occoquan Historical Society is worth a visit for anyone curious about the town's surprisingly rich history.

Saturday, June 6

•        Artisans & Makers — 10am–5pm

•        Conservation Alley & Kid’s Zone — 10am–5pm

•        Meet the Alpacas — 10am–5pm

•        Starwish Music Student Showcase — 11am–1pm

•        Kayak Tours — 11am–5pm

•        Boat Tours — 11am–5pm

•        Beer Garden — noon–5pm

•        Live Music: The Paper Airplanes — noon–4pm

Sunday, June 7

•        Artisans & Makers — 10am–5pm

•        Conservation Alley & Kid’s Zone — 10am–5pm

•        Meet the Alpacas — 10am–5pm

•        Boat Tours — 11am–5pm

•        Beer Garden — noon–5pm

•        Live Music: 2MB The Band — noon–4pm

•        Duck Splash — 2pm

Downtown Occoquan is at 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125 — about 15 minutes from Woodbridge via Route 1 South. Street parking fills up quickly on festival weekends. Shuttle passes are available; check occoquanfestivals.com for updated parking and shuttle information closer to the date.

Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash (vintage)

Admission to RiverFest is free. River activities are ticketed separately.

We’ll see you on the riverbank. 🌊