Thursday, April 16, 2026
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sewell Park
River Fest is Texas State’s annual end-of-year celebration, featuring a full lineup of live music and programming set against the iconic backdrop of Sewell Park.
River Fest
Safety and Security
Your safety is our top priority. River Fest will include the following:
Limited Number of Tickets
Only 6,000 tickets will be sold. If event sales out, no additional tickets will be sold.
Event Staff
Event staff will provide event staff to manage crowd, entry and exits, admission lines, ticket/ID checks, bag checks, and ADA accommodations.
UPD & Public Safety
TXST University Police Department and Public Safety Officer will have an increased number of officers on patrol and presence on-site throughout event.
EMS & First Aid Stations
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and two First Aid Stations will be on-site for emergency medical services and needs.
What To Know Before You Go
General Information for Students
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Admission Requirements: TXST ID Card and Tickets
Admission to River Fest is only for currently enrolled students at Texas State University.
Required to enter:
- Valid Texas State University Identification Card (ID Card)
- River Fest Ticket
Total number of tickets available: 6,000
- No additional tickets will be sold if tickets sell out.
- No tickets will be sold at door.
- All tickets must be purchased online via Ticket Site before admission/entry.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
Cost of Tickets: TBD
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Entry and Re-Entry
ENTRY:
- Students may enter the event starting at 3:00 PM.
- Entry will be through the University Events Center's (UEC) Main Entrance. Signs and A-Frame Sandwich Boards will be in place to direct you.
- Check maps for reference.
RE-ENTRY:
- Attendees are allowed to exit and re-enter until 9:00 PM with a stamp.
- Participants can obtain a stamp at the main exist to be used at re-entry.
- Information will be posted on Signs and A-Frame Sandwich Boards at exit points.
- Check maps for reference.
NO RE-ENTRY AFTER 9:00 PM
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Attractions & Waivers
All participants must sign a waiver before and in order to participate in attractions.
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Transportation and/or Walking
We highly encourage you to ride the TXST Bobcat shuttle or walk to avoid longer entry and exit lines.
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Rideshare Pick Up and Drop Off
TBD
ADA Accessibility
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Requesting Accommodations
For accommodations due to a disability, contact Student Involvement & Engagement (SI&E) at getinvolved@txstate.edu at least 72 hours prior to start of event.
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ADA Parking
ADA parking is available for attendees with a valid and visible Accessible Parking placard by permit or license plate.
ADA Parking is available at Parking Lot P8.
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Communication Access - Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available during the headliner performance.
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Service Animals
Service animals are permitted throughout the event. Service animals must remain under the control of its owner at all times.
No emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals are allowed.
Parking & Maps
Bobcat Stadium Parking Lots P8 and P9
Located at Charles Austin Drive and Aquarena Springs Drive. Parking is available to individuals with valid TXST color parking permits.
Visit: TXST Campus Map
Clear Bag Policy
Belongings are subject to search upon entry to Rive Fest. Limit the items brought into the event to expedite check-in.
There are no secure places to store personal items before or during the event. Small personal items such as phones and wallets must be carried in a pocket or a permitted bag.
See below for:
- Permitted Bags
- Prohibited Bags
- A list of items and personal belongings NOT allowed to enter
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Overview
The goal of the TXST Clear Bag Policy is to improve safety and security. Clear bags allow security personnel to inspect their contents quickly and easily, which reduces the chance of prohibited items entering the event.
This initiative-taking measure is intended to enhance security inside and outside of Texas State University venues and speed up the security screening process for all in attendance. With clear bags, security staff will be able to check bags more quickly for prohibited items, which means shorter lines, fewer hassles, and more time in the venue for Bobcats to enjoy their event and have a greater sense of security.
Clear bag policies have been a growing trend among many colleges and national sports venues.
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Permitted Bags
PERMITTED BAGS
- One bag per person.
- Clear bags that are no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
- A one-gallon, resealable clear bag is allowed.
- Small clutches or purses that are no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches are still allowed for privacy.
- Seat cushions without pockets or compartments are allowed.
- Upon inspection medical items are permitted.
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Prohibitted Bags
- backpacks
- handbags
- waist bags
- camera bags
- diaper bags
- drawstring backpacks
- medical bags, may be permitted upon inspection
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A list of items and personal belongings NOT allowed to enter
- Alcohol and/or drugs
- Amplified sound
- Animals. Service animals are allowed.
- Balloons or beach balls
- Banners or flags
- Confetti or glitter
- Frisbees
- Glass or ceramic items
- Large flotation devices
- Laser pointers
- Lawn chairs
- Noisemakers
- Outside food or drink
- Non-clear bags
- Professional cameras (i.e. cameras with detachable lenses and/or flashes)
- Tailgating
- Tobacco products and e-cigarettes
- Weapons, of any kind
Information & Questions
A TXST Experience and Tradition
River Fest allows students and the TXST community to relax, participate in activities, and enjoy live music. River Fest includes multiple performances by various selected artists, attractions, and photo opportunities.
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History of River Fest
River Fest began in 2003 when Student Association for Campus Activities (SACA) decided to put together an event that would allow students to relax, play games, enjoy music, and have fun.
River Fest is one of SACA’s largest and final event of the semester, traditionally bringing in 3,000 to 4,000 people. A variety of artists have performed in River Fest’s past including: Bob Schneider, Gloriana and The Eli Young Band in 2007 and Shwayze in 2010. River Fest was cancelled in 2017 and Gaillardia Fest was introduced the same year.
In 2024, SACA and Student Involvement and Engagement partnered with the Student Government Association, Housing and Residential Life, and After Dark Entertainment to reintroduce River Fest to the Texas State Community.