Thursday, April 16, 2026
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sewell Park
River Fest is Texas State’s annual end-of-year celebration that features a full lineup of live music and programming set within the iconic Sewell Park and on the banks of San Marcos River.
River Fest
FULL LINE UP
HEADLINERS
- LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER -
WITH SUPPORT FROM
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
Bobcat Shuttle or Walk
We highly encourage you to ride the TXST Bobcat Shuttle or walk to arrive to the event. Bobcat Shuttle service ends at 10:50 PM. Plan ahead.
Entry
Ticket and valid TXST ID required for entry. Entry begins at 3:00 PM. No entry after 9:00 PM.
NO RE-ENTRY
Persons who leave after being admitted into the event will NOT be allowed to re-enter.
Clear Bag & Bottle Policy
Will be enforced - see below for details. TXST is not responsible for personal belongings. We encourage you to leave personal belongings at home.
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
- One ticket per student.
- All tickets must be purchased online via Ticket Site before admission/entry.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- No additional tickets will be sold if tickets sell out.
- No tickets will be sold at door.
Cost of Tickets:
- $5.00 - presale
- $8.00 - day of event, until sold out
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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.
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No Re-Entry
Persons who leave after being admitted into the event will NOT be allowed to re-enter.
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Rideshare Pick Up and Drop Off
We advise you to use the Pavillion at the Aquarena Lot - P9 as your destination for drop-off and/or pick up.
Review lot here: Aquarena Lot - P9
Students are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up along Aquarena Drive. UPD is monitoring traffic.
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Attractions & Waivers
All participants must sign a waiver before and in order to participate in attractions.
ADA Accessibility
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Requesting Accommodations
For accommodations due to a disability, contact Student Involvement & Engagement (SI&E) at getinvolved@txstate.edu or (512) 245-3219 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:
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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.
Clear Bag & Bottle Policy
Example of clear water bottle
Belongings are subject to search upon entry to River 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
Only clear bottles will be allowed into the event. One clear bottle per student.
Attractions, Vendors, and Sustainability Partners
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Attractions
Eurobungy
Ultimate Sports Challenge
Airbrush Tattoo Artists
Caricature Artists
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Food Vendors
Tacos al Carbon
Knightfire Burgers & BBQ
Bahama Bucks
Sammy Snacks
Pingo de Mel Bakery
Lone Star Kettle Corn
Bazaar Bites
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Vendors
Coca Cola
Monster Energy
IKEA
Tanger OutletsUFCU
She’s a Bad Bee – Rice Krispy
Student Made
Triple Elevation Custom Creations LLC
Modern Era Threads
KnDs Boutique
Goatcha
Amas Your Style
Kalianas Boutique
Belmontelora – Custom Clay Earrings
Courageously Created with Love
SA Asian Gifts
United Dizen
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Sustainability Partners
Office of Sustainability
Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management
Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Sigma Chi Fraternity
Sigma Nu Fraternity
Theta Chi Fraternity
What Goes Here Flows Here
Thank you to our Sponsors and Collaborators
Diamond
Student Involvement & Engagement
Student Government
Gold
Ikea - San Marcos
The Mirage
The Lodge
The Villagio
Silver
Coca-Cola
Tanger Outlets
The Local Downtown
Union San Marcos
Division of Student Success
Barefoot San Marcos
Campus Recreation
City of San Marcos
Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity
Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management
Facilities
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Housing and Residential Life
LBJ Student Center
LBJSC Event Services
Office of Sustainability
Parking Services
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Sigma Chi Fraternity
Sigma Nu Fraternity
Theta Chi Fraternity
TXST Athletics
University Police Department
What Goes Here Flows Here
Information & Questions
A TXST Experience and Tradition
River Fest is an opportunity for TXST students and 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.