Batteaux & Banjos Festival

Location of James River State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Canoe Landing
Main Park Address: James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553.

When

June 20, 2026 9:00 a.m. - June 22, 2026 8:00 p.m.

Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more! Batteaux and Banjos is a living history program celebrating the history and heritage of the James River deep in the heart of the Old Dominion. For three days, some of the finest historical interpreters around come together on the banks of the James to recreate scenes of rural life in Virginia circa 1850. Highlights of the program include Saturday’s line up of musical performances, pig roast demonstration, and evening dance, Sunday’s period church service and hymn sing, and last but not least the arrival of the batteaux on Monday.

Batteaux (boats) should pass the park on Monday, June 22nd.

Please meet at Canoe Landing. Parks are for everyone, please let us know if you need special accommodation.

For more information, please call (434) 933-4355 or email Tess.Himelspach@dcr.virginia.gov.

Know Before You Go: Before your visit, find the most up to date health and safety information here.

photo of a batteau

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-933-4355
Email Address: JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.gov