Batteaux & Banjos at James River State Park

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.

Schedule

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

The batteaux from the James River Batteau Festival will pass by James River State Park at some time on Monday, June 22. Time will be determined by river level, etc.

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

104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone