Even beyond the headliners, RiverFest’s return has a can’t-miss lineup. After it was suspended in 2017, the festival’s triumphant comeback was announced earlier this year. Memphis-based Universal Fairs, who bought and resurrected the festival, moved it back to Memorial Day weekend. The festival will take place from 2-11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Riverfront Park in Little Rock.
With over 30 local and national acts, there’s sure to be a show for everyone’s taste. Here are the ones we won’t miss.
1. Peter Frampton
The legendary British rocker is returning to Little Rock to headline RiverFest. Frampton, a Musicians Hall of Fame inductee, has worked with the Bee Gees, David Bowie, Ringo Starr and more. You’ll definitely want to stop by this show and sing along to “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Head to the Arkansas Federal Credit Union Stage on Sunday at 9 p.m. to see Frampton.
2. Young the Giant
Lovers of alternative rock and indie pop will be excited for the opportunity to see this band in Little Rock. The five-member ensemble has played Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theatre, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Singles include “My Body,” “Cough Syrup” and “Something to Believe In.” Several of the band’s singles have landed on the Billboard Alternative Top 10. See Young the Giant at 9:30 p.m. Friday at the AMP ENERGY Organic Stage.
3. Young Thug
Young Thug was a member of this year’s original RiverFest lineup, announced back in April. The Atlanta rapper brings his signature brand of weirdness and unique style to Arkansas’ capital city. He’s worked with Rich Homie Quan, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj and more. You might have most recently heard him on Camila Cabello’s “Havana” and on his EP Hear No Evil, which was released in April. He’ll take the AMP ENERGY Organic Stage at 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
4. Knox Hamilton
North Little Rock natives Knox Hamilton are another great option for indie pop lovers. Brothers Boots Copeland and Cobo Copeland, with bandmate Drew Buffington, are gearing up for The Beach Boy Tour, which will take them from New York City to San Antonio to Los Angeles this summer and fall. Listen to their new song “Trade My Trips” to get a feel for their music before seeing them Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the AMP ENERGY Organic Stage.
5. Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo
In addition to their RiverFest appearance, you’ll find Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo at Patio on Park Hill and Creekfest in Dover (read more about that here). The band, which has been described as a “modern Fleetwood Mac,” won this year’s Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase. Catch them at 1:45 p.m. Saturday on the Arkansas Federal Credit Union Stage.
Click here to see the full RiverFest 2018 lineup.
Not up for the crowds? We get it. If you’re looking for something a little more chill – or an afterparty when you leave the park – Sarah Woolf of Follow the Woolf has your roundup of all the other music you can hear this weekend.
Want something to do that’s a little less music-focused? Read our roundup of events for Memorial Day weekend.