Los Angeles, August 4, 2025 — The Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) concluded its Fourth Annual RiverFest with a vibrant two-day celebration at LA State Historic Park, drawing in thousands of Angelenos on August 3 and 4. The free, all-ages event brought together community members, artists, environmental advocates, and local businesses in a dynamic expression of support for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River. Through a mix of live performances, interactive workshops, and culinary experiences, RiverFest reinforced the city’s growing connection to the LA River as a source of ecological pride, cultural inspiration, and economic potential.
From the moment gates opened, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Families, young creatives, and long-time residents flowed through the park’s green spaces, engaging with dozens of interactive booths, art installations, and local vendors. The main stage featured a rotating lineup of musicians, dancers, poets, and comedians. Performers ranged from traditional Aztec dance ensembles to modern spoken-word artists like Arielle Estoria, Latin Grammy nominee Alih Jey, and a crowd-pleasing set by DJ Dominiq. The performance schedule emphasized cultural diversity and ecological awareness, drawing connections between heritage, land stewardship, and community resilience.
Alongside the entertainment, over fifty nonprofit and civic organizations set up booths and displays. Groups like Heal the Bay, the Water Replenishment District, and the Parks Project engaged festivalgoers with educational materials, hands-on demos, and volunteer sign-ups. Interactive stations allowed visitors to learn about stormwater capture, native plants, river wildlife, and pollution prevention—while also providing resources on how to stay involved in local conservation efforts. Indigenous collectives and environmental justice advocates were prominently featured, ensuring that the narrative of the LA River’s history and future included voices that have often been excluded from development decisions.
Eco-art installations created by community arts groups offered children and families the opportunity to build recycled sculptures, paint on collaborative murals, and participate in nature-themed storytelling circles. One of the weekend’s highlights was the River Rover, FoLAR’s mobile education center, which offered streamside activities and field-style lessons about the river’s ecology. Throughout the weekend, educators from LA River Arts and Frogtown-based collectives led workshops that blended art and science in a way that resonated with both kids and adults.
The park’s culinary section mirrored Los Angeles’ celebrated food scene. Local food trucks and pop-up chefs served everything from Korean-Mexican fusion tacos to plant-based pupusas. Vendors reported a 20 percent increase in revenue compared to the previous year’s RiverFest, attributing the bump to warmer weather, stronger promotion, and a more diverse crowd. The economic benefit extended beyond food; merchandise booths selling handmade jewelry, eco-conscious apparel, and LA River-themed goods also saw a boost in sales. This positive performance aligned with the festival’s broader goals of showcasing how community-centered environmentalism can stimulate local economies.
Beyond the entertainment and commerce, RiverFest 2025 had a clear mission: to elevate the importance of restoring and preserving the 51-mile Los Angeles River. Once a concrete-lined flood channel dismissed as industrial runoff, the river is now undergoing a billion-dollar transformation. Supported by city, state, and federal investments, the revitalization plan includes rewilding stretches of the river, expanding public park access, and restoring native habitats. Events like RiverFest help build public momentum behind these long-term goals by making the river an accessible and enjoyable destination.
FoLAR Executive Director Candice Dickens-Russell described RiverFest not just as a celebration, but as a statement of values. In her remarks to attendees, she emphasized that the festival was designed to reconnect the city with its natural waterway while honoring the communities who live near and rely on it. Dickens-Russell also highlighted the nonprofit’s ongoing campaign to raise $20,000 for River Rover upgrades, enabling expanded programming in under-resourced schools and neighborhoods across the Los Angeles basin.
Although admission was free, a limited number of VIP tickets were sold to help support FoLAR’s initiatives. These premium passes offered perks such as shaded seating near the main stage, express check-in, complimentary drink tickets, and curated gift bags featuring items from local eco-friendly brands. Proceeds from VIP sales and on-site donations went directly toward FoLAR’s educational and conservation work.
As dusk settled over the downtown skyline and the last performance came to a close, the mood in the park was one of optimism and connection. RiverFest had not only succeeded in drawing a large and engaged audience—it had reaffirmed the river’s central role in Los Angeles’ environmental future. It also highlighted how cultural events, when thoughtfully curated, can become platforms for education, economic growth, and civic participation.
In the months to come, FoLAR and its partners will continue their advocacy, from habitat restoration to youth education. The success of RiverFest 2025 suggests that the LA River’s revival is no longer an abstract idea—it is a lived experience, celebrated through music, shared meals, and collective care. For a city often divided by freeways and economic disparity, the river has become a unifying symbol, one with the potential to reshape both land and community.
