The French Broad River Festival in Hot Springs ran for its last time in 2021. It grew steadily from a one-night benefit party on the banks of the French Broad River to an all-weekend festival featuring some of the best music in the area and a number of outdoor events in celebration of this beautiful river and setting.
The part outdoor adventure and part music festival had whitewater and mountain bike races, hiking, kid's village, camping, and musical acts on multiple stages.
The festival took place at the Hot Springs Campground & Spa, just 45 minutes north of Asheville. The historic town is surrounded by a national forest and is a crossroads of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River. Music and entertainment included a few surprises such as a juggling fire show, kid’s parade, trapeze artists, fireworks, and late-night acoustic jams.
On Saturday, there was the biggest mass start whitewater raft race in the southeast. The race began in Barnard, North Carolina, and ended at the festival in beautiful Hot Springs. During the 9-mile race, racers experienced Class 1-4 whitewater excitement, as well as bumping boats, crazy people, and a lot of heckling.
The Mountain Bike Race took place Saturday at 10 AM. There were plenty of food vendors, or attendees could dine out in one of Hot Springs's restaurants. There were lots of outdoor gear, and attendees could win some of it in the raffle and silent auction.
Over the years, The French Broad River Festival donated over $200,000 to designated local charities such as Manna Food Bank, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC, Eliada Home, Homeward Bound of Asheville, and American Whitewater.
Tickets included camping, music, registration fees for whitewater and biking events (if you had your own boat/bike), one raffle ticket, festival schwag, and good times.
