The fifth annual AnMed Rhythm on the River festival returns to Powdersville’s Dolly Cooper Park on Saturday, May 2, with live music, food trucks, local arts-and-crafts vendors and more.
The free, family-friendly festival showcases Powdersville’s picturesque recreation destination on the Saluda River.
“This is the only park on the Saluda River in the Upstate, and the festival gives us the opportunity to show it off,” said Johnny Harvin, board member of Connect Powdersville, the festival’s nonprofit organizer. “We love connecting with people and showing them a great time in Powdersville.”
The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with an all-ages AnMed Rhythm on the River 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run along the scenic riverside course. The run, with timing services provided by Upstate Race Series, is open to all levels of runners, joggers and walkers, with prizes awarded in several age categories and for best river-themed costumes.
This year’s festival also includes new opportunities for friendly competitions as the Upstate Disc Golf Club hosts clinics and hole-in-one shootouts for prizes.
“The festival just keeps getting better and better,” Harvin said. “We’ve already become an established — and beloved — tradition among families, music fans and entertainment seekers across the region.”
Local, regional and national artists will perform bluegrass and Americana all day. Performers include The Travelin’ McCourys, Steve Ray Ladson, Tobacco Road, Jackson Truluck, and Buddha Libre.
“This is RHYTHM on the River festival, after all,” said Rusty Burns, Anderson County administrator. “We’re thrilled to book artists who are playing major national festivals, so we’re guaranteed an energetic and engaging day. That’s why we’re encouraging fans to bring a blanket and stay with us all day.”
The KidsZone will offer children plenty to do at “Sal’s Sandlot,” named for Powdersville’s new mascot, Saluda Sal, a spotted salamander and South Carolina’s official state amphibian. The KidsZone will feature interactive and educational activities and hands-on games and roving entertainment.
“The field games have always been a big hit with the kids, and we’re excited about providing even more activities that will inspire families to enjoy the park, the river and the great outdoors,” said Chrissy Harvin, a Connect Powdersville board member.
Local food trucks will offer everything from BBQ to brews throughout the festival.
“We’re in the South, so nobody’s leaving hungry,” Harvin joked.
More than 50 local artisans and craftspeople will be on hand to show and sell their handmade wares.
Admission and parking are free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Register for free tickets at the link here at etix.com.
“Rhythm on the River is all about celebrating Powdersville. We expect 5,000 to 7,000 people to join us for the big day,” Burns said. “Everyone with a ticket will also enjoy a chance to win great prizes, like outdoor gear, a kayak, coolers and more.”
“This festival and its wonderful atmosphere provide unique opportunity to strengthen community bonds and encourage healthy activity and fellowship, so it fits our health system’s vision of working together for better health and a better life perfectly,” said William Kenley, AnMed’s CEO. “We’re proud to sponsor an event that brings people together to explore Dolly Cooper Park on the beautiful banks of the Saluda River. It’s hard to beat a day there filled with music, food and fun for the entire family.”
For more information, including race registration, vendor opportunities and entertainment updates, visit rythmontheriver.org and follow ROTRPVL on Instagram and Facebook.
Free Festival Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/78785497/anmed-rhythm-ontheriver-2026-anderson-community-events
5K + 1 Mile Fun Run Presented by AnMed Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/RhythmOnTheRiver5k
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