Riverbend Returns for 39th Year to Chattanooga’s Riverfront

Riverbend Festival has been a mainstay for Chattanoogans and music fans in the South for the past 40 years. In the last few years though, even before the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges to music fests everywhere, Riverbend Festival had already begun some soul searching to better understand how to present the best music festival possible for fans new and old. With new I have to say I think this year they’ve hit the sweet spot as Riverbend returns for fewer days, but with a line-up that’s worthy of even the largest of festivals.

Riverbend 2022: (L to R) Brothers Osborne, Cage the Elephant, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

The main headliners are Brothers Osborne, fresh off their first Grammy win and their sixth ACM award, Cage the Elephant, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Brothers Osborne and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit represent the American roots of Riverbend’s festival, while the inclusion of festival circuit favorite Cage the Elephant is a clear nod to Riverbend’s future aspirations. All in all this is a welcome batch of headliners who are sure to please the crowds.

Riverbend’s second tier of artists, in billing perhaps more than talent as this line-up is great up and down the line, includes local favorites Moon Taxi, along with incredible artists such as Jenny Lewis, Grace Potter, and Gov’t Mule to just list a few. Below that returning artists The War and Treaty feature and after their packed show at Chattanooga’s free festival Nightfall this past summer there’ll undoubtedly be quite the crowd for their show. Local band Strung Like A Horse also features in the line-up too, and while I’m sure many would hope for the inclusion of more local artists it’s nice to see them work to include them.

The War & Treaty, Rhythm N’ Blooms 2018 (Photo by Zippy)

Now in addition to the line-up, many longtime fans will notice a number of changes to the festival, not least of all the shortened schedule to 3 days. This is already shorter than 2019’s 4-day festival, which in itself was shortened from the 9-day festival typical of years past. Likewise Riverbend’s lost a major symbol from previous festival years which is the barge stage. From my personal experience with friends, family, and fellow festival goers, there will be no love lost for the stage as it may have allowed many fans to see the artists but at such a distance that there felt like no real sense of connection at all.

Riverbend’s ticket prices have also adjusted slightly up after 2019’s price increase. General Admission wristbands cost: $95.00. Wristbands for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday respectively are $75 each. For past Riverbend goers this has come as a bit of a surprise, but for many seasoned festival goers this is actually still quite a deal.

One final change, and a fun one to be sure, is the inclusion of Leslie Jordan as Riverbend’s first ever grand marshal. Leslie Jordan, an actor with Chattanooga roots, gained fame for his viral videos during lockdown, many filmed in Chattanooga. Leslie will act as an MC, help kick-off the event, and meet and greet attendees during the festival.

While these do seem like a lot of changes, especially if you’ve not been to Riverbend in 5 or so years, Riverbend’s goal to provide great family fun, delicious street food, and of course incredible music, holds true and is sure to mean Riverbend’s 39th festival will be a welcome return to a long beloved Chattanooga institution.

With only two months to go, and VIP passes already sold out, now’s the time for anyone interested in attending Riverbend to secure your 3-day or 1-day wristbands.

Purchase your wristbands for Riverbend 2022 at www.riverbendfestival.com/tickets