A self-proclaimed “summer camp for disco people,” Sparkle City River Dance began a decade ago, in 2016, as the brainchild of Nashville’s popular vinyl DJ duo Sparkle City Disco (Jonas Stein and David Bermudez). The first year was more or less just a big get-together of friends, as the pair decided to throw a dance party on the Buffalo River while their prior home base of fooBAR (RIP) was in the midst of changing hands. The party quickly caught on, returning in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to more fanfare, broader attendence, and impressive lineups. Of course, Covid forced a hiatus in 2020, but River Dance ended up staying on pause for even longer, finally returning last summer for a triumphant fifth installment.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2026 Sparkle City Riverdance has expanded to two nights for the first time ever, which means a bigger lineup and an extra day to partake in the gathering’s three core activities: the Saturday float (kayaking down the river and drifting back to camp just in time for the dance floor), camp (more than just sleeping in a tent, camping includes games, an outdoor movie, and campsite DJs), and of course, the dance (a disco dance party in the forest, with two nights of great music). The fest runs this year from Aug. 21-23, once again at Bone’s Kayak & Campground in Hurricane Mills, TN, about an hour west of town.
Boasting a mix of Nashville favorites and talent from across the country and beyond, Friday’s lighter opening night party features Ultrafrog, Spice J × Notxander, J.Howard × Jimmy Guaro, Honey Simone, and Sessy, and runs through midnight, while Saturday’s post-float party boasts Burika, Sparkle City Disco, Zach Cowie, Maggie Wells × Amy Darling, Topo Bandido, and Lux Velour, and runs late until 3 a.m.
Both 1-Day GA Camp + Dance (8/22-8/23) and 2-Day GA Camp + Dance (8/21-8/23) tickets are available, and both include campground access (bring your own gear), a Saturday dinner from Spicy Boy’s (vendors will be available Friday and throughout the weekend), and, of course, music. Saturday daytime is designated for the river float, and won’t have any music or activities until the evening, so if you don’t plan to participate, you could always get a 1-Day ticket and arrive in time to dance (note: no activities are planned Sunday; it’s a get up and go day). Tickets do not include watercraft rental, but after purchasing a ticket, you’ll receive a link with the option to rent one (or you may bring your own). Purchase tickets here, and learn more here.
In honor of the festival’s 10th anniversary, we’re excited to announce that we’re giving away a pair of 2-day passes AND a rental for two kayaks for the river float! Watch a recap video of last year’s fest, and enter for a chance to win below.
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