Students make waves at River Fest ’26

McBride said River Fest was important to allow students and alumni to build a platform through its performance slots.

“River Fest has allowed us to connect more with the San Marcos community,” McBride said. “River Fest is just such an iconic thing for Texas State students, and I think getting to be in front of our demographic at that level is always fun and opens doors to making new fans.”

The 4411 was not the only opener from Texas State. Bo Moore, HNDRX and Mia Youngblood AKA Miss Thing are all Texas State students or alumni.

Sophia Ruiz, exercise sports science freshman and a River Fest attendee, said the community memorialized her first time at River Fest more than the performers.

“Just for me, it’s mostly about the community,” Ruiz said. “If the community’s pretty hype, it’s a really fun experience.”

Ruiz said she arrived at River Fest in the evening when electronic duo Snakehips performed. She said she was mainly there for the music and was not disappointed by the experience.

“I like the mixes that they played to get hype before Tommy Richman, and they played some nice hits,” Ruiz said. “I really hadn’t had so much fun with my friends [before River Fest].”

Vendors lined the park’s upper trail, ranging from student organizations to local businesses. Ruiz said she enjoyed getting the free items, especially from vendors who brought items like aloe vera and sunscreen that aided attendees’ experience.

“I liked how they were giving the opportunity to give out free things to students in need,” Ruiz said. “They gave out aloe vera in case we got sunburned … sun protection as well.”

Angie Olmos, Bobcat Connection team member and mass communication sophomore, said she helped keep the community safe with water and River Fest organizers by setting up lights and tables for the artists throughout the festival. She said River Fest’s main goal is to bring together a community and showcase all that Texas State and San Marcos have to offer.

“[River Fest] is mainly targeted for local artists and local vendors while also providing a good environment and a fun time for students,” Olmos said.

Ruiz said the community’s hype contributed to what she called a really fun experience.

“I say the artist is the second [factor] I care about because honestly, it feels like we’re going to a music festival without knowing any of the songs that are being played,” Ruiz said. “But for me, mostly, it’s the community because they bring the energy.”

Marisa Lara Bermea, Student Development Specialist III for Student Involvement & Engagement, said future plans for next year’s River Fest will build on what the team learned this year based on what she called strong student attendance and engagement before and during the event.

“Feedback from students, campus partners and staff will play a key role in shaping future decisions so that River Fest continues to evolve in a way that reflects student interests and campus values,” Lara Bermea said.