About

The Rise and Fall Festival will highlight the rich natural, cultural, and creative history of the Virginia Tidewater with a three-day celebration featuring live music, local authors, walking tours, and a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences, including presentations on the area's role in the Revolutionary War.

The name ‘Tappahannock’ is one of deep meaning that originates with the Rappahannock Tribe, part of the Powhatan confederacy and the original inhabitants of this land. The name means “town on the rise and fall of the water,” reflecting the town’s ancient origins and its idyllic location on the Rappahannock River, where fresh and salt water meet.

The Rise & Fall Festival celebrates both the rich history of the town, the beauty of its surroundings, and the deep connection to the land and water that have shaped the region for centuries.