RiverFire in Berlin, NH - Celebrating 20 Years
RiverFire in Berlin, NH 2024

RiverFire LogoRIVERFIRE and Zombie ATV Poker Run

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2024
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIVERFIRE
Free Admission to the Park!

Just as the nights are getting colder in New England, the City of Berlin will be warming things up with one of the best fall festivals around—RiverFire! Come to “the city that trees built” to catch a full day of fun, ending with some dramatic fires on the river.

RiverFire burns bigger and brighter every year, and this year there are some fun new activities for everyone. The gates of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park (942 Main Street, Berlin, NH) will open to activities and vendors for visitors of ALL ages.

The RiverFire schedule of events includes:

  • Zombie ATV Poker Run & Scavenger Hunt: Unleash your inner zombie! The zany Zombie ATV Poker Run & Scavenger Hunt is your chance to don zombie duds, decorate your ATVs to fit the ghoulish theme and ride a designated course. Prizes are awarded for the top 3 best hands, the worst hand and best use of the theme. Registration is from 9am to noon at Service Credit Union Heritage Park.
  • RiverFire Fun Zone: Kids can enjoy tacking the Cob-Stacle Course, Jumpin’ Pumpkin, or Zombie Party Bounce Houses as well as getting their face painted! Open from 1-5pm. Fees apply.
  • Axe Throwing: NEW this year! Jericho AXEVentures is coming to join the fun! Try your hand or challenge your friends to see who has the best throw! On-site from 1-9pm.
  • The Bosco Boys: The Bosco Boys will have you clapping, cheering, and sitting on the edge of your seat! Watch these North Country natives perform a variety of balancing, juggling and unicycling stunts. Performances at 2pm & 5pm at Heritage Park Amphitheatre. 
  • RiverFire 5K: Get out for some exercise in the crisp fall air. The RiverFire 5K is hosted by Coos County Family Health Services with all proceeds going to Response, a Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Center. Your run/walk will begin at Service Credit Union Heritage Park. Registration begins at 12:30pm, race takes off at 2pm. The Awards Ceremony will take place at 3:30pm.
  • Children’s Not So Scary Cinema:  Head to the bunkhouse at the logging camp to watch a short movie and enjoy some fresh popcorn! The Cinema will be open from 2-4pm (this is a new time). 
  • Hayrides & Train Rides: Take a scenic family ride along Main Street in a hay wagon or by train! Rides will take place from 3-8pm. Fees apply.
  • Berlin Police Dept. K-9 Demonstration: Join Sgt. Dennis Gale & K-9 Apex for a demonstration at 4pm.
  • Children’s Halloween Costume Parade: Kids are encouraged to dress in costume for the Halloween Costume Parade! Lineup at Brown School at 5pm.
  • Pumpkin Bridge:Take a walk along the Riverwalk to the bridge and admire all the wonderfully carved pumpkins. Pumpkins will be illuminated at dusk.
  • Fire on the Water: At dusk, the Androscoggin River will be lit up with fires that appear to be floating on the water. The blazes will burn on the historic boom piers that dot the river.
  • Live Music: Dance it out! Diezel will be heating up the stage with live music from 6 –9pm.
  • Food Vendors & Beer Tent: Grab a bite and a cold one from local vendors.
RiverFire 5K Logo
SIgn up for the Riverfire 5k

Join us for the 12th annual RiverFire 5k Run/Walk! Run or walk a certified flat & fast 5K along the picturesque Androscoggin River finishing at Berlin’s RiverFire Celebration.

Sign Up Here

Admission to the Service Credit Union Heritage Park on the banks of the Androscoggin River is free; separate charges apply to each event. RiverFire ends at 9pm. All ATVers must return to their lodging by 10pm. 

RiverFire is presented by Title Sponsor Service Credit Union along with many other community sponsors: A House to Home Realty, Affordable Payroll, Inc., Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, Berlin Emergency Services, Brookfield Power, Capone Iron, Caron Building & Rental Center, Chapman Recycling, Eversource, FIDIUM, Great North Woods Container, Jericho Adventures, MOM’s, Nextera Energy Partners, Northway Bank, NUCAR, Pratti Mechanical, ReMax, Sullivan Creative, and White Mountains Community College.

View the full RiverFire handout and schedule of events below:

VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

Free parking and shuttle rides available beginning at noon.
PARKING LOT #1, South of 133 Pleasant St. Across from Gold House Pizza. PARKING LOT #2, Surrounds 173 Pleasant St. Behind new Walgreens, access from Pleasant, Mason, & York St. Bus pickup will be at Pleasant St.

Riverfire Shuttle Map

 NEW! This RiverFire shirt is now available in our online store!

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Lighting of the Fires on the River

At dusk, the Androscoggin River will be lit up with fires that appear to be floating on the water! The blazes will actually burn on the historic boom piers that dot the river. These piers were used during the height of the logging era, when they separated and guided the many trees that were sent down the river to the mills of Berlin. For RiverFire, these old piers will be stacked with skids, which when set aflame create a dynamic contrast of light over the dark waters. Take a walk along the bridge and admire the wonderful glowing carved pumpkins on the bridge.