Welcome to the Rio Vista Bass Derby & Festival!

What’s New at the 64rd Annual Bass Festival?

Every year for the past 64 years, the town of Rio Vista, located on the Sacramento River, has held a Bass Fishing Derby in the waterways of the Sacramento Delta. As the oldest Bass Derby on the West Coast, the event draws over 1000 anglers who fish for Striped Bass in over 1000 miles of meandering delta waterways which stretch from the Benicia Bridge, to Stockton and Sacramento, following the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. 

In combination with the derby, the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce puts on a citywide festival, open and free to all. Streets are closed to traffic as the locals and visitors stroll through the area. It’s a place to enjoy a special Linguica Sandwich or BBQ, ride a roller coaster, bumper cars, tall slides or win a goldfish!   

A CLASSIC CAR SHOW on Saturday lines Main St. with over 200 pre-1974 cars and trucks and People's Choice awards in five categories.  Back by popular demand on Sunday is our awesome PARADE!  This is a classic town favorite featuring clowns, classic cars, pets, bands, musicians, show horses, kids, and famous folk.  Come early with your chair and coffee to get a good seat, enjoy the local crowd, and await the parade.  Strike up the band!

FAVORITE EVENTS in 2011:

• Kids’ Fishing Tank. Stocked with lots of trout. Poles and bait are provided and adults are ready to help.  How about trout for dinner?
• Battle of the Beans NEW IN 2011 -  Who makes the best beans?  Come and taste and help judge this event. Rio Vista was settled by Portuguese immigrants who battled over who had the best beans. 
• Soap Box Derby -   Most popular event in 2010! Little cars powered by gravity go flying down Main St. Over 25 kids aged 7 - 14 entered last year and these experienced little racers will be back. Applications and regulations are on this site. Go for it!
  
• 7-Story Ferris Wheel NEW IN 2011 -  Afraid of heights?  This ferris wheel was brought from Finland and is the largest one around. 

• NOTE:  Half-Price Carnival Tickets available from Sept. 20th to Oct. 6th.  30 tickets for $15.00           No Half-Price tickets sold after 3PM Thurs. Oct. 6th  No exceptions.                                               Purchase at the following locations:

    Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce   •   Lira's Market   •   Delta Pharmacy