Splashy News
Fort Worth concert and tubing series on Trinity River pulls the plug
![tubing on the Trinity River Fort Worth](https://fortworth.culturemap.com/media-library/tubing-on-the-trinity-river-fort-worth.jpg?id=52966311&width=2000&height=1500&quality=65&coordinates=94%2C2%2C137%2C71)
A shot from a Rockin' the River tubing and concert series in Fort Worth.
An annual concert series in Fort Worth has called it quits: Rockin' The River, which combined concerts and tubing on the Trinity River, pulled the plug for 2024, after 12 years.
The event was a summer tradition brought to Panther Island Pavilion just north of downtown by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), wherein participants could hang out in tubes on the water, or on dry land at the pavilion, while being serenaded by acts such as Shinyribs and The Dirty River Boys, performing on a waterfront stage.
Held every Thursday night from mid-July through August, it was also an early event so it was family- and kid-friendly, with the music starting at 5 pm and ending by sunset. After the bands finished, the party would close with a weekly fireworks display.
Admission was free, and patrons could bring their own non-motorized float (tube, kayak or paddleboard or else rent tubes on-site.
A statement from the TRWD offered thanks to patrons and sponsors, and stated that they were "proud that we made tubing in Fort Worth a popular summer tradition."
A spokesperson said that the series had been suspended indefinitely.
"As part of a continuing effort to prioritize hosting and management of community recreation events, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has suspended the Rockin’ the River Summer Tubing and Music Series held at Panther Island Pavilion on the Trinity River north of downtown Fort Worth for the 2024 summer season.
"For the last 12 years, Rockin’ the River has been instrumental in bringing people to the river and showcasing the possibilities this natural resource provides the citizens of Fort Worth and surrounding communities,” said Darrell Beason, TRWD’s Chief Operations Officer. “It was the catalyst for the many concerts, festivals, runs, and bike rides that make Panther Island Pavilion a premier outdoor entertainment venue. We are thankful for the many patrons and sponsors who made this event such a success over the years and encourage them to continue to support the many other events that celebrate the Trinity River.”
During its 12-year run, Rockin’ the River hosted numerous musical acts including popular artists such as Parker McCollum and Maren Morris.
There continues to be a watersport vendor at Panther Island Pavilion, and the District is studying other potential recreational options along the Trinity River in Fort Worth.