PHOTOS: James River Batteau Festival underway in Lynchburg
The 41st annual James River Batteau Festival kicked off Wednesday with a day of tours on the water.
See festival details for Friday and Saturday: James River Batteau Festival information
People take a tour on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Brendan Burke, with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, explains the past uses of batteaux during the James River Batteau Festival on Wednesday.
Captain Rob Campbell helps maneuver the Chanterelle during the James River Batteau Festival.
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Laura Ingram Semilian sings and plays the harmonium during the James River Batteau Festival in Amherst County on Wednesday.
Laura Ingram Semilian sings and plays the harmonium during the James River Batteau Festival in Amherst County, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a tour on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Rebecca Ledingham helps propel the Chanterelle during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Captain Rob Campbell steers from the bow during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People take a ride on the water during the James River Batteau Festival near Lynchburg, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A look at past scenes from the James River Batteau Festival as crews prepare to make their way down the James River to Richmond on Saturday. T…
The James River was so low Wednesday night that the crews piloting the vessels for the batteau festival had to get out and carry their boats into Scottsville.
