FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2026
“River, Rhythm and Blues” Concert Brings Music, Food,
and Community Spirit to Washington, NC
Mac “Bear” Hodges 2026 Music Festival – April 25, 2026
Washington, NC – The Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival Committee invites the community to celebrate at the “River, Rhythm and Blues” concert on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park in downtown Washington, NC. This free, family-friendly event features an afternoon and evening of live music, food, and festivities on the scenic Washington, NC, waterfront. The event was postponed from October 2025 due to severe weather.
This year’s music lineup includes songwriter/singer Ronny Cottle, plus musical groups Cathead Biscuit, Jason Damico and the New Blue, and the CBR Band featuring Angela Chambers.
“The festival is more than music — it’s about honoring Mayor Mac Hodges’ legacy of service and bringing people together,” said Garleen Woolard, the Chairperson of the Festival Committee. “We’re excited to welcome back some crowd favorites, introduce new performers, and add new features like a dance floor to make this year’s event unforgettable.”
What’s New in 2026:
● A dance floor for those ready to “Bring the Beat to Their Feet”.
● Today Creative from Durham will be on-site with roaming videos of the crowds and bands.
● Food trucks- Delicious Site Food Truck, LaPotosina Taco Express, GrillVille Food Truck, and Weldon Mills Distillery.
● Beer, wine, and beverages are available for purchase.
Guests are kindly requested to bring a chair, enjoy the music, and donate money to support the festival. Personal coolers are not permitted within the festival grounds. The park is accessible to people with disabilities.
Community Impact
Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Proceeds and sponsorships directly fund projects enhancing the Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park.
All contributions are tax-deductible and stay within the community.
“Mac Hodges loved his family, music, and this community of friends. This festival carries his spirit forward — fun, friendship, and service,” said Garleen Woolard.
Event Details
● Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
● Time: Gates open at 3:00 PM | Music begins at 3:30 PM through 9:30 PM
● Location: Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, 161 Water Street, Washington, NC 27889
● Rain Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
For more details, visit https://macbearmusicfestival.my.canva.site or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/BearMusicFestival.
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About the Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival
The Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival was created to honor the late Washington Mayor Mac “Bear” Hodges, who served from 2013 to 2020. Known for his larger-than-life personality, love of music, and dedication to community, Mayor Hodges inspired the event as a celebration of friendship, family, and service. Proceeds from the festival enhance the Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, ensuring his legacy continues to benefit the people of Washington, NC.
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Media Contact
Garleen Woolard
Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival Committee
Phone: 252.943.5609
Email: garleenwoolard@suddenlink.net
Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park - 161 Water Street, Washington, NC, 27889
For additional donations, please reach out to WASHINGTON HARBOR DISTRICT ALLIANCE (WHDA) Hodges Fund - 140 W. Main Street, Washington, NC 27889. Phone -252-947-1487.
Sponsors
The Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival is sponsored by:
“Rock Stars” – Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA), Scott Campbell, Realtor / Broker, The Mac “Bear” Hodges Family, Lee Chevrolet, Park Boat Company, Pungo Engineering Services.
“Headliners” – Beaufort County Government, Sumner Baird Real Estate, Carolina Eagle Distributing, Chris & Nancy Furlough, City of Washington, River City Construction, B.E. Singleton & Sons, Sumner Madison Consulting.
“Groupies” Beaufort County Community College, Elite Trucking, IBX Icehouses, Morris Insurance Agency, P&G Manufacturing, United Bank, United Country Real Estate / Respess Real Estate, Rich Company, The Watkins Company – Fred and Lynda Watkins, World Cat, Riverside Apartments.
Donations – First Bank, Jim Buckman – Buckman Investments.
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The Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival organizing committee is a group of long-term community organizers who have years of experience bringing concerts and other events to Washington. The Organizing Committee includes: Garleen Woolard, Committee Chair, Gwen Edwards, Vice-Chair, Lou Hodges, Family Consultant, David Carraway, Jay Costello, Ken Braddy, John Jesso, and Randa Flournoy (WHDA).
The Mac “Bear” Hodges Music Festival is under the auspices of the Washington Harbor District Alliance, a 501(c3) non-profit organization (#20-0175742), an NC Main Street Affiliate.
