Project Clutha said the Balclutha bridge had always been a central part of its riverbank festival.
With the bridge marking its 75th anniversary in 2010, the timing was perfect to acknowledge that milestone.
Group secretary Sarah Andrew said planning was already well advanced for next year's festival.
"We are making good progress on a number of events that will be held on the day, and with the bridge having a special birthday next year, it was obvious to tie that into our event, which relies on the bridge," she said.
The riverbank area hosts food stalls and duathlon events and uses the Clutha River for the annual raft race at the festival. The bridge is the race's finishing point.
Miss Andrew said the bridge was a very important part of the festival and the wider community.
The festival will be held on Saturday, February 13.
Built in a bowstring style, the Balclutha bridge was designed by Mr W. L. Newnham, of Wellington. At the time it was built it was one of three in this style in New Zealand.
The contractor, Mr. W.
Williamson, his men and head of construction Arthur Davies, started building the bridge in 1933. They completed it on April 6, 1935.
It is the third bridge to span the Clutha River. The original was knocked over during the great flood of 1878, when the Beaumont bridge was washed downstream to Balclutha. Another bridge was built in its place, to cope with the increasing traffic flow. This bridge was eventually replaced with the present one.
The Balclutha bridge is 246m long and 11.7m wide.
