Saturday
Saturday is packed full of Riverfest festivities from sunup to sundown! Start your day at the Riverfest 5k, head to Art in the Park, sample everything delicious at Taste of Monticello, check out the beanbag tournament, cheer on the ducks, and rock the night away at the street dance.
1 Mile / 5k
8 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.
West Bridge Park, 107 West River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Run or walk your way through the Riverfest 5k!
Riverfest welcomes all ages and abilities to run and walk in the annual 1 Mile & 5k. The races begin at West Bridge Park with the 1 Mile starting at 8 a.m. and the 5k starting at 8:30 a.m. Spectators can cheer on runners along West River Street. Check out the registration link for all the details.
We are calling all artists to help us commemorate this year’s Riverfest race with a creative shirt design! Check out these guidelines and instructions for submitting your original artwork.
Art in the Park
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
The Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry proudly hosts Art in the Park during Monticello’s Riverfest!
This juried art and fine craft show is held outdoors, rain or shine, at Ellison Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. The annual show is popular with regional artists and includes arts and crafts in wood, jewelry, pottery/ceramics, apparel/textiles, photography, painting/drawing, metal, glass, musical, bath, gourmet food, and more!
In addition to arts and crafts, enjoy live music and the best dishes from area restaurants and caterers at Taste of Monticello.
🅿️ Limited street parking is available. Attendees are encouraged to utilize the Riverfest Shuttle for the most convenient parking experience.
Taste of Monticello
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Enjoy the best dishes from area restaurants and caterers at Taste of Monticello!
Taste of Monticello is a favorite feature of Art in the Park. Area restaurants and caterers showcase their best dishes during the annual art and craft show hosted in Ellison Park on the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River. Grab a bite, enjoy live music, and appreciate the amazing artists and creators.
Beanbag Tournament
10 a.m.
Ellison Park - East Side of Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Claim prizes and bragging rights at the annual Riverfest Beanbag Tournament!
Register and secure your spot in Riverfest’s annual Beanbag Tournament. Two-person teams, $40 registration fee, and all skill levels welcomed! 1st through 6th place teams receive payout.
Email Scott at maushouse@live.com to sign up and reserve your spot.
Duck Race
2 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
The Riverfest Duck Race is a rite of summer in Monticello!
In the weeks leading up to Riverfest, watch for Duck Adoption booths at businesses in Monticello! For a suggested donation of $5 or more, you can adopt an official Riverfest Duck to compete in the annual Duck Race. Traditionally, the Riverfest ducks (don’t worry - they are the little, yellow, plastic variety) are dumped off the Highway 25 Mississippi River Bridge for a quick float to Ellison Park where 30 lucky ducks win cash prizes.
Although the Mississippi River Bridge will be under construction during Riverfest 2024, and we are unsure if conditions will support a river race, we are sure there will be a ducky competition (fastest mile? longest plank? most pull ups?) and winners will be declared! So be sure to adopt your Riverfest Ducks, support our community celebration, and try your chance at winning big!
Duck Prizes
$2,500 for 1st Place
$1,000 for 2nd Place through 6th Place
$100 for 7th Place through 29th Place
$100 for Last Place
Follow Monticello Riverfest on Facebook for Duck Adoption locations.
Street Dance
5 - 11 p.m.
Monticello Community Center - West Parking Lot, 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Rock the night away with Raised on Radio at the Riverfest Street Dance!
Enjoy amazing live music you can sing and dance to! Gates open at 5 p.m. with Betty Danger opening at 5 p.m. and Raised on Radio taking the stage at 8 p.m. Raised on Radio entertains with a great playlist of your rock and country favorites. Food and beverages available.
🅿️ Street parking is available.
