Downtown Riverfest expecting big turnout

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There are lots of activities taking place this weekend in Sioux Falls, but the biggest summer event for downtown is the 11th annual Downtown Riverfest where they are expecting between 10 to 20 thousand people.

“This is going to be a celebration; family friendly and free to the community,” President of Downtown Sioux Falls Joe Batcheller said.

The staff of Downtown Sioux Falls are not letting the strong wind blow over excitement.

Riverfest will be back at the ampitheater along the banks of the Big Sioux River for the first time since 2021.

“It’s really the ending of summer is one of the big things, but who doesn’t love an outdoor music festival,” vice president of Downtown Sioux Falls Brandon Hanson said.

There’ll be four bands playing; everything from Bluegrass to Rock and a performance at the end of the night by South Dakota native band Indigenous.

Old house, new life in Cathedral Historic District

“If you know they are just a fantastic group their guitarist is amazing we are really excited to have them headline our show this year,” Batcheller said.

There’ll be something for everyone, including the kids.

“I love something new that we have this year that I’m really excited about is something called ‘Dessert Alley’ it’s on the Cherapa side, it’s all the food trucks that are more kid oriented and the Stampede will be out here to allow the kids to shoot a slapshot,” Hanson said.

Parking shouldn’t be an issue with a brand new parking ramp just east of Cherapa.

But since it’s along the bike path some may pedal their way down or others might just walk down.

“We’ll even see some people come in by canoe and kayak, so, you know, choose your own adventure,” Batcheller said.

Riverfest gets underway at 4:00 Saturday afternoon and will run until 11:00 p.m.