Sioux Falls 'Riverfest' Gets a Makeover and Moves to September

If you're heading to Riverfest this Saturday in downtown Sioux Falls, don’t be surprised if things feel a little... different. That’s because this beloved annual bash is getting a bit of a makeover, and no, not the kind that involves Botox.

Think bigger, cleaner, and a little later on the calendar.

The festivities kick off Saturday, September 20, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cherapa Place, nestled along the east bank of the Big Sioux River between Sixth and Eighth Streets.

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The first big change is the date!

You’re not imagining things; Riverfest has officially moved from its usual August spot to September. Why? Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) President and CEO Brandon Hanson explained it best to Pigeon 605:

“We think by moving it into September, we’re offering a standout event at a time of year when the weather is still beautiful and schedules are a little less chaotic... We like that the date moves the event outside of the busy Levitt season and helps kick off Oktoberfest.”

Some of the other notable changes include Food, Fun, and a whole lotta Local!

A bigger focus is being placed on the river itself. Riverfest is planning a Big Sioux River "cleanup" event scheduled to take place that morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the kayak and canoe access point at 14th Street and Cliff Avenue, the clean up efforts will follow the river banks to downtown. Volunteers are being asked to pick up trash along the way.

You can also expect to see fan favorites like Café Breadico and Rivage Oak Kitchen serving up delicious bites. A fleet of food trucks will be rolling in too, alongside 30+ local retailers and artisans selling everything from handmade goods to impulse-buy-worthy treats.

Got kids? There’s a Kids Zone. Feeling adventurous? Try rock climbing at Cherapa One. Eco-curious? Check out the Sustainability Zone.

Pigeon 605 (with permission)

They'll also be Music to Your Ears.

This year's entertainment lineup is stacked, with performances on both the main stage and a secondary stage throughout the day:

Main Stage:

Jamie Lynn & The Trio from 3:00–4:00 PM
The Teels from 4:30–5:30 PM
Headliners: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys at 6:00 PM

Secondary Stage featuring "The Brassholes" at:

2:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:30 PM

You'll also be given the chance to channel your inner artist that day when you stop by the tunnel connecting the Cherapa parking ramp to the main campus and help paint a massive 60-foot mural.

Whether you come for the cleanup, the concerts, or just the food and all the fun, Riverfest 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect send-off to summer.