Midland Area River Days Festival Brings Four Days of Fun to Downtown Midland
Hot air balloons. Food. Live music. Free fun. Fireworks and more.
The Midland Area River Days Festival returns Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, along the river near The Tridge in Downtown Midland. Organized by the Midland Area Community Foundation, the four-day festival unites community organizations, volunteers, performers, and local service clubs for one of Midland’s signature summer celebrations.
“River Days gives people a chance to experience many of the things that make Midland special in one weekend,” said Kevin LaDuke, Communications Officer for the Midland Area Community Foundation. “You can see hot air balloons up close, enjoy live music, explore local history, spend time along our rivers, and watch fireworks over Downtown Midland. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and contributors, like our presenting sponsor, Fisher Companies, unless you want to purchase food, the festival can be enjoyed without spending a dime.”
Festival Begins with River Cleanup
River Days begins Thursday afternoon with a River Cleanup supported by the Chippewa Nature Center from 1 to 3 PM near The Tridge.
Volunteers will work from the shoreline and water to remove litter and debris from the Chippewa River and Tittabawassee River areas. Boats and life jackets will be provided for the water cleanup team. Volunteers must register with the Chippewa Nature Center, be at least 15 years old, and if younger than 18, be accompanied by an adult.
“It is important that River Days begins by giving back to the rivers at the center of the celebration,” LaDuke said. “The rivers provide recreation, wildlife habitat, and a gathering place for our community. The cleanup gives volunteers a meaningful way to help care for them before the weekend begins.”
Thursday evening will continue with Main Street Glow, supported by Downtown Midland, and a Silent Disco, sponsored by the Midland Area Youth Action Council, in the Rotary Tent near The Tridge.
Hot Air Balloons, Music and Fireworks
Hot air balloon activities will take place throughout the weekend, including morning fly-ins, mass ascensions, and evening balloon glows. The festival concludes Sunday morning with a final competitive hot air balloon flight over Midland.
All balloon activities are weather-dependent.
Live entertainment will be featured on the Bob Johns Stage on Friday and Saturday, near the Downtown leg of the Tridge. The weekend will also include food trucks, the Midland Rotary Clubs’ Cheeseburger Dinner and beverage tent, and the Midland Lions Club’s Chicken Dinner. Proceeds from the service club events support their community work.
Saturday evening will conclude with the Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show at 10:15 PM. The fireworks are sponsored by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and launched from St. Charles Park, creating viewing opportunities throughout the festival area near The Tridge.
Local History Comes to Life
The Historical Zone will be open from noon to 5 PM on Saturday in Chippewassee Park.
The area will feature blacksmiths, wood carvers, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and additional demonstrations and activities focused on Midland’s past. Near the entrance to the Downtown leg of the Tridge, the Midland County Historical Society will also offer walking tours highlighting local riverfront and residential history.
Families can enjoy Kids’ Zone performances and activities on Saturday, including face painting with Public Arts Midland, as well as music, dance, theater, martial arts, and yoga on the Bob Johns Stage. The Kids’ Zone is supported by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition.
“River Days is not simply about entertainment,” LaDuke said. “It is about helping people feel connected to the rivers, stories, organizations, and neighbors that make Midland feel like home.”
River Days events are free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Larkin Parking Garage. Accessible parking will be available near the festival grounds.
For the complete festival schedule, event locations, volunteer opportunities, and weather-related updates, visit RiverDaysMidland.com.
Since 1973, area residents have turned to the Midland Area Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern to improve the quality of life in our community.
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