For more than four decades, Rivertown Days has brought Hastings residents, businesses and visitors together
for a summer celebration, and the 2026 festival continued that tradition with music, carnival rides, competitions, children’s activities and community events spread throughout town. The festival weekend got off to a difficult start Thursday, July 16, when hazardous air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in northern Minnesota forced organizers to change the outdoor kickoff plans.The community appreciation picnic at the LeDuc Historic Estate did not go forward as planned, while the antique fire truck show and trolley service were canceled. Crimson Roots moved indoors to Hastings Public House, allowing at least part of the evening’s entertainment to continue. Conditions improved in time for the festival to move forward Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with activities taking place downtown, at Jaycee Park and at several parks, businesses and community facilities around
Hastings. While the downtown music stages were among the most visible parts of Rivertown Days, the weekend offered
far more than concerts and beverage tents. Families could choose from carnival rides, inflatables, bubbles, animals, sporting events, historic tours, crafts, classic cars and activities designed specifically for children. Saturday provided the largest selection of events around town. More than 80 vendors filled Jaycee Park for the Rivertown Days Arts and Crafts Fair, while tournaments for pickleball, disc golf, wiffle ball and sand volleyball gave participants several ways to get moving. The Premier Bank Petting Zoo brought miniature horses, donkeys, sheep and other animals to the community,
while the Rich Valley RC Club Fly-In featured model aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to learn more
about the hobby. Families could also tour Lock and Dam No. 2, visit the River of Life Kids Carnival, create giant bubbles in
Bubble Park, watch an owl program presented by Carpenter Nature Center or stop for face painting and balloon creations along Ramsey Street. Downtown attractions included an inflatable adventure zone, free bingo, a basketball challenge, line dancing, food trucks, carnival games and a cooling and misting station. Free transportation connected Fleet Farm,
Jaycee Park and the downtown festival area during much of Saturday.

Baseball was also part of the celebration, with the Hastings Hurricanes 35+ baseball team kicking things off for the River Rumble at Veterans Park. The Canes took down the Northfield Millers 10-5 on fan appreciation day. The Hastings Hawks and Prescott Pirates renewed their battle for border supremacy after a few years of hiatus. That game almost turned into a two-for-one deal going to extra innings with the Hawks coming out on top 12-11 in 13 innings.
Music remained an important part of the weekend. Friday’s performers included International Reggae All Stars, Nick Fox and The MetroGnomes, Them Pesky Kids, Coyote Wild, Black Widows, SSCB and Patrick and THE LVB. Festivalgoers could also step into the spotlight during live band karaoke.
Saturday’s lineup included Wren + Wild, The Coxmen, Brian Naughton Band, Hoot, Scoot & Boogie, Basic & Boring, Detour, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, The 4onthefloor, Wicked Garden and DJ ESP, Woody McBride. Gordy Pearson, Max Hageman, Pat Wagner and Joe Pettit provided acoustic music in Oliver’s Grove, and a stand-up comedy program added another entertainment option. Admission was required for the main downtown festival grounds Friday and Saturday, although children age twelve and younger were admitted free. The Arts and Crafts Fair and activities held around town did not
require a festival wristband. On Sunday, no admission or wristband was required anywhere in the festival area. Guests were still responsible for the normal cost of carnival rides, food and anything purchased from vendors, but they could
walk through the grounds, listen to entertainment and enjoy the community displays without paying an entrance fee.
Sunday’s activities included the return of the Arts and Crafts Fair, the classic car show along Second Street, the Hastings High School Marching Band, The Stars of Minnesota Sings and a music trivia contest. The Cityof Hastings Machinery Hill gave children an up-close look at Public Works and Parks Department equipment, while the Hastings YMCA Duck Race brought hundreds of rubber ducks to the Vermillion River.
Rivertown Days is organized by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, with planning assistance from a committee of local business and community leaders. Organizers estimate that fifteen committee members spend nine months preparing for the celebration, with approximately 120 volunteers, three Chamber staff members and numerous City of Hastings employees helping during the festival.
The event also serves as an annual fundraiser supporting the Chamber’s work throughout the year. That work includes promoting local businesses, welcoming and recognizing new businesses, organizing networking and educational programs, advocating on issues that affect the local economy and marketing Hastings as a visitor destination.
The Chamber also partners with Hastings High School and local employers on workforce development programs, helping students explore careers and build workplace skills. Rivertown Days may be best known for the sound of music filling downtown Hastings, but the 2026 celebration showed that the festival continues to stretch well beyond the stages. From bubbles and barnyard animals to baseball, classic cars and rubber ducks, families had plenty of ways to make the weekend their own.