Nighttime outdoor concert with a stage illuminated by purple and white lights, crowd of people watching, and banners on sides reading "Burlington River Days."

2026

BURLINGTON RIVER DAYS

Illustration of a boat on a river with someone fishing from it, and a bridge in the background. The text reads 'Burlington River Days'.

What Is Burlington River Days?

Burlington River Days is a three-day, riverfront takeover where the Mississippi becomes the backdrop for concerts, cold drinks, community chaos, and the kind of stories you “probably shouldn’t tell HR.” It’s live music under the bridge lights. It’s boat parades rolling down Jefferson Street for absolutely no practical reason. It’s kids flinging arrows, adults flinging beanbags, and vendors slinging food until they run out.

It’s also the only festival where you can win a boat out of a boat—yes, including the boat itself.

Born from a group of volunteers who thought Burlington deserved something big, weird, and unapologetically fun, River Days has quickly become one of the signature weekends of the summer. Whether you come for the music, the family activities, the prizes, or because your friend bribed you with a Busch Light, you’ll find something to love on the riverfront.

Party with a Purpose

Sure, Burlington River Days is all about fun—live music, good food, Mississippi river views, and winning prizes out of a boat (including the boat itself!). But it’s not just a party for the sake of partying. This whole event was built with one big goal in mind: to celebrate our river community while giving something back to it.

​That’s why 100% of the proceeds from Burlington River Days go to the Partners for Conservation Foundation, a local nonprofit working to improve outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and public access to the parks and natural resources that make southeast Iowa such a great place to live, boat, fish, and raise a family.

Your ticket does more than you think

When you buy an All Access Golden Ticket, sponsor the event, or just show up and spend money with a vendor—you’re supporting the Partners for Conservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based right here in Burlington. We partner with various volunteer groups and public agencies to improve parks, trails, and natural areas in Des Moines County and beyond.

​So while you're catching a concert, shooting arrows, or lining up for a pulled pork sandwich at River Days, know this: you’re helping make a real difference.

Logo for Burlington River Days featuring a person fishing on a boat on a river with a suspension bridge in the background

Meet the team

A man wearing outdoor gear and sunglasses on his hat is smiling while holding a rainbow trout over a river with snowy mountains in the background.

John Mercer

A man wearing camouflage outdoor clothing and sunglasses standing outdoors with fall foliage in the background.
Person smiling and holding two green ticket stubs labeled 'DRINK' in a bar or restaurant setting.

Matt Brown

Man with glasses making a peace sign and sticking out his tongue while riding on a boat on a river.
A man in a red shirt and white hat standing at a college football field at night.

Brandon Kipp

A woman smiling and cuddling with a golden retriever puppy.

Katie Fraise

Chris Gram

Lance Beckman

A man taking a selfie in a forest during daytime, wearing a gray hoodie with a logo that reads 'Das Moines County Conservation' and a gray cap. Sunlight filters through the green and yellow autumn leaves.

Marcus Nack

A woman jumping in the air at a scenic overlook with a canyon-like landscape in the background.

Shannon Prado

A man wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a fleece jacket holding a large fish he caught during a fishing trip on a boat in a river, with tall grass and trees in the background.

Chris Lee

A man taking a selfie inside a garage, pointing at a red motorcycle with chrome accents, a windscreen, and a leather seat, with a smiling expression wearing a beige cap and a black graphic T-shirt.

Presley Butts

Picture of a man in a gray sweatshirt, hat, and sunglasses holding a fish with a pond and trees in the background.

Ben Vogel