What is Burlington River Days?

Burlington River Days is a giant riverfront festival that celebrates the outdoors, the boating community, and the businesses and organizations that support it all. 

​

At the heart of the event are concerts - a sh-load of them! In 2025, the riverfront stage was graced by the likes of Jive Radio, Jake Clayton, Ghost of Judas, and grammy-nominated rock band Saliva.

​

2026 will be even bigger! We're adding a second stage, twice as many bands, and more fun than you can shake a mayfly at. 

​

But Burlington River Days is so much more than live music and cold drinks. It also includes the River Days Olympics - a set of fun, family-friendly challenges hosted by local conservation organizations for medals (it is Olympics, after all!), prizes, and bragging rights. It's like a carnival for outdoor types.

​

Oh, and there's a real carnival too. Complete with a giant ferris wheel, spinny rides, and a slide whose speed defies physics. 

​

Also new in 2026: The Smoke on the Water BBQ competition on Saturday! Because all that Olympics and carnival fun sure creates an appetite. Sample some of the best BBQ the Midwest has to offer. Or get behind the grill and compete for prizes yourself. 

​

Then there's the boat parade down Jefferson St. (because it's hard to hand out candy from the river) and all the specials offered by the local business community. 

​

And the best part? It's all one big fundraiser. Net proceeds support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, a local nonprofit focused on creating great parks and programs to connect you to the outdoors. 

​

More info coming soon. Until then, mark your calendars for June 12-14, 2026 and we'll see you down at the river!