RiverFest kicks off with the annual River Cleanup on Tuesday morning, July 22 at 10 a.m. The river cleanup is the “purpose” for the RiverFest celebration. Cleanup participants meet at Lakefront Park Bandshell and then collect trash along the riverfront. Lunch will be provided for cleanup crews at Picnic Point at the south end of Lakefront Park. Following lunch at 11:30 a.m., Carpenter Nature Center will present animal ambassadors.
The Hudson Daybreak Rotary Environmental Committee is bringing back the Minnesota DNR Invasive Species Control field team at RiverFest from 1-3 p.m. on July 22 with a demonstration of their Electrofishing Boat (water conditions permitting) in the bay north of the Hudson dike. The Minnesota DNR and Wisconsin DNR will also have display booths with information and demonstrations.
On Tuesday evening, families with young children will enjoy The Toonies Enviro-fun Puppet Show at the Lakefront Park Bandshell at 6:30 p.m. The popular free family-friendly movie “Moana 2” will start at dusk at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. Bring a picnic blanket and watch the movie under the stars. Pre-movie kid-friendly fun and games will be provided by Hudson Area Public Library from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 23, speaker Angie Hong will give an update on the State of the St. Croix Watershed following the regular meeting of the Hudson Daybreak Rotary at 7:15 a.m. at the YMCA Camp St. Croix RCU Discovery Center. On Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, the Carpenter Nature Center will host a Family Fun Open House at their Wisconsin Campus.
Hudson Area Public Library will host an Outdoor Storytime at Weitkamp Park from 9:30 to10:30 a.m. at Weitkamp Park. On Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m., enjoy Stuart Stotts Music Program and Library Ice Cream Social at Hudson Area Public Library.
One of RiverFest’s highlights is the St. Croix Valley Community Band concert on Thursday evening at the Hudson Bandshell. Partner organizations will have booths with information and demonstrations before the concert starting at 6pm. The Concert begins at 7pm and will include musical selections that celebrate our wild and scenic St. Croix River.
Other RiverFest activities include: “Cloud in a Jar” session with Mr. Mick and crafts at the Hudson Area Public Library; a foraging walk; a paddle at Willow River State Park; Native American Cuisine, Art Walk and Dream Catcher class. RiverFest concludes with the Native American Cultural Celebration at Lakefront Park.
A complete list of RiverFest activities and event details are available at StCroixRiverFest.org or on Facebook.
Star Observer, Jack White July 7, 2025