Refreshed approach to downtown Riverfest includes new attractions, focus on river

This piece is sponsored by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

A favorite downtown annual event promises even more to enjoy this year.

Riverfest has been refreshed and updated, moving the event to September and enhancing the overall experience waiting for attendees.

It will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Cherapa Place — on the east bank of the Big Sioux River between Sixth and Eighth streets.

“We’re excited for this revamped event,” DTSF president and CEO Brandon Hanson said.

“We think by moving it into September, we’re offering a standout event at a time of year when the weather is still beautiful and schedules are a little less chaotic than around late summer and back-to-school season. We like that the date moves the event outside of the busy Levitt season and helps kick off Oktoberfest.”

Importantly, there’s also an enhanced focused on the Big Sioux River itself this year, including a river cleanup in memory of developer Craig Lloyd organized by Friends of the Big Sioux River and Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. It will start at the kayak and canoe access point at 14th Street and Cliff Avenue and travel to downtown, picking up trash along the way. Visit here to learn more.

The volunteer signup form can be accessed here.

“Riverfest should be about the river, so I’m glad we’re embracing it,” said Anne Haber of Cherapa Place, which is also a sponsor.

“It’s going to be fun to celebrate it and celebrate everything that’s happened downtown. It’s a really approachable event at a great time of year — you can enjoy being here in the afternoon, the sun goes down earlier, and the Arc of Dreams will be lit beautifully.”

At Cherapa Place, new tenants Cafe Breadico and Rivage Oak Kitchen will be open for diners, and future grocer Pomegranate Market will have special offerings ahead of its opening later this year.

Here’s what to expect at the event:

Main stage music lineup

• Jamie Lynn &. The Trio, 3 to 4 p.m.
• The Teels, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Headliners: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, 6 p.m.

Secondary stage

• The Brassholes, 2, 4  and 5:30 p.m.

Food trucks, including Backyard BBQ, Breaking Burrito and The Ice Cream Truck — SDSU Ice Cream.

More than 30 local retailers and makers offering artisan goods.

Kids Zone with fun, creative and engaging activities.

Rock climbing at Cherapa One with Sylvan Rocks — for 18 and older.

Sustainability Zone with hands-on demonstrations and education.

The event has drawn broad support from corporate partners, including presenting sponsor The Bancorp, which has served as a sponsor the past five years.

“Each year has been such a positive experience for us,” chief marketing officer Maria Wainwright said.

“We truly value the opportunity to get out, connect with the community and support Downtown Sioux Falls and the Friends of the Big Sioux River. Advancing river stewardship and education aligns perfectly with The Bancorp’s ongoing commitment to both environmental sustainability and the larger Sioux Falls community.”

The Bancorp is headquartered at Cherapa Place as the anchor tenant in The Bancorp Building, making the partnership a natural fit, with its employees at the heart of the company’s involvement, she said.

“Each year, employee representatives volunteer their time to staff The Bancorp booth throughout the event, while we also encourage employees across our Sioux Falls office to come out and enjoy the festivities, and we see great attendance from employees and their families,” Wainwright said.

“We were excited to hear about the refreshed format of Riverfest this year, especially the renewed focus on sustainability and river stewardship with activities like the river cleanup event. Moving the event to September is also a wonderful change, giving people a chance to participate without the conflicts of busy summer schedules.”

For sponsor Journey Group, the event “aligns so well with our mission of positively impacting lives by building community,” said Rebecca Sevening, director of marketing and communications.

“It’s especially meaningful that the festival is hosted in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls at Cherapa Place, one of our signature construction projects.”

Downtown also will be getting a new piece of public art during Riverfest.

Funded by the Gilchrist Foundation, which champions the arts, wildlife, conversation and education, and guided by local artist Joe Schaeffer, visitors to Riverfest will get a chance to help paint a 60-foot mural on the tunnel that connects the Cherapa parking ramp to the Cherapa campus.

“We’re hopeful the Sioux Falls community continues to make Riverfest a staple in their annual plans,” Hanson said. “It’s a great way to build memories and enjoy the best of downtown Sioux Falls. You’ll be reminded that Sioux Falls is the best city in America — and that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Volunteers needed

Riverfest is a success only because people give time to support it. If you’d like to learn more about volunteering at this year’s event, click here.

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. would like to thank all sponsors for this year’s Riverfest:

• Presented by: The Bancorp.
• Partner sponsors: Journey Construction, Mend Join Make — MJM and Midco.
• Micro event sponsors: ISG, Midwest Dairy, Pendar Properties, Pomegranate Market and Billie Arthur Design Studio.
• Supporting sponsors: CorTrust Bank, Dorsey & Whitney Trust Co., Eide Bailly, HDR, Raven: A brand of CNH, Stockwell Engineers and Thompson Solutions Group.