2026 Midland Area River Days Festival Brings 4 Days of Enjoyable to Downtown Midland – Midland Area Community Foundation

Hot air balloons. Food. Live music. Free enjoyable. Fireworks and extra.

The Midland Area River Days Festival returns Thursday, July 30, by Sunday, August 2, alongside the river close to The Tridge in Downtown Midland. Organized by the Midland Area Community Foundation, the four-day competition unites neighborhood organizations, volunteers, performers, and native service golf equipment for one in every of Midland’s signature summer season celebrations.

“River Days gives people a chance to experience many of the things that make Midland special in one weekend,” mentioned Kevin LaDuke, Communications Officer for the Midland Area Community Foundation. “You can see hot air balloons up close, enjoy live music, explore local history, spend time along our rivers, and watch fireworks over Downtown Midland. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and contributors, like our presenting sponsor, Fisher Companies, unless you want to purchase food, the festival can be enjoyed without spending a dime.”

Festival Begins with River Cleanup

River Days begins Thursday afternoon with a River Cleanup supported by the Chippewa Nature Center from 1 to three PM close to The Tridge.

Volunteers will work from the shoreline and water to take away litter and particles from the Chippewa River and Tittabawassee River areas. Boats and life jackets shall be supplied for the water cleanup staff. Volunteers should register with the Chippewa Nature Center, be not less than 15 years previous, and if youthful than 18, be accompanied by an grownup.

“It is important that River Days begins by giving back to the rivers at the center of the celebration,” LaDuke mentioned. “The rivers provide recreation, wildlife habitat, and a gathering place for our community. The cleanup gives volunteers a meaningful way to help care for them before the weekend begins.”

Thursday night will proceed with Main Street Glow, supported by Downtown Midland, and a Silent Disco, sponsored by the Midland Area Youth Action Council, within the Rotary Tent close to The Tridge.

Hot Air Balloons, Music and Fireworks

Hot air balloon actions will happen all through the weekend, together with morning fly-ins, mass ascensions, and night balloon glows. The competition concludes Sunday morning with a last aggressive scorching air balloon flight over Midland.

All balloon actions are weather-dependent.

Live leisure shall be featured on the Bob Johns Stage on Friday and Saturday, close to the Downtown leg of the Tridge. The weekend can even embrace meals vans, the Midland Rotary Clubs’ Cheeseburger Dinner and beverage tent, and the Midland Lions Club’s Chicken Dinner. Proceeds from the service membership occasions help their neighborhood work.

Saturday night will conclude with the Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show at 10:15 PM. The fireworks are sponsored by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and launched from St. Charles Park, creating viewing alternatives all through the competition space close to The Tridge.

Local History Comes to Life

The Historical Zone shall be open from midday to five PM on Saturday in Chippewassee Park.

The space will characteristic blacksmiths, wooden carvers, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and extra demonstrations and actions targeted on Midland’s previous. Near the doorway to the Downtown leg of the Tridge, the Midland County Historical Society can even provide strolling excursions highlighting native riverfront and residential historical past.

Families can take pleasure in Kids’ Zone performances and actions on Saturday, together with face portray with Public Arts Midland, in addition to music, dance, theater, martial arts, and yoga on the Bob Johns Stage. The Kids’ Zone is supported by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition.

“River Days is not simply about entertainment,” LaDuke mentioned. “It is about helping people feel connected to the rivers, stories, organizations, and neighbors that make Midland feel like home.”

River Days occasions are free to attend. Visitors are inspired to park within the Larkin Parking Garage. Accessible parking shall be accessible close to the competition grounds.

For the whole competition schedule, occasion areas, volunteer alternatives, and weather-related updates, go to RiverDaysMidland.com.