Monticello
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2026
Riverfest showcases the best of Monticello
If you want to experience Monticello at its most energetic and community-minded, Riverfest offers a snapshot of everything the city has to offer. Held each July, the annual celebration brings together residents, visitors and volunteers for several days of summer traditions and hometown pride.
The 50th annual Riverfest is scheduled for Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12, 2026.
What began in 1976 as a Fourth of July Bicentennial celebration has grown into one of Monticello’ s most enduring community traditions. First organized by the Lions Club, Rotary Club and other civic groups, Riverfest has expanded steadily over the decades while remaining rooted in volunteer leadership and local partnerships.
Often described as Monticello’ s version of“ old home days,” Riverfest draws former residents back to town alongside longtime locals, with many families planning reunions and return visits around the festival weekend.
Though Riverfest is billed as a three-day festival, festivities often begin a day early with a Thursday Block Party at the Monticello Community Center and the Chamber of Commerce’ s Party in the Park at West Bridge Park, setting the tone for a weekend of celebration.
Riverfest officially kicks off Friday evening with Family Fun Night at Pioneer Park. Activities typically include a car show, petting zoo, pony rides, games, food concessions and
16 | MONTICELLO COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2026 the always-popular Riverfest pie-eating contest, a messy and much-anticipated competition featuring community members, local leaders and Royal Ambassadors.
Saturday’ s events are centered along the Mississippi River at Ellison Park and include Art in the Park and the Taste of Monticello. Dozens of vendors showcase handcrafted items, while area restaurants and food trucks offer a wide range of food and beverages. Additional Saturday activities often include the Riverfest 5K Run / Walk and Kids’ Fun Run, the bean bag cornhole tournament and the Monticello Street Dance, held in the Community Center parking lot with live music, food and drinks.
On Sunday, following a community worship service, crowds gather along downtown streets— particularly Walnut Street— for the Riverfest Parade. Sunday activities also include the Riverfest Duck Race, a long-running favorite, and the weekend concludes with the crowning of the Monticello Royal Ambassadors and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year award.
Entirely volunteer-driven, Riverfest remains a reflection of Monticello’ s civic pride and sense of togetherness, linking generations through shared traditions while continuing to evolve with the community. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www. monticelloriverfest. com.