MONTICELLO
On the Mississippi River
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
Riverfest showcases the best of Monticello
16 | MONTICELLO | Community Guide 2025
If you want to see the best Monticello that has to offer , look no further than Riverfest , held each July .
The 49th annual three-day celebration of summer , community , food and all things Monticello is scheduled to be held Friday , July 11 through Sunday , July 13 in 2025 .
This hometown community tradition has turned into something of an “ old home days ,” drawing former and current residents together , with many past Monticellans traveling from out of state or just out of town to attend .
The very first Riverfest was a Fourth of July Bicentennial celebration in 1976 . The event was a cooperative festivity sponsored by the Lions Club , Rotary Club and other community organizations . From there , it ’ s grown and grown .
The festivities typically begin before the official Riverfest even starts , with a Block Party on Thursday at the Monticello Community Center , along with the Chamber of Commerce ’ s Party in the Park at Ellison Park .
Riverfest officially kicks off on Friday evening with Family Fun Night in Pioneer Park . There are activities for all ages , including a car show , petting zoo , fun and games , food concessions , root beer floats , sno-cones , pony rides , kids building clinic and , of course , the famous Riverfest pie-eating contest , a messy competition that pits community leaders , Royal Ambassadors and others against one another , while the Citizen of the Year judges .
Riverfest includes a community-wide talent show in the Monticello High School auditorium . Auditions are typically held in mid-June . Following the talent show is the annual Riverfest fireworks display , held behind Monticello High School . The fireworks show begins at dusk .
The event also features the Chamber-sponsored Art in the Park and Taste of Monticello along the Mississippi River in Ellison Park on Saturday .
More than 60 vendors showcase and sell their handcrafted items at Art in the Park , while area restaurants showcase their menus selling food and beverages . Kids can also get free train rides on the Harold Express .
Saturday ’ s events also include the annual bean bag cornhole tournament and the popular duck race .
Saturday night is traditionally when the Monticello Street Dance is held . Concert-goers gather in the Monticello Community Center parking lot to enjoy food , beverages and live music .
The Riverfest 5K Run / Walk and Kids ’ Fun Run happens on River Street . Runners , joggers and walkers show up by the hundreds to complete the course near the Mississippi River .
On Sunday morning , following a community worship service , crowds gather along the streets of downtown Monticello , mainly on Walnut Street , to watch one of the event ’ s highlights , the Riverfest Parade , which kicks off at noon . The 2025 parade will have a “ Totally ‘ 80s ” theme .
The final event of Riverfest , following the parade , is the crowning of the Monticello Royal Ambassadors , along with a Citizen of the Year presenation .
For more information , including a schedule of events , visit http :// monticelloriverfest . com .