Jonesville RiverFest returns May 15-17 with a reworked schedule, several new family-focused attractions and major changes to the downtown layout — as organizers look to broaden the event’s appeal and bring more activity into Carl Fast Park.
The celebration officially begins with a new “Concert in the Park” running 6-10 p.m. May 15. There will be food vendors and three performances from The Good Vibes Machine, Casey Rowe, and headliner Silver Tongued Devils.
RiverFest’s unofficial start comes earlier, with the Williams Elementary STEM Races on May 13 and Jonesville Schools’ Paddle to School on May 15.
What to expect during Jonesville RiverFest on Saturday
Saturday is the busiest day of RiverFest and centers heavily around the downtown area and Carl Fast Park.
This year will introduce “Bounce House Bonanza,” a child-focused attraction. Also debuting is the first-ever Jonesville RiverFest 5K, sponsored by the Jonesville Wrestling Team.
Other anchor events include:
Crafters, vendors, food trucks, restaurant specials and downtown shopping events will also be ongoing, along with participation from local nonprofits and businesses.
What to expect during Jonesville RiverFest on Sunday
Sunday’s programming continues with a mix of longstanding and newer attractions, including the Powers Tractor Show, a basketball tournament at Jonesville High School, and the second annual RiverFest Golf Outing at Mill Race Golf Course.
The Sauk Theatre will also host multiple performances throughout the weekend, marking another new addition to the entertainment lineup.
According to organizers, an expanded focus on family-friendly programming drove many of this year’s changes. However, one longtime tradition is missing. Since interest in canoe racing has sharply declined, river race events won’t return — though representatives are open to help from the community to rebuild in the future.
Layout, parking and road closures
Several logistical changes are also in place this year, including vendors housed in parking spaces along US-12 in order to free sidewalk space for pedestrian traffic. In addition, the municipality will close Park Street and a portion of Wright Street, primarily to accommodate food trucks and improve flow.
Those changes will limit parking downtown. According to organizers, visitors are encouraged to carpool and park at Jonesville Middle School or along nearby side streets.
There will be no beer tent this year, though beer and cocktails are served at nearby venues like Saucy Dog’s BBQ, Olivia’s Chop House and Ramshackle Brewery.
For event updates, visit jonesvillebusinessassociation.com.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Jonesville RiverFest focuses hard on ‘family-friendly’ in 2026
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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