GRAND RAPIDS — After a lot of thought and consideration, Grand Rapids Riverfest will take a break in 2026.
This pause reflects KAXE’s financial realities and the complexities of putting on an event of this scale — not a lack of love for Riverfest or the people who make it what it is.
A big shout out and thank you to the folks at the city of Grand Rapids, who have been our fantastic partners throughout all of this. They recognize the value the arts bring to a community, not just for the experience, but for the positive impact this festival has across the greater Grand Rapids community.
We’re tremendously grateful to the musical artists for taking a chance on bringing their shows to our small town over the years, not always an easy sell this far north!
Also: the many volunteers, which numbered over 100 each year; attendees coming from all over the Midwest and beyond; community and regional sponsors who gave incredible support; food and drink vendors who worked so well together to have yummy and varied options for everyone; and the relentlessly hardworking production team.
And the Grand Rapids Area Library for being the best green room in the history of green rooms. In the words of 2022 headliner Wilco, "May all green rooms be libraries."
Many others pitched in, like local visual artists who contributed in various ways over the years, the vibey hula hooping from Twistin Vixens, and community groups such as Itasca Life Options, Minnesota North College, Grand Rapids Police Department, United Way of 1000 Lakes, Fire in the Village, MacRostie Art Center and the Blandin Foundation.
Fold Up Studio
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KAXE
We have been so fortunate to work with graphic designer extraordinaire Emily Bujold of Fold Up Studio for the posters, website and merchandise. And of course, the Main Event Sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank, who has been a fervent supporter since coming on board!
Also our hardworking photographers, Jordan Weis (Weisguy Images LLC), Lorie Shaull, PJ Nelson (PJ Nelson Photography) and John Scarr. Join us in looking over the fantastic pictures they have captured over the years in the gallery below.
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Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell4.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024_Spoon Twistin Vixens.jpg
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Dessa - Riverfest - 2023
Minnesota singer and rapper Dessa performing in Grand Rapids, MN at 2023 Riverfest.
Lorie Shaull / Contributed
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— Beer fan - Riverfest 2024
An ecstatic fan shows of their drinks at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024_Corey Medina
A smiling Corey Medina performs at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Amanda Shires2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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A couple exchanges a kiss during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Wilco4.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Sarah Jarosz - Riverfest 2024
Sarah Jarosz plays guitar during her Riverfest set on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024 - Fans - Shakey Graves
Nothing but good times for fans of Shakey Graves during his Riverfest set on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Miss Issippi - Riverfest 2024
A puppet known as Miss Issippi towers over the crowd Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_Annie Humphrey.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Chastity Brown.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2024_attendee on shoulders.jpg
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_Kathleen Edwards.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest pic hula
As the sun went down, hula hoops lit the audience of the Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022.
contributed / Weisguy Images
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— Charlie Parr from Riverfest.
Charlie Parr performing at the 2021 Riverfest.
KAXE file photo
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Katie Lick, Ashley Brubaker and Naomi Jackson at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest - Twisted Vixen - hula hoop - 2023
A fan hula hoops in the foreground as a crowd listens to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit during Grand Rapids Riverfest in September 2023.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Dave Simonett at 2021 Riverfest
Dave Simonett performing with Trampled by Turtles at at Grand Rapids Riverfest in 2021.
Paul Gregerson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Attendees6.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Bill Martinetto.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Fans cheer during Spoon's performance Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— 01a Shemekia Copeland.jpg
Shemekia Copeland at Grand Rapids Riverfest in 2023.
Lorie Shaull / Contributed
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— Riverfest 2021_Yonder Mountain String Band.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2022_attendees.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2021_Langhorne Slim.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Shakey Graves performs at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Shakey Graves performs at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest2024_Sarah Jarosz_07.jpg
Sarah Jarosz performs Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses 7.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2025_attendees
Audience members are enjoying a set during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Contributed / Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLC
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— Riverfest 2023_2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024_Shakey Graves Fans
Front row for these spectators at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024_Spoon Britt Daniel.jpg
Britt Daniel of Spoon sings and plays guitar Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2025_Volunteer Michelle Bedford celebrates the rainbow.jpg
Volunteer Michelle Bedford celebrates the rainbow during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Attendees2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Jeremie Albino performs during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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An overhead view of Grand Rapids Riverfest at night under the lights on Sept. 6, 2025.
Contributed / Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLC
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— Riverfest 2022.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Courtney Barnett and her band perform the headlining set at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_Annie Humphrey2.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— 08 Sarah Jarosz.jpg
Sarah Jarosz shows emotion on her face while singing Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_attendees4.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Spoon on screen.jpg
Britt Daniel of Spoon as seen on the big screen Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Shoveles & Rope3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_attendees3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Artist.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses 6.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Alan Sparhawk feels the groove during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Attendees2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— 05 Margo Price.jpg
Margo Price wows the crowd during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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Shanai Matteson and Geezis lead participants in creating artwork at the Fire in the Village art booth during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell5.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_attendees5.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_MissIssippi.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Eric Pollard drums during Alan Sparhawk's set during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Dessa3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_TBT.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Courtney Barnett4 JW.jpg
Courtney Barnett performs at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Contributed / Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLC
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— Riverfest 2022_crowd.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Shoveles & Rope.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Overhead - Drone shot.jpg
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— Stage at Night JW
Courtney Barnett performs her headlining set at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Contributed / Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLC
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses 2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— 03 Alan Sparhawk.jpg
Alan Sparhawk performs the first set of Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Attendees5.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Margo Price sandals.jpg
A closeup of Margo Price's sandals while she performs at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Volunteer Michelle Bedford skateboards down the street.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest volunteer Michelle Bedford skateboards through the festival grounds on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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KAXE Reporter Megan Buffington works the merch booth during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Chastity Brown2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Wilco5.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2022_Shoveles & Rope2.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2022_Wilco6.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses 3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
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— Riverfest 2021_TBT3.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Wild Horses - Sarah Jarosz - Riverfest 2024
Mckeon Hugh Roberts, Jed LaPlant and Ariana Laplant watch Sarah Jarosz perform at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Cool kid watching Margo Price.jpg
Audience members watch Margo Price perform during Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2022_Wild Horses 5.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2022 hosted Wilco, Shovels and Rope, Chastity Brown and Wild Horses in Grand Rapids, Minn.
JOHN SCARR
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— Riverfest 2023_Amanda Shires.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_Langhorne Slim2.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Attendees.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— SG Goodman screen - Riverfest 2024
S.G. Goodman is seen on the big screen Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Attendees4.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Dessa4.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell7.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_library.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Heidi Holtan at the Merch Tent.jpg
KAXE Director of Content and Public Affairs Heidi Holtan interacts with attendees at the Grand Rapids Riverfest merch tent on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Shemekia.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_Yonder Mountain String Band2.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2021_TBT2.jpg
Photos from Grand Rapids Riverfest 2021.
Paul Marvin and Weisguy Images / KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Attendees3.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— S.G. Goodman - Riverfest 2024
S.G. Goodman sings at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024, in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2023_Isbell6.jpg
Grand Rapids Riverfest 2023 was a sold out festival featuring performers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa.
PJ Nelson / KAXE
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— Britt Daniel of Spoon at Riverfest.
Britt Daniel of Spoon plays guitar at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Spoon - Riverfest 2024 - Crowd
The crowd at Grand Rapids Riverfest watches headliner Spoon on Sept. 7, 2024.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest Attendee - Riverfest 2024
A Riverfest attendee shows off her food and Riverfest sweatshirt on Sept. 7, 2024.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Fans singing Riverfest 2024
Fans sing along Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Riverfest 2024 - Fans - Shakey Graves
Nothing but good times for fans of Shakey Graves during his Riverfest set on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— Vendor Area crowd - Riverfest 2024
A crowd of people walk through the vendor area Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Vendors Area close - Riverfest 2024
A woman purchases a drink in the vendor area Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Fans enjoying Shakey Graves' performance at Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024 in Grand Rapids.
Fans enjoying Shakey Graves' performance at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 7, 2024, in Grand Rapids.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— 04 Shakey Graves.jpg
Shakey Graves sings to an enthused crowd Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River. Riverfest is a collaboration of KAXE and the city of Grand Rapids, thanks to the support of headline sponsor Grand Rapids State Bank and several other business supporters.
Jordan Weis / Weisguy Images / Special to KAXE
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— Vendor lot at night JW.jpg
The moon shines brightly over the vendor area at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Contributed / Jordan Weis | Weisguy Images LLC
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Fans cheer during Spoon's performance Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— 07 Corey Medina.jpg
Corey Medina gives it his all while singing Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Grand Rapids Riverfest in the Grand Rapids Area Library parking lot on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lorie Shaull / Special to KAXE
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— 03 Margo Price.jpg
Margo Price speaks to the crowd during her set at Grand Rapids Riverfest on Sept. 6, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
All together, these folks and businesses helped make Riverfest such a special gathering these past five years. The community support and involvement has been incredible.
Every year has brought its own kind of special sauce, and we’re actively working toward bringing that magic back. We’re looking ahead to 2027, exploring new partnerships, and excited about what’s next.
Contributed
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PJ Nelson
In the meantime, support your local festivals and shows! These community-grown events continue because people like you show up for them.
As festival organizer, seeing all of your faces on the big day made everything worthwhile. Riverfest has been one of the most challenging and rewarding pieces of my career and life. I'm so proud of the community. I'm so proud of the KAXE team. And I'm so proud to have been able to bring such a beacon of light to the region.
Most of all, thank YOU for coming to Grand Rapids Riverfest! For sharing in the joy this fest brings, your pictures and memories, telling your friends, and just bringing your bad self to the table.
