Huron River Fest | Food, Fun & Fireworks

Huron River Fest
Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11, 2026

About

River Fest is an annual summer festival held in Huron, Ohio, celebrating the community and its waterfront along the Huron River. The multi-day event features a lively mix of family-friendly activities, a parade, live music, food vendors, carnival rides, craft booths and a fireworks display over the river. With a tradition spanning decades, River Fest brings residents both current and past together for a vibrant celebration of local culture, entertainment and small-town charm.

Event Schedule

Friday, July 10, 2026

5 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies

Kick off River Fest with an exciting Opening Ceremony filled with community spirit! The festivities begin with a warm welcome from local officials, followed by the national anthem. The energy builds as the festival officially opens, setting the stage for a weekend of fun along the scenic Huron River.

5 p.m.

Vendors & Rides Midway Opens

River Fest offers a fantastic variety of food and merchandise vendors, from classic festival favorites like funnel cakes and fresh-cut fries to unique local treats. Stroll through vendor booths filled with handmade crafts, apparel and souvenirs before heading to the carnival. Thrilling rides, exciting games and family-friendly attractions make for nonstop entertainment all weekend long!

5 p.m.

Dunk Tank Debuts at River Fest!

Take your shot at the River Fest Dunk Tank! Cheer on local volunteers, test your aim, and see if you can send someone splashing into the water. It's classic festival fun for all ages, and every throw helps support the Huron St. Peter 8th Grade Class Trip.

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Princess Meet & Greet

Two perfect princesses will be at our NEW Second Stage (located in the Picnic Shelters) on Friday evening to meet and greet kids.

5:30 p.m.

Queens Pageant

One of River Fest’s most cherished traditions, the Queen’s Pageant showcases the grace, poise and community pride of local young women competing for the title of River Fest Queen 2026. Contestants participate in interviews and on-stage presentations, all while vying for the honor of representing Huron at events throughout the year.

7 p.m.

Hunter Klein & the Colt 45's

Hunter Klein & the Colt 45's will rock the amphitheater stage on Saturday night!

10:15 p.m.

Fireworks Extravaganza

The Huron River Fest 2026 fireworks display will light up the night sky over the Huron Boat Basin with a spectacular show of vibrant colors and dazzling effects, creating a breathtaking finale to day one of the festival.

Schedules subject to change

Event Schedule

Saturday, July 11, 2026

11 a.m.

Huron Lions Club

River Fest Parade

The Huron River Fest parade features a lively procession of floats, marching bands, community groups and local organizations, bringing festive energy and vibrant displays of school spirit and creativity through the heart of Huron.

ACCESS PARADE APPLICATION HERE.

11 a.m.

Vendors & Rides Midway Opens

You won't go hungry or thirsty at River Fest! From frozen drinks and ice-cold lemonade to a wide variety of mouth-watering food options, you will want to have lunch AND dinner at River Fest!

12:30 p.m.

Parade Awards Ceremony

And the winner is...The Huron River Fest Parade Awards Ceremony celebrates the most outstanding parade entries, recognizing creativity, spirit, and community pride with awards for top performances and float designs.

1 p.m.

Huron Cheerleaders Perform

The Huron High School cheerleaders will bring high-energy spirit and dynamic routines to the Huron Boat Basin Amphitheater during River Fest 2026, showcasing their talent and school pride.

1-3 p.m.

Kids Fishing Derby

The NEW Huron River Fest Kids Fishing Derby gives young anglers the chance to experience the excitement of fishing in a fun, friendly environment. Whether it's their very first catch or they're already seasoned anglers, kids will enjoy an afternoon on the water with prizes and plenty of smiles. Bring your fishing pole and create memories that will last long after River Fest is over!

1-3 p.m.

Patriotic Macrame Project

Get creative at River Fest with our Patriotic Macramé Craft! Kids and adults alike can create a festive red, white and blue keepsake that's perfect for celebrating summer and showing off your American spirit. It's a fun, hands-on activity that's easy to make and even better to take home!

1:30 p.m.

Huron High School Choir Performs

The Huron High School Choir will captivate audiences with their harmonious voices and vocal ranges when they perform at River Fest 2026.

2 p.m.

Dan Robertson

Ohio’s own Dan Robertson is a versatile guitarist and vocalist covering music genres from Sinatra to Hendrix. Dan’s guitar playing and vocals can be heard on many regional artists’ music projects, and he has shared the stage with such luminaries as The Guess Who and The Drifters.

2:30 p.m.

Three's Company

Three’s Company! is a live performance experience featuring rock & roll, classic TV themes, requests and nostalgia.

4:30 p.m.

Wexford

Huron's own Wexford takes the stage Saturday evening playing a medley of original tunes along with some covers you know and love.

4:30 p.m.

Conner Flowers

Conner Flowers is an independent artist who creates original music and performs live, often blending guitar-driven melodies with heartfelt songwriting. His style and stage presence have made him a sought-after local act for festivals and community gatherings.