Heat and humidity aren’t the only things on the forecast in Lowell this weekend. The annual Riverwalk Festival is set to kick off Thursday and end with a bang as spectators watch a fireworks show. There’s something for everyone, and while it may feel a bit steamy, this mid-summer event is sure to please.
Thursday Activities Set Stage for the Main Event
As with each Thursday during the summer, the Farmers’ Market will take place noon until 5pm. Fresh produce and other products will be available. To help kick off Riverwalk festivities, select local businesses will be participating in Merchant Market Days, offering specials and giveaways from 12pm-6pm.
The evening will make way for the annual pig roast on Avery Street from 5pm-7pm, followed by a Sizzlin’ Summer Concert by The Soul Syndicate beginning at 7pm. Food concessions and duck raffle tickets will also be available from 6pm-9pm.
Arts, Crafts, Pontoon Rides, and More
On Friday, noon until 6pm, Merchant Days will resume. Beginning at 5pm a variety of activities will take place along the Riverwalk. Pontoon boat rides launch from 5pm-7pm. While traveling the Flat River, learn a bit about Lowell’s history. Boarding will take place at the boat launch.
The core of the evening, from 5pm-9pm, will provide entertainment, food, and specialty shopping. Vendors selling arts and crafts, antiques, and re-found treasures will be available for sale. Commercial and non-profit organizations will also be along the Riverwalk providing products and information. Stay hydrated with a full belly by visiting food concessions along Avery Street. Friends of the Englehardt Library will also host their annual used book sale during this time.
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by The Adams Family and Alive & Well on the Riverwalk Stage from 6pm-9pm.
Saturday’s Full Schedule
If you miss out on activities on Thursday or Friday or if you’re eager to come back for more, Saturday will have something for everyone.
The morning kicks off with the start of the Riverwalk Cruise-in Classic Cars along Avery Street east of Monroe. Cars will begin rolling in at 8 and awards will be announced at 1:15pm. The classic cars are always a big draw for young and old and has continued to grow over the years.
The morning will also see the start of the Run the Riverwalk 5k. Registration starts at 8am with a race start of 8:30am. And if racing (or walking) on foot isn’t your thing, or if you’d like to continue in race mode, the Riverwalk Kayak, SUP & Canoe Race begins at 10am. Race the waters of the Flat River, starting and finishing at the boat launch.
Once again, food, vendors, and the used book sale will be going on 10am-4pm. From 11am-4pm both the Kidz Zone, sponsored by Pink Arrow Pride, and kayak fun will take place. Kids will enjoy a bounce house, petting zoo, and other activities geared toward youngsters. Those looking to test drive a kayak are welcome to head to the boat launch for a paddling opportunity.
One of the highlights of the weekend will take to Main Street at 12pm. The annual parade will have people “dancing in the streets” this year. Come and see what all of the hype is about and join in! The parade will travel Main Street from west to east from Broadway to Jackson.
The day’s activities will wind down as evening approaches, but a Community Worship Service is scheduled to take place on the Riverwalk Stage from 7pm-8:15pm.
Finally, the weekend events will conclude with a firework show at Stoney Lakeside Park. Seating is also excellent at Recreation Park (perhaps more commonly known as the Fairgrounds). The oohs and aahs are scheduled to begin at 10:15pm.
Don’t Miss Out
While you’re enjoying the Riverwalk Festival activities, take some time to thank a volunteer or some of the extra police who will be helping make the event fun and safe. You won’t want to resist or miss out on three days of fun and activities in downtown Lowell. The Riverwalk and surrounding area is sure to be “the place to be” this weekend. Visit the Riverwalk Festival website for additional information and the complete schedule of events.
The three women behind Lowell’s First Look will be handing out information and selling duck raffle tickets from 2pm-4pm on Saturday. Stop by and say hi!
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