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Yorkville River Fest
Main Sponsor
YORKVILLE RIVER FEST 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Riverfront Park (131 E Hydraulic Ave, Yorkville)
Join the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department for a fun-filled country music festival down by the scenic Fox River! You won't want to miss great food, live country music, free family activities and more!
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
LIVE MUSIC (11-10PM)
- Cowboy Co. The Country Music Show
(11-2pm) - Riplock (3-6pm)
- Back Country Roads (7-10pm)
CRAFT BEER TASTING (2-6PM)
FAMILY ACTIVITIES (11-4PM)
- Oz's Emerald City Experiments
- Berk Dragon Academy
- Defying Gravity Eurobungy (11:30-3:30pm)
- Character Meet & Greets with Elphaba & Glinda (Noon-3pm)
CARDBOARD BOAT RACE (2PM)
LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC
Saturday, July 19 (11am-10pm)
Join us for a day filled with family activities, delicious food, and LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC! Grab your boots and get ready to sing along to all of your favorite country hits! We have an amazing lineup of country music throughout the day including:
- Cowboy Co. The Country Music Show (11am-2pm)
- Riplock (3-6pm)
- Back Country Roads (7-10pm)
FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Saturday, July 19 (11am-4pm):
- Oz's Emerald City Experiments
- Berk Dragon Academy
- Defying Gravity Eurobungy (11:30-3:30pm)
- Character Meet & Greet with Elphaba & Glinda (Noon-3pm)
- Cardboard Boat Race (2pm)
Wicked Fest
11am-4pm
Get ready for a Wickedly good time as you enter the fantastical world of Oz!
Oz’s Emerald City Experiments
11am-4pm
There's no place like River Fest for science and magic!
Step off the Yellow Brick Road and into the sparkling heart of the Emerald City, where science meets sorcery in Oz’s Emerald City Experiments! From 11am to 4pm, young wizards and witches will journey through a world inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, discovering hands-on activities that fizz, sparkle, and amaze. Whether you're brewing potions with Elphaba or crafting wands with Glinda, each station offers a playful blend of imagination and discovery. It’s a wickedly wonderful experience the whole family will enjoy!
Meet Elphaba & Glinda!
Noon–3pm | Inside the Emerald City
The magic comes to life as Elphaba and Glinda step out from Oz to visit River Fest! From 12:00 to 3pm, don’t miss your chance to meet the sparkling sorceress and the misunderstood witch herself.
Snap a photo, share a smile, and say hello—they can't wait to see your wands, potions, and slime creations!
Defying Gravity
11:30am-3:30pm
Everyone deserves a chance to Fly! Get ready to soar through the sky on your “magic broom” as you embark on this gravity-defying attraction! If you’re daring enough, try advanced flight maneuvers with front flips and back flips!
Anyone ranging from 30-200 pounds can participate and should be prepared to jump up to 20 feet high. All participants are safely harnessed.
Drink Specials
11am–10pm
We are brewing up some Wicked Concoctions that will keep you refreshed throughout the day!
ADULT BEVERAGES
Elphaba
Coconut Rum, Vodka, Blue Curacao & Pineapple
Glinda
Vodka, Strawberry Lemonade & Strawberry Boba
KIDS SPECIALTY DRINK
The Munchkin
Starry, Strawberry Lemonade & Strawberry Boba
Oz's Emerald City Experiments
11-4pm
There's no place like River Fest for science and magic!
Step off the Yellow Brick Road and into the sparkling heart of the Emerald City, where science meets sorcery in Oz’s Emerald City Experiments! From 11am to 4pm, young wizards and witches will journey through a world inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, discovering hands-on activities that fizz, sparkle, and amaze. Whether you're brewing potions with Elphaba or crafting wands with Glinda, each station offers a playful blend of imagination and discovery. It’s a wickedly wonderful experience the whole family will enjoy!
Station Descriptions:
Elphaba’s Glitter Potions
Brew up some brilliance with the Wicked Witch of the West! Mix magical ingredients to create a swirling, shimmering potion that’s just the right amount of wicked.
Glinda’s Wand Workshop
Float into Glinda’s glittery workshop and design a wand that sparkles with goodness and glam. Feathers, jewels, and a touch of bubble magic included!
Emerald City Slime Lab
Hands-on fun awaits as you mix up stretchy, gooey green slime in the heart of the Emerald City. Perfect for young scientists and slime lovers alike!
Munchkinland’s Exploding Chalk
In this colorful corner of Oz, create fizzy sidewalk chalk that pops and bursts with vibrant fun. A little science, a little magic, and a lot of wow!
Wicked Ring Fling
Put your powers to the test at this spellbinding challenge! Toss your rings and try to "levitate" them onto the wicked witches' hats. Show off your magical aim!
Meet Elphaba & Glinda!
Noon–3pm | Inside the Emerald City
The magic comes to life as Elphaba and Glinda step out from Oz to visit River Fest! From 12:00 to 3pm, don’t miss your chance to meet the sparkling sorceress and the misunderstood witch herself.
Snap a photo, share a smile, and say hello—they can't wait to see your wands, potions, and slime creations!
Berk Dragon Academy
11am-4pm
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A DRAGON RIDER?
Start your training now! Join Hiccup, Toothless, and the rest of the Dragon Riders at the Berk Dragon Academy and put your skills to the test. From mastering the art of Dragon Training with Snotlout to surviving a grueling Viking Warrior Challenge with Astrid - you'll face tasks designed to prepare you for the skies!
Think you can keep up with Fishlegs in Dragon Identification or survive the chaos of Ruffnut and Tuffnut in Agility Training? Prove it! Score high and earn the honor of being paired with your very own dragon—whether it’s a Deadly Nadder, a Gronckle, or maybe even a Night Fury!
So, saddle up, grab your shield, and remember: the only way to train your dragon... is to start trying!
Station Descriptions:
Isle of Berk
Join Hiccup in exploring the Isle of Berk and playing amongst the dragons! Young Vikings will search for the 12 Dragons hidden throughout the Riverfront Playground.
Tame the Flame
Groups of 6 will join Snotlout as they search within bales of hay to find and collect the dragon’s favorite foods! The more items you collect, the stronger the bond you will create with the dragons.
Viking Warrior Challenge
Do you have what it takes to be a Viking Warrior like Astrid? Show us your balance, strength and determination as you overcome this Dragon Rider obstacle course and reach the top of the wall! But beware…. don’t get caught by the dragon!
Dragon Identification
Help Fishlegs find and identify the dragons within the Dragon Nest! Roll the dice and find as many dragons as you can in 45 seconds.
Strength & Agility Training
Concentrate and stay on your feet despite the continued chaos from Ruffnut and Tuffnut and become the last Viking standing! The longer you survive without getting knocked down, the higher grade you receive.
Take to the Skies!
Just like Toothless, you’ll master the wind and soar above Berk filling the sky with Dragon Kites.
Note: The characters referenced within the descriptions will not be in attendance. Likeness within decorations and signage will be used throughout.
CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
Saturday, July 19 (2pm)
Gather the cardboard, make your design and pick a captain for this splashtastic event! Come on down to Yorkville River Fest to the parking lot at the most Eastern end of Riverfront Park (131 E Hydraulic Ave, Yorkville) and find out what is takes to stay afloat! Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 fastest boats and the boat voted Best In Show!
Registration is accepted the day of (Saturday, July 19) for $10 per boat, and will be cash only. Registration opens at 12:30pm, with judging for Best In Show beginning at 1pm at the Eastern end of Riverfront Park. All boats must arrive to the park complete and ready to show.
Awards will be given to the top 3 fastest boats and the one voted Best In Show. We are excited to announce that this year Main Event Warrenville has donated Family Fun Passes valued at $300 each to all award winners! The Family Fun Pass includes:
- All You Can Play FUNpasses (4)
- Bowling Shoe Rental
- 60 Minute Game Cards (4)
- Unlimited Soft Drinks (4)
- Single Topping Pizza (1)
Please note, restrictions may apply and ONLY valid at Main Event Warrenville.
Life vests, helmets and paddles will be supplied. Families and kids (10+) are welcome and encouraged to participate! For more information or questions, contact Stephanie Roskopf.
All boats must arrive to the park fully assembled and ready to race. Registration and Best in Show will take place at in the parking lot in the Eastern end of Riverfront Park.
Cardboard Boat Race Prize Donator
Please note, the following materials are allowed and not allowed for the construction of your boat:
APPROVED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS | UNAPPROVED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS | |
---|---|---|
Corrugated Cardboard (available at appliance and grocery stores) | Wood | Styrofoam |
Cardboard Blocks (available at furniture stores) | Metal | Fiberglass |
Cardboard Tubes (available at carpet/linoleum stores) | Sheathing | Coated Sona Tubes |
Duct & Masking Tape | Silicon, Wax & Tar | Caulking Compounds |
Latex Paint Materials | Staples, Clamps & Screws |
2025 TTLC INC. ROOFING SIDING & GUTTERS CRAFT BEER TASTING
Saturday, July 19 (2pm-6pm)
Get ready to try some of the best brews around on Saturday, July 19 from 2pm-6pm! For $20/person or $35/couple (includes wristband), participants will enjoy a 2-oz. taste of a variety of six local craft beers with a souvenir glass, and walk away with a 14oz glass of your favorite! Participants must be 21 years or older and able to provide a valid form of ID. Wristbands are included in the registration cost for Craft Beer Tasting. You will not need to purchase a wristband separately. For more details about each featured beer, click here.
*Registrations are accepted the day of and participants must be 21+ and show a valid ID in order to participate. Featured beers are subject to change without notice.
Featured Craft Beer List:
- Two Brothers 30 West (West Coast IPA) - 6.5% ABV
- Scorched Earth Hey Chicago (German Style Helles) - 4.7% ABV
- Noon Whistle Fortunate Day (IPA) - 6.2% ABV
- Noon Whistle Blue Wheatberry - 4.5% ABV
- Dogfish Grateful Dead Hazy IPA (Hazy IPA) - 5.3% ABV
- Alarmist Chupalagra (Mexican-Inspired Lager) - 5% ABV
Please Note: The Beer and Beverage Tent will be cash-only. ATMs will be on-site for your convenience. All patrons (21+) wishing to purchase alcohol will be required to provide a valid ID and purchase a wristband. Wristbands are required for all patrons wishing to consume alcohol. Wristband pricing is $3/person or $5/couple. Wristbands are included with Craft Beer Tasting registration. You will not need to purchase a wristband separately. Alcohol will not be served or sold to patrons under 21, or patrons without a wristband. No outside alcohol may be brought in to this event. No wristband is needed for patrons purchasing non-alcoholic beverages.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FOOD!
All of your local favorites will be in attendance, ready to fill your stomach with delicious foods! Vendors include:
- Station One Smokehouse
- Knights of Columbus
- Pepe's
- Rosati's
- Grandma Rosie's
2025 EVENT & PARKING MAPS
Parking downtown Yorkville is free and available at any of the lots marked on the map. Click on the images to view the maps for River Fest Family Activities and River Fest Event Parking.
BECOME A SPONSOR
The Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to offer you great marketing opportunities during River Fest 2025! We invite you to be a part of this long-standing Yorkville Festival! Become a sponsor now and join us at this year's event! Sponsorships must be received by June 13th.
Please fill out the sponsorship form and return it, along with any questions, to the Sponsorship and Marketing Team at Sponsorship@yorkville.il.us.