Dawson’s annual Riverfest celebration gets underway today, Wednesday, June 24, and continues through Sunday with a full lineup of family activities, sports tournaments, live music, food, and community events. This year’s festival honors 2026 Gnomes Dr. Arnie and Bonnie Jostock.
Wednesday’s events include Tim’s Food Pride Appreciation Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Minnwest Bank Root Beer Floats and a Coin Dig from 5 to 6 p.m., and Baseball Merchant Night at Nelson Field featuring youth and amateur baseball games. The evening also includes canoe races, a gnome unveiling ceremony at Swimming Pool Park, a co-ed slow-pitch softball tournament, live music at local venues, and fireworks at dusk near R.B. Clay Field to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Activities continue Thursday and Friday with baseball games, a kickball tournament, teen pool party, a senior center fundraiser, golf tournament, and live music. Saturday features the JMHS Riverfest Color Run/Walk, fishing contest, pedal pull, market in the park, children’s activities, tennis tournament, and an ABBA tribute concert. Main Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The festival wraps up Sunday with a pancake feed, sand volleyball tournament, antique tractor, motorcycle and car display, ecumenical worship service, Riverfest Grand Parade at 2 p.m., golf scramble, and live entertainment. Food stands and a beer garden will be available throughout the weekend.
Riverfest buttons, which provide admission to some events and entry into prize drawings, are available for purchase at several Dawson businesses.
