Photos above courtesy of Aitkin Independent Age

MUSIC ON THE RIPPLESIPPI

Aitkin’s riverboat era dates to the late 1800s when steamboats like the Andy Gibson began weekly trips between Aitkin and Grand Rapids, transporting passengers and freight (up to 100 tons!) along the Mississippi River frontage of town.

What was originally a nod to nostalgic riverboat life has grown into a full weekend of events, including a parade, music, car shows, duck races, vendor fairs, and more community events.

Multiple Day Events

Historical Society Garage Sale

Thursday - Saturday 9AM - 5PM
Courtesy of Aitkin County Historical Society
📍Aitkin County Fair Grounds
Ripplesippi Music Fest

Friday & Saturday 4PM - 11PM
Downtown Aitkin
Courtesy of Aitkin County Friends of the Arts
Get Tickets Here!
Medallion Hunt

Monday 9AM - until found
Courtesy of Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
Learn More

Friday 8.1 Events

Rootbeer Floats & Lawn Games

Refresh & unwind while discovering the magic of the library!
2PM-4PM
Aitkin Library
Little Nashville

6PM - 10PM
4+ venues in Downtown Aitkin
Courtesy of Aitkin County Friends of the Arts
STAY Walk & Color Run for Life Friday Check-in

5PM - 7PM
Skip the line & pick-up your kit early!
Petals of Peace
Historical Society Garage Sale

9AM - 5PM
Courtesy of Aitkin County Historical Society
📍Aitkin County Fair Grounds

Saturday 8.2 Events

Riverboat Heritage Days Parade

3pm
Downtown Aitkin
See the route
Enter A Float - ITS FREE!
Annual Car Show

9AM - 12:30PM
Courtesy of Atwater GM
Learn More
Aitkin Farmers Market

9AM - 1PM
Fresh Food, Local Faces
📍Tractor Supply Company Parking Lot
STAY Walk & Color Run For Life

8AM - 9AM
Aitkin County Health Services
Register here!
Pancake Breakfast

8AM - 10AM
Courtesy of Aitkin All Starz
Learn More
📍St. John’s Lutheran Church
American Legion 86 Events

9AM-3PM Craft & Vendor Fair
10AM-Sold out Bake Sale
10AM-4PM Comfort Food & Outside Bar
12PM-4PM DJ&Karaoke
Historical Society Garage Sale

9AM - 5PM
Courtesy of Aitkin County Historical Society
📍Aitkin County Fair Grounds
Kiddy Parade

2:15 Line up | 2:30 Judging | 3 Start
We want the future stars of Aitkin to be in the parade!
Learn More
Duck Run

10 Registration | 11 Start
Courtesty of Rosallini’s, Hazelwood Corp, & Riverview Lodge
📍Riverview Lodge
Learn More
Kid's Zone

11AM - 3PM
Don’t let the kids miss out on having some fun.
Courtesty of Aitkin Churches Together
📍Bremer Bank Parking Lot
Vendor Fair

9AM - 5PM
Downtown Aitkin
Sip N' Stroll

10AM - 5PM
Explore the downtown area bars and businesses bring your drink with you!
Ripplesippi Music Fest

4PM - 11PM
Downtown Aitkin
Courtesy of Aitkin County Friends of the Arts
Get Tickets Here!
American Legion 86 Bag Toss Tourney

12PM Registration 1PM Bags Fly
Hosting an event?

Your Event. Our Crowd. It’s Free, Let’s Go!
Contact us!

NEWS & UPDATES

Click here to see the plans.
Aitkin's Beloved Dump Run Passes the Torch to the Inspiring STAY Color Run & Walk for Life
In a heartwarming and exciting development, Aitkin's cherished Dump Run is set to pass the torch to STAY, a vibrant event that promises to bring the community together for a cause that truly matters. This transition, in collaboration with the Committee for the Awareness and Prevention of Suicide (CAPS), marks a significant step towards promoting mental health and well-being in our community.
This year’s design was created by a DAC Works artist, Christopher Gallagher.
Check out the design!
Ripplesippi Music Fest has moved to Riverboat Days weekend this year!
It all kicks off on Friday, August 1, 2025, with the "Little Nashville" event from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring local and regional artists performing at multiple downtown venues(Friday is Free!). The festival continues on Saturday, August 2, with a street party from 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM, showcasing bands like The4onthefloor, Songs of the South, and Verge .

GET INVOLVED

Your Brand. Our Biggest Summer Celebration.
Check out the possibilities.
Your Event. Our Crowd. Let’s Go!
Contact us! We will add it to the site and help get the word out.
Get Seen. Get Cheered. Get Involved.
Enter your float today.
Smiles Needed. No Experience Required.
Contact us about volunteer opportunities.