The Great Lakes Bay Region is celebrating summer in style with the annual Midland Area River Days Festival, running from July 31 through August 3. This popular family event, organized by the Midland Area Community Foundation, delivers days of live music, hot air balloon thrills, paddling adventures, and river restoration in the heart of downtown Midland near the iconic Tridge
The festival begins Thursday afternoon with a community-driven cleanup of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers at 1:00 PM. The event is led by Rivers are Life in collaboration with local groups like the River Rats and Chippewa Nature Center
At 7:00 PM on Thursday, the Main Street Balloon Glow brings hot air balloons to life along Main Street, offering glowing burners and interactive visits with pilots. Simultaneously, a Silent Disco near the Bob Johns Stage invites people to dance to their own music via wireless headsets across three playlists
Each morning from 6:30 to 8:00 AM, hot air balloon fly-ins take place at Chippewassee Park, with competitive balloon flights wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, August 3. Evening mass ascensions and glowing displays continue Friday and Saturday evenings, weather permitting
The festival hosts multiple stages of live entertainment including tribute bands like Atomic Annie, acoustic performances, and headline acts such as Starfarm and Tony Thompson & Friends performing near the Bob Johns Stage. Food trucks will line the festival grounds both days, alongside fun activities like a taco-eating contest, family crafts, climbing walls, zip lines, and a Kids Zone.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Midland Rotary Clubs host a cheeseburger dinner and beverage tent with proceeds supporting local civic projects. Burgers and drinks are priced around $7, with age-21 restrictions for alcohol
On Saturday afternoon, the Lions Club’s Chicken Dinner fundraiser serves 900 meals featuring half-chicken entrees, potato, applesauce, cookie, roll, and water. KidSight vision screenings will also be offered nearby for children
Following River Days, the region continues with community and nature programming through September. The Commons Live Music Series presents free tribute concerts every Friday and Saturday downtown through September 27, with performances themed around popular artists like Taylor Swift and the Beach Boys
The Chippewa Nature Center hosts a variety of activities including eco-dye workshops, kayaking tours, bird banding, forest therapy walks, and Nature Story Hour. Additional programs include hummingbird research, Wee Strolls for toddlers, and accessible experiences such as golf cart tours along the Chippewa Trail designed for visitors with limited mobility
Originating as a tribute to Midland’s riverside legacy, River Days now blends community spirit, environmental awareness, and family fun. The Tridge and its surrounding parks—Chippewassee and St. Charles—offer more than 3.5 miles of walking and biking trails, reinforcing the festival’s mission of promoting healthy outdoor lifestyles and conservation
The river cleanup led by Rivers are Life underscores a larger global initiative to support clean waterways and empower local stewardship. It’s a hands-on opportunity for residents to make a visible impact on their environment and build lasting community connections
A quick look at the event schedule shows Thursday’s highlights with the river cleanup, balloon glow, and Silent Disco. Friday and Saturday feature morning balloon fly-ins, the Run the River 5K, Rotary dinners, mass ascensions, live music, and a fireworks show. Sunday morning concludes the weekend with a competitive balloon flight
Attendees should prepare for a mix of outdoor recreation, live entertainment, and family programming. Weather may impact balloon launches, so early mornings offer the best viewing opportunities. Admission is free for most events, with small fees for food, drinks, and select activities
River Days 2025 brings together everything Midland values—community engagement, environmental care, and summer celebration. Beneath glowing balloons and along river trails, the festival offers moments of connection and discovery for all ages
For complete event listings or to sign up for special programs, visit riverdaysmidland.com or check with the Midland Area Community Foundation and Rivers are Life