River Days returns to downtown Midland this week

Hot air balloons, live music, family activities and fireworks will return to downtown Midland as River Days celebrates its annual four-day festival July 30 through Aug. 2.

The free community event, presented by the Midland Area Community Foundation, takes place throughout downtown, with activities centered around the Tridge, Chippewassee Park and Main Street.

River Days begins Thursday, July 30, with a Community River Clean Up from 1 to 3 p.m., where volunteers will help remove litter from the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers.

The evening shifts downtown with Main Street Glow from 7 to 8:30 p.m., giving visitors the chance to meet balloon pilots and watch hot air balloon baskets light up Main Street. The night concludes with a Silent Disco from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Rotary Tent near the Tridge.

The first morning balloon fly-in is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, weather permitting.

The festival picks up again at 5 p.m. as food trucks, the Rotary Cheeseburger Dinner and Beer Tent and Greater Midland’s annual Run the River races get underway.

Live entertainment begins with CEYX at 5 p.m., followed by Elements of Soul from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Bob Johns Stage.

A mass balloon ascension is planned for 7 p.m., followed by a balloon glow at 9 p.m. The evening wraps up with the River Days After Party featuring Stone Street Revival from 9 to 11 p.m.

Another 6:30 a.m. balloon fly-in opens Saturday, Aug. 1, before a full day of family activities.

Visitors can take part in Voyageur canoe paddling from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Kids Zone offers face painting and activities from noon to 4 p.m. on the H Hotel lawn.

The Historical Zone, open noon to 5 p.m. in Chippewassee Park, will feature demonstrations by blacksmiths, woodworkers and local historical organizations.

Evening entertainment includes The Shakedown: A Bob Seger Experience from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. and Miranda and the M80s from 8 to 9:45 p.m.

A mass balloon ascension is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by a balloon glow from 9 to 10 p.m.

The festival’s signature Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show begins at 10:15 p.m. over the downtown riverfront.

River Days concludes Sunday, Aug. 2, with the final competitive balloon flight, weather permitting.

Most events are free to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the weekend. Because balloon launches depend on weather conditions, organizers encourage attendees to check the schedule before heading downtown.