Evening on River Street

Join us on River Street for music, food, and fun!

An annual summer tradition, Evenings on River Street are a Wednesday-night favorite in beautiful downtown Elk Rapids. Come downtown every Wednesday from June 25 through July 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event features food from local restaurants, kid’s activities, live music and more. Stores stay open late and the Social District will be open during Wednesday Evenings on River Street. Discover a new theme each week!

July 16th July 23rd July 30th

July 16th

Locals Night - July 16

LIVE music by Dominic Fortuna & Nick Vasquez

Event Highlights:

(Animal-Palooza)

-4-H and the Barn Buddies along with Divine Purpose Alpacas-Turtles, snakes, and lizards with Raven Hill Discovery Center

-High Energy Author/Illustrator Comedy Duo with Voice Impersonations, Improv, Writing, and Illustration Performance (with Team B Creative- Karen Bell-Brege and Darrin Brege, authors/illustrators of 15 children's books)

Kids Zone at Evenings on River Street!

Come play in our new multi-walled sensory station with
- car tracks
- instruments
- ball drops
- water play and more
Go for a fossil dig or build something at our Lego table. Also available for all ages is oversized games, cornhole, and horseshoes.

July 23rd

Lakes & Trails - July 23

LIVE music by Cold Leather Seats. Cold Leather Seats is an Americana band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their sound has been described as “if the Zac Brown Band wrote a folk album.” Known for their raw, emotional storytelling their music explores love, longing, and the search for meaning. Blending folk, rock, and country influences, their music carries a sense of wanderlust—rooted in tradition yet constantly moving forward.

Since their debut, Cold Leather Seats has built a reputation for powerful songwriting and intimate live performances. They’ve shared the stage with renowned artists, including Full Cord—winners of the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Festival—Drew Hale, named ‘Best New Act in Country Music,’ as well as Rachael Davis, Michigan Rattlers, Armchair Boogie, and more.

With every note, Cold Leather Seats invites listeners into a journey where past and present intertwine, and the open road stretches endlessly ahead. Fueled by faith, family, and the timeless power of music, they’re artistry speaks to the heart of the human experience.

Event Highlights:

Meet birds of prey and learn about their rehabilitation and research with Skegemog Raptor Center.
Boat display by the Elk Rapids Marina and a giveaway!
Test ride an eBike to enter a drawing to receive a $75.00 gift certificate for rental equipment from Bayfront Beach & Bike.
Learn about local water biology with Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association, water trail routes and paddling tips with Paddle Antrim, and nature talks with Grass River.
Visiting organizations of note are Torch Conservation Center, TART Trails/Nakwema Trails, Torch Lake Protection Alliance, and Elk Rapids Garden Club.

Kids Zone at Evenings on River Street!

July 30th

Harbor Days Kickoff - July 30th

LIVE music by Sweetwater Blues Band.

Event Highlights:

Join us in celebrating the arrival of an Elk Rapids tradition, the Harbor Days Festival, and as we start a new tradition with a Cardboard Boat Regatta…on Wheels! Get ready to rock, roll, bump, duck, and speed through our River Street obstacle course in your cardboard creations. You can join the mayhem and compete for prizes. Click here to sign up!

Kids Zone at Evenings on River Street!