Join us for Hudson's annual RiverFest celebration with a range of activities designed to encourage people of all ages to enjoy the Lower St. Croix River and all that it provides. Several local organizations and individuals have collaborated to make "RiverFest - A Party with a Purpose" a success. The five-day event celebrates the river while also recognizing the need to preserve its health and beauty.
Schedule of Events:
10:00 am - 11:30 pm: Hudson and North Hudson River Cleanup
The annual River Cleanup is a core activity of Hudson's St. Croix RiverFest. Community volunteers get out on the riverbank collecting trash and working to help clean up the river (trash bags will be provided). While the goal of RiverFest is to get people out to enjoy the river, the River Cleanup is the "purpose" for the RiverFest celebration.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson's Lakefront Park Bandshell, 505 1st St
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Make and Take Crafts and STEM Activities at the Library
Cloud Spotter, Water Bead Bracelet or Riverfest Headband - make them with friends at the library or take the materials home.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson Area Public Library, 700 1st St
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Carpenter Nature Center's Animals of the St. Croix
Join Carpenter Nature Center (CNC) staff to learn about some of the amazing animals that call the St. Croix River Valley their home and meet them up close!
CNC is an environmental education and conservation organization with the mission of fostering appreciation and inspiring stewardship of the natural world. With campuses on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the St. Croix River, CNC is able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing quality educational opportunities.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson's Lakfront Park - Picnic Point, 18 Buckeye Street
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Invasive Species Control on the St. Croix River - Demonstration and Information
The Minnesota DNR and the Wisconsin DNR are teaming up to stop the spread of Invasive Fish Species such as Silver and Bighead Carp in the upper Mississippi River basin, including the St. Croix River. Come and see the Minnesota DNR's Electrofishing Boat demonstration (water conditions permitting).
There will also be display booths at the Beach House Pavilion. You will have the opportunity to meet the Aquatics and Fisheries Biologists who are working hard to stop these large and voracious fish from out competing our native fish. These agencies will also have display booths with with an aquarium setup to view the fish, technology demonstrations and printed materials. Information on controlling other aquatic and terrestrial invasive species will be available.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson's Lakefront Park Beach House
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Tricia and the Toonies ENVIRO-FUN Puppets
Tricia and the Toonies will bring together viewers of all ages in environmental awareness, teamwork and fun. Learn about the many ways of reducing the amount of trash we generate and to rethink, reuse, recycle!
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and settle in to enjoy this FREE show.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson's Lakefront Park Bandshell, 505 1st St
9:00 pm - 10:40 pm: RiverFest Family Movie Night
Families are invited to enjoy the FREE family-friendly movie ""Moana 2" at the Lakefront Park Bandshell. In this animated move, after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Watch the official trailer.
Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and watch the movie under the stars. Experience this entertain kids' movie outdoors on a giant 40 ft. inflatable screen!
We will have kid-friendly pre-movie activities from 7:30-9:00pm, including yard games provided by the Hudson Area Public Library and the Lakefront Park Tree Trek.
Cost: Free
Location: Hudson's Lakefront Park Bandshell, 505 1st St