Sunday
Sunday wraps up Riverfest with an entertaining candy-filled parade, Sunday Funday festivities, annual Duck Race, Citizen of the Year recognition, and the crowning of Monticello’s Royal Ambassadors.
Worship Service
TBD
Monticello High School, 5225 School Boulevard, Monticello, MN 55362
A community Worship Service is a Riverfest tradition! We are still finalizing details and will share them here as soon as possible.
Parade
11 a.m.
West 3rd Street - Walnut Street - West 6th Street
Find your poodle skirt, polish your saddle shoes, and grease back your hair! It’s time for the 2026 Back-to-the-50s Riverfest Parade!
This year’s parade begins at 11 a.m. - an hour earlier than in years past. This allows plenty of time for parade goers to get to Ellison Park after the parade to enjoy Sunday Funday festivities.
The annual Riverfest Parade brings a crowd and delivers fun for the entire family. Bring your lawn chair and show off your parade wave!
The parade starts on 3rd Street at the Monticello American Legion Club and heads East to Walnut Street. Then it takes a right on Walnut Street and heads South until 6th Street. The Parade takes a right on 6th Street and heads West to Minnesota Street where it turns South and ends on 7th Street.
Head to Ellison Park after the parade for Sunday Funday food and activities!
Sunday Funday
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Sunday Funday is back at Ellison Park with beautiful views of the Mississippi River and mature shade trees!
Sunday Funday offers a festive scene with live music, food trucks, Bingo, and a pop-up splash pad. Bounce houses and inflatables are also available with ticketed entry.
The annual Duck Race drops at 2:30 p.m. then head to the stage for Monticello’s Royal Ambassador Coronation at 2:45 p.m. and Citizen of the Year at 3:30 p.m.
Duck Race
2:30 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
The Riverfest ducks are headed back to the mighty Mississippi for their annual river race!
In the weeks leading up to Riverfest, watch for Duck Adoption booths at businesses in Monticello! For a suggested donation of $5 or more, you can adopt an official Riverfest Duck to compete in the annual Duck Race.
The Riverfest ducks (don’t worry - they are the little, yellow, plastic variety) are dumped off the Highway 25 Mississippi River Bridge for a quick float to Ellison Park where 30 lucky ducks win cash prizes.
So be sure to adopt your Riverfest Ducks, support our community celebration, and try your chance at winning big!
Duck Prizes
$2,500 for 1st Place
$1,000 for 2nd Place through 6th Place
$100 for 7th Place through 29th Place
$100 for Last Place
Follow Monticello Riverfest on Facebook for Duck Adoption locations.
Coronation
2:45 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Cheer on the Monticello Royal Ambassadors and Candidates at Coronation!
Monticello’s Royal Ambassadors are crowned each year at Riverfest from an impressive group of candidates.
Royal ambassadors volunteer and attend numerous events throughout the region to represent and promote Monticello. In addition to being wonderful representatives and ambassadors, the Royal Ambassador program cultivates personal growth in the areas of confidence, time management, public speaking, collaboration, communication, and volunteerism.
Follow Monticello Royal Ambassador Program on Facebook for photos, events, and program information.
Citizen of the Year
3:30 p.m.
Ellison Park, 811 East River Street, Monticello, MN 55362
Citizen of the Year is awarded to an individual who helps make Monticello great!
Fabulous people make Monticello a wonderful place to live. Each year, Riverfest recognizes an individual whose contributions stand out and inspire others.