Is the concert open to the public?

Yes. All three nights of Concerts for Conservation are free and open to the public. Just show up with a lawn chair and enjoy the music.

What does the All-Access Pass include?

For $50 you get VIP Sandbar access for every show, a free drink ticket each night, entry into the Boatload of Prizes giveaway, BBQ tasting, and River Days Olympics access.

Where is Burlington River Days?

Everything happens on the Burlington riverfront along Front Street in downtown Burlington, Iowa, right on the Mississippi River. Burlington is located in southeast Iowa, less than an hour from Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, Nauvoo, and Quincy, Illinois.

Yes. Free street parking and lots are available throughout downtown Burlington. Arrive early on Saturday for the best spots.

Absolutely. River Days is a family-friendly event. The carnival, Olympics, and concerts are designed for all ages. Kids under 12 don't need an All-Access Pass.

Can I bring a cooler or outside food?

Outside food and coolers are not permitted in the festival grounds. There will be plenty of food vendors and bars on-site.

How do I enter the boat giveaway?

You can buy a $20 standalone giveaway entry, or every $50 All-Access Pass includes one entry automatically. The drawing happens Saturday night.

Where does the money go?

All proceeds support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, funding local parks, conservation efforts, and riverfront development in the Burlington area.

Boat Parade

Got a boat and a trailer? Perfect—you're in.
A rolling celebration of river life, cruising right through downtown Burlington on Jefferson Street.
Saturday, June 13, 2026

How It Works

ABOUT THE PARADE

What to Expect

From pontoons to fishing rigs to boats that have clearly “seen some things,” if it floats (or used to), it belongs in this parade.

No boat? No problem! Sign up your Side-by-Side, ATV, parade float, or walk with your family or best friend(s) and wave! We really don’t care, as long as you have $50.

Spectators line Jefferson Street to take it all in, so expect plenty of waves, laughs, and maybe a few people asking where you fish.

If It Floats (Or Used To), It Belongs!

View Event on Facebook

HOW TO JOIN

Three Simple Steps

No need to launch, no need to get wet—just hitch it up and be part of the show.

1

Register Online

2

Show Up Saturday

Bring your boat and trailer to the 800 block of Washington St., ready to roll Saturday morning.

3

Cruise Downtown

We’ll take care of the rest. Cruise down Jefferson Street while spectators cheer you on.

MAKE IT YOURS

This Isn’t a Polished Parade

It’s River Days. Decorate your boat. Fly a flag. Load up your crew. Keep it simple or go all out—either way, you’ll fit right in.

You don’t need a perfect boat—you just need to show up. Because River Days is about celebrating the people who actually use and love the river.