Down by the River festival wraps up as summer’s ‘last party’

Local and out-of-town artists and vendors filled Louise McKinney Riverfront Park with folk music this weekend for the first Down by the River music festival.

While summer comes to a close, organizers of the Down by the River music festival say the event marks the season’s last hurrah.

Artists local and from afar filled Louise McKinney Riverfront Park with folk tunes Saturday and Sunday for its inaugural year.

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“I think everybody’s exhausted after a long summer, so why not one last party,” said event manager Gavin Delainey.

Chaparelle, a Texas-based duo, headlined Saturday with Cat Clyde, Emily Nenni and Leon Majcen.

Albertan artists Shane Ghostkeeper, Aladean Kheroufi, Kip Lily, the Bing Bang Boys, You Me and Zach, Property Management, and Mya Hill also took the stage Saturday.

Shelburne, Ont. native Ruby Water is headlining Sunday with Boy Golden, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, and Damaris Bojor.

Duff Thompson, Steph Green, Bad Magic, Brigadiers are also taking the stage with Edmonton artists the Denim Daddies, the Orvald Wayne Show, Lucas Chaisson, and Zach Moon and Dink Burns.

On top of the music, more than a dozen vendors set up shop at the “Honky Tonk Market,” offering vintage delights and other goods.

Food and alcohol were also available for purchase.

“I think Edmontonians are really happy to have something else to come out to do at the end of the summer before we head into the cold,” said festival volunteer coordinator Saphirah Jamerson.

The weekend saw higher than normal temperatures for mid-September with highs up to 28 C.

Organizers are hoping the family-friendly festival will be a permanent fixture in Edmonton going forward.

Down by the River goes until 10 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are still available.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg.