Have you heard rumblings about the new music festival in town? Riverview Music Festival is taking over the Riviera Ampitheater on Saturday, September 4, and we’re excited to check it out. Plus, it’s affordable! We gave the hosts of the event, the Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC), an opportunity to tell us what to expect. Check it out below!
Written by: Emily Steele, DMMC
The Quick Details
September 4, 2021
12 – 10:30 p.m.
Riviera Amphitheater, 710 Corning Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
It’s the First Year Ever.
And no, it’s not intended as a replacement for 80/35, which is scheduled to come back in 2022. Riverview Music Festival is distinct to any other local music festival with a dedication to local and regional artists with an eclectic genre mix. If the community shows the love back, we can come back. We’ll be gauging interest in bringing this back.
The main stage features only Black and Brown artists.
It’s no accident that our main stage will feature only Black and Brown artists. We are committed to diversifying the stages in our city and putting the microphone in the hands of unique & talented musicians. This festival is bringing national hip hop, R&B and Latin pop to the festival, along with regional and local acts that Des Moines knows and loves. Riverview Music Festival has two stages, giving attendees a chance to enjoy 15 different acts throughout the day. Click on the photos above to see the whole lineup!
Bringing well-known, diverse artists from across the country to our own city was a major part of creating this festival. – Kuuku Saah, Board President of DMMC
The festival is hosted by Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC).
The Des Moines Music Coalition’s vision is to make Des Moines a music city. From hosting 80/35 Music Festival to hosting summer music camps for students, DMMC relies on volunteers, sponsors, and donors to bring exciting, disruptive, and creative music events and programs to the city.
If you’re wondering how a full-day music festival is less than $40, it’s because companies and donors have stepped in to ensure the festival is affordable for everyone.
The festival will be at the Riviera Amphitheater.
We are creating a neighborhood-based festival in one of the most diverse parts of the city (and state!) to celebrate the talent that lives on the north side. Most of DMMC events happen downtown and we wanted to expand our impact and show up for this part of Des Moines in a more meaningful way.
There will be food — really good food.
What’s a music festival without delicious food? You can expect food like Wingz on Wheelz, a local food truck specializing in serving antibiotic, steroid, and hormone free wings and tenders with over 15 delicious flavors to choose from! They also serve Mississippi Catfish, shrimp, gizzards, burgers, and more. Also on the lineup? Moe Cason BBQ, Tacos La Familia, Baked Kind and more to be announced soon on our social media channels!
You can upgrade your experience.
Want to bike to the festival? We have a valet. Prefer parking close to the entrance? Upgrade your spot to Rockstar parking. Want an elevated experience? Snag a ticket for the Ziyad Lounge, the only spot at the festival to feature specialty drinks from Ziyad Rye. Enjoy the mainstage from the top of the hill, and take a break on the shaded lounge seating.
You can expect to feel safe at the festival.
We are not out of the woods yet with COVID so we are enforcing reduced capacity at the festival to allow for social distancing and ensure everyone attending and involved is safe. You can buy drink tickets in advance to reduce line congestion, sanitize at our stations, and feel confident that you can sit or stand somewhere without feeling crowded. The best way to be assured entry is to buy your ticket in advance; we hope to avoid having to turn anyone away at the door on the day of the festival!
As we continue to monitor the situation we provide details right here: https://www.riverviewmusicfestival.com/details.
