2023 River Jam

    Explore River Jam:

    Saturday Main Stage Schedule:

    • 11:00 AM Dance House Productions
    • 12:15 PM Twin City Theater Academy
    • 1:15 PM Jurassic Jo’s Dinos
    • 1:45 PM Mr. Magic
    • 2:45 PM Acoustic Nomads
    • 3:45 PM Rigometrics
    • 4:45 PM Michael Corleto
    • 5:45 PM Joseph Gallant
    • 7:15 PM Dean Ford
    • 8:30 PM Coyote Island
    • 9:30 PM Fireworks!!

    Volunteer at River Jam and receive fun swag! 

    Please complete the volunteer form or contact Kiara. 

    Daytime Entertainment

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    Family Fun!

    Mechanics Park
    11 AM - 4 PM
    Free Family Fun is a priority at River Jam! Start the day at 11 am with live music, dance performances and kid’s activities. Challenge your bestie at the obstacle course (bring your towel - it's a wet one!), meet a dinosaur and browse local vendors and meet some amazing community groups!

    Grab a bite at the Cultural Cuisine tent with free tastes from Biddeford’s diverse communities! All this while listening to amazing bands on the Main Stage.

    Keep scrolling down this page to see the full schedule of fun events!

    Dash to the Sea

    61 Front Street, Saco
    10 AM

    A paddle race for everyone on the lower Saco River, with two courses for both the recreational paddler and competitive racer.

    Register online or you can do race day registration at the Front St. boat launch in Saco. Only $15 registration fee per paddler!
    Register Online!

    Makers Market & Local Vendors

    Mechanics Park
    11 AM - 4 PM

    Shops wares from local vendors & makers! Get started on holiday shopping or find something gorgeous for yourself!

    Studio Chickadee, Rosemary Butterfly, Sinful Clay Co., Bug-eyed Co., Creation Lab, Ki ceramics, Mill Pond Ceramics Studio, K.Brann Studio, The Salty Rose, Moirai Tarot, Melt Massage, Shady Knoll

    Community Booths

    Mechanics Park
    11 AM - 4 PM

    Stop by and learn more about the following organizations in town. Learn how you can give back to your community or take advantage of programs available to you and your family!
    Saco Valley Land Trust, Saco Democratic Committee, Biddeford Climate Task Force, Altrusa International of greater Biddeford & Saco, City Theater, Better Biddeford, Art Certificate Program, Biddeford Democratic Committee, Youth Peer Support Network, The Ecology School, League of Women Voters of Maine, My Place Teen Center, City of Biddeford Planning & Development Team, City of Biddeford's DEI Committee

    48' Wet Obstacle Course

    Mechanics Park/Water Street
    11 AM - 2:30 PM
    Challenge your friends!
    Who can get to the end the fastest??

    Cultural Cuisine

    Mechanics Park
    12 - 2 PM
    List of chefs coming soon!

    Charter Boat Tour

    Rumery's Boat Yard
    2 tours available (11 am & 12:45 pm)
    The perfect addition to River Jam - float down the Saco River on the Island Prince for a 1.5 hour tour with a unique view of the Saco River!

    You'll leave and return from Rumery's Boat Yard, which is a brief walk from all the fun in Mechanics Park!!

    Tickets available for 11 & 12:45pm
    Get tickets!

    Try a Boat on the Saco River!

    Rumery's Boat Yard
    2 - 4 pm
    Come try a canoe at Rumery's Boat Yard, 109 Cleaves Street, just a block away from the fun in Mechanics Park (follow the signs up Water Street!).

    We have the boats and life jackets, so just come down anytime between noon and 3:00 p.m. and float on the river!

    Rumery's Boat Yard is a short walk from Mechanics Park, along Water Street.
    dance house productions picture of dance team

    Dance House Productions

    Main Stage
    11:00 AM
    Dance House Productions, located in Biddeford, Maine, is southern Maine’s premier dance studio for ballet, tap, hip-hop, break dance, jazz, lyrical and many other forms of dance. We specialize in both recreational and performance dance classes for all ages.
    Visit their website
    twin city theater academy picture

    Twin City Theater Academy

    Main Stage
    12:15 PM
    TWTA's mission is to create extraordinary theater experiences that inspire, enrich and transform the lives of young people. Believing in the importance of arts education and respect and embrace the uniqueness of all participating, their values are imagination, excellence, respect and inclusion.
    Visit their website
    jurassic jo

    Jurassic Jo's Dinos

    Main Stage
    1:15 PM

    Dinos will also be seen roaming the crowd in the morning - they look forward to meeting you!
    Jurassic Jo's provides interactive and educational entertainment experiences that give dinosaur-loving kids the opportunity to meet and learn all about our favorite prehistoric pals! They provide sensory-friendly and accessible children's entertainment so that little paleontologists of all different needs and abilities can have an unforgettable experience.
    Visit their website

    Mr. Magic

    Main Stage
    1:45 PM
    Join Mr. Magic at River Jam for a captivating family friendly performance!! Take a break from the action while you watch Mr. Magic entertain River Jam with his magical wonders!!

    Besides the Main Stage at 1:45 pm, you'll find Mr. Magic wandering the crowd - be sure to stop and say hi and let him make you wonder: how did he do that?

    Evening Entertainment

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    acoustic nomads band

    Acoustic Nomads

    Main Stage
    2:45 PM
    Acoustic Nomads interweaves jazz and newgrass with folkloric traditions from North and South America, with influences spanning from Appalachia to Argentina. The band's unique sound is a result of the players harnessing these varied musical interests and joyously exploring uncharted musical territory together.
    rigometrics

    Rigometrics

    Main Stage
    3:45 PM
    Portland-based rock band Rigometrics' original music is influenced by classic rock with elements of funk, blues, and pop.

    Food Truck Court

    Water Street
    4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Enjoy food from the following:

    Mr Tuna
    Gotta Be Frank
    Bowlicious
    Empanada Club
    Niyat Catering
    Lady Shuckers
    Crispy Gai
    Oga Suya Maine
    See truck details!

    Beer/Wine Garden

    Mechanics Park
    4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Join us at the Gazebo! Be prepared to show ID regardless of age - even if you're 105 years old, you'll need ID to get in!

    Enjoy beer or wine - your choice - with purchase of drink tickets.

    HoB is partnering with: Banded Brewing, Baston Brewing, Blaze Brewing, Lorne Wine, & Lucky Pigeon Brewing (GLUTEN FREE BEER!!)!

    Michael Corleto

    Main Stage
    4:45 PM
    Michael Corleto, a singer/songwriter/guitarist from southern Maine, plays blues, jazz, southern rock, and country, and his music is "complex, yet soulful."
    joseph gallant

    Joseph Gallant

    Main Stage
    5:45 PM
    Joseph Gallant is where New England meets Nashville with his mesmerizing solo-acoustic country singing.
    dean ford

    Dean Ford

    Main Stage
    7:15 PM
    Dean Ford, a showman in the classical sense, brings dance-pop energy inspired equally by classics like David Bowie and recent music sensations like Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

    Assasi

    Main Stage
    8:20 PM
    Emerging from Aleppo, Syria’s most ancient city and cultural capital, Assasi is now based in Biddeford.

    He integrates the past – a golden era of Arab music and culture – with the utopian future, rapping and singing in his native Arabic.
    coyote island

    Coyote Island

    Main Stage
    8:30 PM
    Coyote Island, a project of producer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Mike O’Hehir, brings good vibrations, dancey grooves, and tropical psychedelia.

    Fireworks

    Mechanics Park
    9:30 PM
    Don't miss the fireworks show by Central Maine Pyrotechnics!

    What better way to end a summer day (& evening) of live music than with food truck yummies and a fireworks display!

    Bring your chairs, blanket or just find a grassy seat!



    Food Truck Information
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    La Kermesse Food Truck

    Serving all Day!
    Open 11 am - Fireworks
    Serving up delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, poutine, fried dough and everyone's favorite pork pie!!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Lady Shuckers!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Gotta Be Frank!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Oga Suya
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Bowlicious!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Empanada Club!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Mr. Tuna!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Niyat Catering
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Crispy Gai!
    Serving @ 4:30 PM
    Learn more about Sweetcream Dairy

    Sponsor Information

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    Thanks to River Jam Festival’s presenting sponsors: Maine Community Bank and Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution. Without their continued, generous donations, much of River Jam would not be possible!!

    Thanks to our Gold Level sponsors: Lincoln Lofts, Pepperell Mill Campus, Riverdam, Port Properties, Ira Automotive Group, and Angelrox/Suger, Pearl Street Development & Fathom Companies.

    River Jam Silver Level Sponsors: Saco Valley Credit Union, Think Tank, Ferry Beach & Conference Center, Keep It Local & Vinegar Hill Music Theater.

    Heart of Biddeford is more than please to collaborate with La Kermesse, Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center, Subcircle, Biddeford Recreation, City of Biddeford, Engine and the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce.

    Parking Information

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    River Jam & Fringe Fest Road Closure Announcement

    Fringe Fest and River Jam return to Biddeford on Friday August 18 and Saturday August 19th. Both events will require temporary road closures; as follows:

    Friday August 18th: Main Street Biddeford will be closed at Alfred Street through Washington Street. Franklin Street will be closed from Main Street to the Palace Diner. All roads closed 3 pm - 10 pm. There will be no parking on that section of Main Street after 2 pm. 

    Saturday August 19th: Water Street will be closed to traffic from Main Street to High Street from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Piersons Lane and Sullivan Street will not be able to exit onto Water Street. Vehicles exiting High St will only be able to take a right turn onto Water St.  

    Main Street will remain open throughout the festival, except for the 20 minutes of the fireworks, 9:30-9:5 p.m.  Cars will not be able to exit onto Main Street from the mill buildings at 2 Main Street Biddeford or 100 and 105 Main Street in Saco Saco during that short period.

    River Jam (& Fringe Fest) Parking Information

    We recommend if you’re driving to River Jam and/or Fringe Fest that you take advantage of parking lots or the parking garage – located at 15 Pearl St. All are a short walk to Mechanics Park for River Jam and an even shorter walk to mid-Main Street for Fringe Fest.

    Parking Garage – Discount for Fringe Fest & River Jam

    The parking garage is only .5 miles (approx. 6 minute walk!).  Simply download the Premium Parking app or pay at PremiumParking.com. Use the promo code FRINGE23 (Friday) or RIVERJAM23 (Saturday) for 50% off. Be sure to enter Zone P4301 when using the parking garage. 

    Walk down Lincoln and turn left onto Main Street – a few hundred feet down Main St will bring you to Fringe Fest Friday night and a few more minutes will take you to Mechanics Park for River Jam on Saturday.

    BSOOB Transit: Public Transportation – Available for both Fringe Fest & River Jam

    • Taking the Silver Line? Use North Dam Mill stop, cross the street to Mechanics Park for River Jam! 
    •  All other lines! Use Saco Transportation Center stop (0.3 miles), turn right onto Main St, cross the street at North Dam Mill to Mechanics Park! (does not include Purple Line)
    • Learn more at bsoobtransit.org

    Other Public Parking Lots – Discount for River Jam only

    • Premium Parking Lots- use code RIVERJAM23 for 50% off
    • Purple Lot: 5 Foss St (0.3 miles) – enter Zone P4305 (To get to RJ: turn right down Foss St, turn right onto Main St. Mechanics will be on your right)
    • Blue Lot: 39 Alfred Rd (0.3 miles) enter Zone P4306 (To get to RJ: turn right down Alfred Rd, turn right onto Main St. Mechanics will be on your right)
    • Red Lot: 75 Washington St (0.4 miles) enter Zone P4304 (turn right onto Jefferson St, turn left onto Alfred Rd, turn right onto Main St. Mechanics will be on your right)

    Save money on gas and ride your bike to River Jam!! New to River Jam this year is a Bike Valet run by Bike BS 

    • All day free bike parking
    • No need to bring a lock as someone will stay with bikes at all time
    • Currently no group ride is scheduled for this event but we’ll share that here if it changes.
    • Want more info on Bike BS? Contact Patrick by email! 

    Eco Friendly Information

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    FAQs

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    1. Is everything free? The only thing that requires money are food trucks and booking a tour on the Island Prince.

    2. Will there be restrooms? Several porta potties will be on site, including accessible units.

    3.  Can I bring chairs/blankets? YES! We encourage you to come, make yourself comfortable for the day! In the evening, vendors have left the grounds, so there’s even more grass to spread out on for dinner & fireworks!

    4.  Food & Drink? La Cuisine (La Kermesse Food Truck) will be in service all day, starting at 11! At 4pm, 8 more trucks/tents come in for a fun & delicious Food Truck Court! Beverages can be purchased from food trucks and adult beverages require an ID (regardless of age) and are only served in the Beverage Garden.

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