Great entertainment for the whole family at scenic Ritter Island
More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts this year at Ritter Island in Thousand Springs State Park, near Hagerman, on Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23. It’s the 25th annual event.
The Festival is the premier arts event in Southern Idaho, held every September, when the park is a particularly pleasant place to visit with fall colors beginning to display and fabulous weather on the banks of the Snake River.
More than 100 artists will display their work at the festival, plus there’s live music on both days, with headliner acts Alturas playing on Saturday afternoon and the Emily Stanton Band playing on Sunday. There will be wagon rides around the island, tours of the Minnie Miller dairy barn, live birds of prey, excellent food vendors and more!
“If you enjoy fresh air, crystal-clear water, beautiful art, great food and fun music, you’ll want to spend your day at Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts,” says Melissa Crane, marketing and sales director for the Magic Valley Arts Council.
The Thousand Springs Festival is one of those must-see, must-do events in the Southern Idaho region each year. There is entrance fee of $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children aged 5-12. No charge for infants and toddlers. The event is a fund-raiser for the Magic Valley Arts Council.
“Love the pleasant atmosphere, beautiful scenery and talented artists. A must-go every year!” says Tiffany Marie on the Thousand Springs Festival Facebook page.
In late September, the temperatures will be ideal during the day. People can visit all the artist booths, go for a hike around the island, take a tour of the dairy barn, go for a wagon ride, or SUP, kayak or canoe in the gin-clear water of Thousand Springs and do laps around the island.
Olin and Shelley Gardner of Idaho Guide Service will be there to provide watercraft for the public to use. Donations for rentals will be given back to the Magic Valley Arts Council.
Here is the lineup of the bands scheduled to play each day:
Saturday, Sept. 22rd
Mosaic Jazz 12-1 pm
The Storytellers 1:15–2:15 pm
Fort Harrison 2:30–3:30 pm
Festival Headliner: Alturas 3:45–4:45 pm
And Barton & Bollar 5–6 pm
Sunday, Sept. 24th
Sons of Thunder Mountain 12:30–1:30 pm
Wilson Fairchild Electrified 1:45–2:45 pm
Crazy Love with Bruce Michael Miller and Heather Platts 3–4 pm
Festival Headliner: Emily Stanton Band 4:15–5:15 pm
Enjoy your time at the Thousand Springs Festival!
For more information, contact the Magic Valley Arts Council or call 208-734-2787. For lodging information, see the options provided by the Hagerman Chamber of Commerce.