Schedule of Events

There's something for everyone at Sturgeon Fest- from the youngest fry to to the adults who have swam many a mile. See below for the schedule!

11am - HARBOR FEST BEGINS
The Harbor District’s annual street festival Harbor Fest combines the celebration of Milwaukee’s harbor with the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Boat Parade and Sturgeon Fest by Riveredge Nature Center. Harbor Fest celebrates all things fish, water, and boats. Attendees can expect food and drink, live music, art, a fish petting zoo, activities for families like learning how to clean a fish, shopping from local makers, and information and goodies from our business tent featuring Milwaukee’s Harbor District businesses, and more!

12pm STURGEON FEST KICKOFF
At noon, we will have announcements at the main stage to recognize all the important work that went into making the Fest possible, hand out awards, and celebrate our team. We will then witness a Native American sturgeon blessing to recognize the important cultural value that the sturgeon holds for our region's indigenous people. The first sturgeon will be released after the blessing!

12pm - 2pm - STURGEON RELEASE
From noon to 2pm, we will have sturgeon release! The best way to make sure you'll be able to hand-release a sturgeon is to reserve your sponsored sturgeon in advance. We will also have day-of registration for any unclaimed fish. Get your registration slip and enter the line to release your fish at the dock in the Riveredge area of the Fest! Don't forget to name your sturgeon before setting him or her free to her native ecosystem.

FEST & FUN CONTINUES until 3pm