Father Hennepin Fest Takes Over Champlin Riverfront All Weekend

Champlin’s riverfront is set to crank up the volume this Thursday as the Mississippi Crossings Summer Series returns, with cover-band favorite Good for Gary kicking things off at 6 p.m. The concert is the opening act for the Father Hennepin Festival, running Thursday through Sunday and packing the area with food trucks, the Freedom 250 truck museum and a full carnival split between Mississippi Crossings and Chandler Park. Free shuttle service, family activities and an open skate at the Champlin Ice Forum round out a weekend that is basically Champlin’s unofficial summer block party.

Thursday's lineup and highlights

Good for Gary is scheduled to play from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mississippi Crossings, with the Freedom 250 Truck Museum rolling in by late afternoon. Over at Chandler Park, the carnival is set to run from 5 to 10 p.m., while the Champlin Ice Forum hosts an open skate from 5 to 7 p.m. These events are listed by the City of Champlin.

Food, family-friendly rules and pets

Food trucks and concessions will open in the early evening, serving up snacks, meals and beverages all along the riverfront. Organizers are keeping things family friendly, asking that dogs stay leashed and that owners clean up after their pets. Festivalgoers can start setting out chairs and blankets after 3 p.m., and coolers may be inspected at the gate, according to Minnesota Parent.

Shuttle, parking and practical tips

To cut down on parking headaches, free First Student shuttle buses will run to and from the festival. Pick-up spots include the Champlin Ice Forum, Jerry Ruppelius Athletic Complex (JRAC) and Andrews Park, with drop-off locations at Hennepin Landing by Chandler Park and 327 Dean Ave, according to the City of Champlin. On Thursday, shuttles operate roughly from 5 to 10 p.m., with longer hours later in the weekend. Drivers are advised to follow posted signs and use the pedestrian tunnel from Dean Avenue if the main Mississippi Crossings lot fills up.

Where to find tickets and updates

Advance concert tickets and the full festival schedule are posted at FatherHennepinFestival.com, while the City of Champlin has shared photos and on-the-ground notes from organizers. Festivalgoers are encouraged to check the festival site or the city’s social channels before heading out for any last-minute updates.