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4th Ave Fest to offer free swimming, music, canoeing and more

Lots of free fun is coming back to Austin Mill Pond next week for the annual 4th Ave Fest, which offers an evening of music, art and recreation.

Started in 2018, this family friendly event will run – rain or shine – from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at Horace Austin Park spread out along the Cedar River’s south side at Austin Mill Pond. Typically, an estimated 400 to 1,000 people each year attend 4th Ave Fest, which is led by the City of Austin’s Culture & Arts Commission.

Various activities and 10 food trucks will be between the Austin Public Library and North Main Street.

“This has been a great way for the Austin community to kick off summer and come together to celebrate the arts, culture and healthy living,” said Laura Helle, who has led 4th Avenue Fest’s planning as a member of the City of Austin’s Culture and Arts Commission.

Austin’s Culture & Arts Commission funds 4th Ave Fest along with the Friends of the Library, Friends of the Hormel Nature Center and Austin Utilities.

Austin Municipal Pool will have open swimming to the community at no charge during the festival.

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and Cedar River Watershed District again will offer free rentals of canoes and kayaks on Austin Mill Pond. Last year’s festival did not feature this due to high water levels in Austin Mill Pond.

Staff will be stationed at Mill Pond’s southwest access near Baird Island to provide a canoe or kayak, paddles and life jackets. Children under age 18 need to have a parent or guardian sign a waiver form.

In case of rain or severe weather, 4th Ave Fest will move indoors to the Austin Public Library. If needed, that decision will be made by noon Wednesday. Off-street parking is limited due to activities at 4th Ave Fest so attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to the event.

JoJo Green is the headlining act, starting at 5 p.m. with a 90-minute set of music summarized as “roots fusion” that blends various genre styles. The St. Paul band has been lauded by music media, with two independent albums released since its inception in 2019.

Prior to JoJo Green, the stage lineup from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. will feature Summerset Community Theatre; Zumba with Geoff Smith; Danza Bolivian; and a Quincenera fashion show. Corny Collins from the “Hairspray” production for Summerset will serve as the stage emcee.

Austin Fire Department will be on the water with its rescue boat and in the pool parking lot with its ladder truck.

Other features at 4th Ave Fest will include:

• Austin Whitewater project display and activity.

• Costumed photo booth by Matchbox Children’s Theatre.

• Water station provided by Austin Utilities.

• Wow! Mobile Metal Lab – an art station.

• Wellness on Wheels – free A1C, cholesterol and blood pressure testing by Mower County Public Health and The Hormel Institute.

• Face painting by the Parenting Resource Center.

• Booths by Pride of Austin MN, Austin Human Rights Commission, Austin Area Arts and YMCA at ACRC.