Milford Chamber Sets Final Schedule for Saturday’s Riverwalk Freedom Festival

The final Milford Riverwalk Freedom Festival Schedule of Events 2025

MILFORD – “Downtown Milford will come alive this Saturday as the Milford Riverwalk Freedom Festival returns with a full day of music, food, crafts, and family fun along Walnut Street, Washington Street, and the Mispillion Riverwalk,” according to Sade Truitt, a volunteer at this year’s Riverwalk.

Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford (CCGM) and Milford Parks & Recreation, the festival draws thousands of locals and visitors each year to celebrate community spirit and the freedom we enjoy in this country. The event is free and open to the public, offering something for everyone—from a classic car show and live music to children’s games, a pet parade, a family-friendly beer garden, and more.

Riverwalk The celebration concludes with a fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. in Bicentennial Park, a dazzling capstone to the day’s festivities. The show is timed to follow the final set by Plead the 5th Band, which plays from 6:20 to 8:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing in Bicentennial Park, though excellent vantage points can also be found along the Mispillion Riverwalk and in Memorial Park. Parking fills quickly, so arriving early is recommended to secure the best spots.

Another festival favorite is the Duck Dash, a quirky rubber duck race on the Mispillion River scheduled for 3:30 p.m. behind Arena’s Restaurant. More than 800 numbered ducks will be released into the river to race downstream as spectators cheer them on. The event is part fundraiser, part fun—and totally family-friendly—with cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third. Ducks can be purchased online at milfordchamber.com/duck-dash or at booths in Bicentennial Park, near the basketball courts, and along Walnut Street. Free ducks will also be handed out while supplies last. Adding to the excitement, the Milford High School Drumline will perform and march to the river just before the race.

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day and preparation begins even earlier. “We are still need a few volunteers to help on Saturday” suggested Jennie Hess, an officail with the Chamber. If you are interested call the office at 302-422-3344 or fill out the volunteer form on the website.

Below is the final schedule of events to help plan your visit.

All-Day Highlights

9 a.m.–4 p.m. – The main festival runs throughout downtown, with sponsors, crafters, local businesses, food vendors, and activities in Memorial and Bicentennial parks. Duck Dash sales booths will be set up on Washington Street and in Bicentennial Park for a chance to win up to $500.
12 p.m.–10 p.m. – The Red, White & Brew Garden opens in Bicentennial Park (family-friendly; 21+ to purchase alcohol). Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy live music all day and fireworks at dark.

Morning Events

9 a.m.–3 p.m. – Milford Senior Center Open House & Thrift Shop.
9 a.m.–11:45 a.m. – PETriotic Parade registration at the Pet Park Tent across from Milford Library.
10 a.m. – Senior Center Tai Chi with Denise Curtis.
10 a.m.–2 p.m. – Milford Public Library Book Sale, Evetta’s Craft Corner at the Senior Center, and free paddleboat rides behind Arena’s Restaurant.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Kids Corner on the south side of the Riverwalk features games, prizes, bouncy houses, slides, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, and free fire truck rides at Calvary Church.

Midday Fun

11 a.m.–1 p.m. – Senior Center sells crab cake ($15) and chicken tender ($10) platters; Library offers free kids crafts.
11:30 a.m. – Milford First State Club performs at the Library Amphitheater; Senior Center hosts cardio drumming with PACE Your Life.
12 p.m. – PETriotic Parade begins with awards to follow; free five-minute chair massages at the Senior Center (until 3 p.m.); pony rides continue in Memorial Park (until 4 p.m.).

Afternoon Performances

1 p.m. – Tatianna Akinfieva Dance Academy and Diamond Dance Company at the Library Amphitheater; Senior Center Exercise Class with Rachel Susen.
2 p.m. – Milford High School Chamber Choir performance at the Amphitheater.
3 p.m. – Milford High School Drumline performance and march to the Duck Dash.
3:30 p.m. – Duck Dash on the Mispillion River behind Arena’s Restaurant.