The Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair originated in 1998 after the success of Anoka’s 120th anniversary celebration. In 1999, the event was dubbed Anoka Riverfest in recognition of the fact that Anoka is the place where the Rum and Mississippi rivers intersect.

The now annual celebration in historic downtown Anoka took the combined planning efforts of the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce and many others.

Today, the event attracts more than 15,000 people each July for one day, outdoors, for some family fun.