The annual Yankton’s own Riverboat Days is a very celebrated festival in South Dakota. The city of Yankton is also known by its common name the “River City” because of its close location to the Missouri River, thus the Riverboat Days was conceived. The remarkable Riverboat Days is a three-day festival that is usually held each year with fun and entertainment activities. Visitors come to the city via the Chan Gurney Municipal Airport.

Together with the annual Riverboat Days, the Summer Arts Festival is also celebrated in Yankton. Both are held on the third weekend in the month of August. All events are for all ages and interests. Volunteers from the community organize and coordinate the whole festival activities and program and the prestigious event is supported from donations received from patrons. Celebrated artists and crafts people from throughout the Midwest participate in the Summer Arts Festival.

An added highlight of the festival is the food. Ethnic and festive treats are prepared for all the visitors’ pleasure. Foods include chilidogs, fajitas, locally-made ice cream, burritos, onion rings and much more. Included festival activities are golf tournaments, the rodeo parade and a grass drag race for snowmobiles. This year’s celebration is on August 18, 19 and 20.