On July 6, Basalt River Park will host the first-ever Basalt River Jams — an all-day celebration of live music, local food and the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers. Attendees should be sure to set their picnic blankets by the waterside to get a good view of the day's boat parade and fly rod casting competition. Courtesy photo

This year’s season of summer events in Old Town Basalt officially kicked off. Town Council celebrated a successful Sunday Market on June 16 as well as the first of the weekly Summer Concert Series on June 19. Concertgoers should note that for the week of July 4, the Wednesday concert will be replaced by the new Basalt River Jams — a day-long river and music celebration, July 6.
The Sunday Market, now in its 15th year, returned to its traditional location on the newly expanded and reopened Midland Spur. Last year, the market spread its tents along the path in the River Park. While those Sundays were as well-attended as years previous, some vendors complained about the extra difficulty lugging tables and goods into the park, and some attendees had safety concerns around the foot traffic crossing Two Rivers Road.
This year, vendors have room to unload their vehicles along the expanded Spur, with some setting up tents in the grassy area of Lions Park. From now until Sept. 26, the market will be held rain or shine on the freshly-paved spur from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.
While the Summer Concert Series is typically held every Wednesday night, the River Park stage will be quiet on July 3. Instead, the Town of Basalt asks visitors and residents to instead join Basalt River Jams on Saturday, July 6.
Rather than compete with the many popular Independence Day events in the Valley, the Town of Basalt decided to push its live music programming to the weekend. Instead of a stars and stripes theme, Basalt River Jams celebrates the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers.
Sign-ups are currently open for a boat parade, with prizes available to vessels and crews with the best theme, best costumes, and “most Basalt-y.” The definition of “boats” includes inner tubes, inflatable kayaks or anything small and equally riverworthy. They will put in at Whitewater Park and Confluence Park to drift through town and float past the River Park for cheers and prizes. All participants are required to wear life jackets.
In keeping with the aquatic theme, Frying Pan Anglers will host a fly rod casting competition. With a $10 entry fee, the competition will be open to three divisions — youth (under 18), adult (18+), and pro (reserved for professional fly fishing guides). Participants need not bring their own rods! Frying Pan Anglers will provide all of the equipment and prizes and accolades are available to the best casters in each category.
The boat parade is scheduled to begin at noon and the casting competition at 2:30pm. Sign-ups for both can be found online at basalt.net/683/Basalt-River-Jams
Throughout the day, folks can jam out to live music from five different bands and enjoy libations and grub from local food trucks. Just like at the Wednesday concerts, attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages and are encouraged to dine at some of the restaurants in Old Town Basalt. Due to the crowds, the Town asks dog owners to leave their furry friends at home, registered service animals excepted.
The Town of Basalt is also encouraging alternate modes of transportation to the event, both to support Basalt’s climate action initiatives and to keep vehicle traffic low. Those not too far are encouraged to walk or bike, and those who need a lift are encouraged to either take RFTA or use Basalt Connect, the town’s free shuttle service.
Folks who need to drive their own vehicle to Basalt River Jams should park at Basalt Middle School and Basalt Elementary School and walk or ride from there to River Park. Festivities and music will continue through the afternoon into the evening, with garage-rock group The Velveteers headlining at 8:30pm.