2025 information is not yet available. For reference check out the information from 2024 below:
Welcome to the brand new festival, Minnesota Yacht Club! We're so excited to open the gates of Harriet Island Regional Park for an amazing weekend of live music right on the water! Your Riverboat VIP perks will help you make the most of your weekend with excellent views, relaxed seating, a private bar and more! *Please note - Riverboat VIP tickets are for guests 21+. No children allowed.
We’ve compiled this guide to help you take full advantage of everything Riverboat VIP has to offer. We’ve also included essential info on our general festival details. Be sure to share this with everyone in your group so all are in-the-know. And if there is anything we left off, email info@minnesotayachtclubfestival.com with questions. We can’t wait to see you!
2024 Minnesota Yacht Club Entry Policy
Bring your festival wristband
Please also remember our updated bag policy – and no liquids are allowed to be brought into Minnesota Yacht Club.
How to Dress and What to Bring
Dress for comfort and be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out the door. The festival grounds are a combination of paved surfaces, gravel and grass, so choose your footwear accordingly. We recommend a hat and sunglasses, but if you forget anything, the Festival Store has lots of great merchandise offerings!
Review our allowed and prohibited items list to be sure you are in compliance with our bag policy and to see what items are allowed and prohibited.
Riverboat VIP Wristbands
Will Call If your wristbands were not mailed to you and are at Will Call, you can pick them up at the Festival Box Office. A government-issued ID is required to verify your order and pick up tickets.
Box Office Location and Hours
Wristband Activation
Wristband activation ensures a smooth process when entering the festival each day and allows you to add emergency contact information to your wristband. All you need to do is enter your wristband ID number (located on the inside of your wristband) and contact info to activate.
Transportation & Parking Info coming soon!
VIP Lounge
The VIP Lounge is a private space just for you. This space is your festival HQ with a range of amenities for relaxing and recharging between sets. Located next to the main stage, look for the entry portal into GA+, VIP & Platinum on the right side of the stage along the sidewalk close to the water, then head straight to your VIP Lounge. The VIP Lounge includes:
Exclusive viewing* platform with sightlines of Main Stage
Front-of-stage viewing* at Main Stage* (behind Platinum)
Relaxed seating and air-conditioned restrooms
Private bar with drinks for purchase *drinks CAN be taken to and from the VIP Lounge
VIP Concierge to assist with your festival needs
Lockers and mobile charging units for rent within VIP lounge (available first-come, first-served)
*All viewing areas are limited capacity and available on a first-come, first-served basis. With the exception of ADA viewing zones, chairs are not allowed in VIP viewing areas.
Riverboat VIP: Padelford Riverboat Cruises
In addition to all the perks of VIP, you have access to the Padelford Riverboats!
Guaranteed access to Padelford Riverboats with relaxed seating*, shade, and private restrooms
Private bar with drinks and dedicated snacks for purchase on the Padelford Riverboats *drinks CANNOT be taken onto or off of the riverboats
60-minute cruise along the Mississippi River with complimentary margarita happy hour and DJ set on the Padelford Riverboats each day (prior to pre-headliner and headliner sets, Padelford Riverboats will set sail three times per day)
CRUISE TIMES:
1:30pm - 2:30pm
3:30pm - 4:30pm
5:30pm - 6:30pm
*The seating provided on the boats is first-come, first-served for relaxing between sets and is not intended for stage viewing. Because of their unique design and regulatory characteristics, excursion vessels are not subject to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG). With that said, we make every reasonable effort to assist and accommodate passengers with special needs. We do provide ADA accessibility to our facility and vessels; however, Coast Guard regulations require water barriers (raised thresholds in doorways). All vessels are multi-deck and are not fitted with rail lifts or elevators. Restrooms on the Anson Northrup and Betsey Northrup are outfitted with grab bars and are useable by persons with special needs. The restrooms on the Jonathan Padelford, built in 1969, are not large enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
The Extras
As if all of the above isn’t enough, we also have these fun additions for you:
Dedicated entrance lane into the festival
Dedicated merch store in the Premium area
Express lane at the festival store
Food for purchase available in the GA+ Lounge!