If you’re looking for a summer activity that includes all ages and can be enjoyable for everyone, look no further! When we lived up in the Twin Cities, we used to attend a Christian music festival called Joyful Noise. It was our favorite! After the pandemic, this was one of those events that never came back. Much to our delight, this year I discovered there are two Christian music festivals not too far from us. Rise Fest takes place each June in Sheldon, Iowa. Just a little over two hours from Mankato and about three and a half hours from the Twin Cities, this location is worth the drive. There were so many little details that allowed every member of our family to have an amazing weekend. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, there is also Life Light Festival that takes place the Sunday before Labor Day every year. Let’s start with details about RiseFest.
First, tickets are so reasonably priced. Depending on what time of the year you buy them, tickets can be as low as $39 for the entire weekend. Tickets can be purchased all the way up until you walk through the gates, but you will spend more. Did I mention kids ten and under are free?!? Yes, you read that right!
Second, Rise Fest did such a great job of bringing in popular and good musicians to perform. This last year, there was Phil Wickham, Matthew West, Seph Schleuter, We are Messengers, Ben Fuller, LeCrae, Skillet, Leanna Crawford, Jason Crabb, and more. Next year, they have already announced Matthew West will be headlining one of the nights. Boy, did Matthew West put on a show this year! KB and Chris Tomlin have also, been announced for this upcoming summer. Throughout the year, Rise Ministries announces new artists for the weekend adding so much anticipation for your family. Each time they announced another person, we would tell the kids and add some of their music to a playlist. They got so excited for the weekend doing this.
Third, there is SOOO much to do…for all age groups. Not only are there amazing artists, but there’s also activities and people telling their faith stories. For instance, for the younger kids, there were inflatables, crafts, and games. All of these activities were free. Kids could get their faces painted for an additional charge. As for tweens, there was a huge multitude of activities and games. So many tweens were just enjoying time with each other. This included volleyball and several sports I had never seen, but the kids LOVED. Youth (high schoolers) also, had a free section which included more things to do with games, activities, a fun section to sit in, and a rock climbing wall. On the grounds, there is also, a merchandise tent and building which not only included stuff for sale, but also, had a wide variety of organizations that were giving away prizes and candy.
Last, it was such a manageable event, even with younger kids. They do everything they can to make it family-friendly. This includes a mother’s camper for any kids that need a quieter space, a pumping or nursing area, and a diaper changing area. There’s lots for all ages to do, enough space for kids to spread out and enjoy nature while listening to music, and many other families around. Camping is available right off site and there are many cute towns close by with accommodations if camping isn’t your style.
Next is the other Christian music festival we attended last summer named LifeLight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event is FREE and always takes place on the Sunday afternoon before Labor Day. Slightly different than RiseFest, this festival fits all of the singers/speakers into about 10 hours of fun. It’s a jam packed day with lots to do. They changed the location this year and many people were concerned about that. We ended up walking in from about 3/4 mile away, where we got free parking and we decided to leave before it got too dark. Bringing a wagon helped our youngest to complete the walk and carry all of our stuff. Yet, the oldest two were able to walk this pretty easily.
Just like RiseFest, LifeLight had a full schedule of singers and speakers. They also, had food trucks and some merchandise for sale. Another similarity was they had inflatables for the kids and activities for teenagers to participate in as well. One difference, that my kids loved, was that there were BMX riders at Life Light. Not only did they show tricks and do dangerous stunts, but they also talked about God! This was definitely a highlight for my kids to watch.
Our youngest daughter, loves listening to Micah Tyler, who happened to be one of the latest acts at LifeLight. We were able to go up into the “mosh pit” as a family to be no more than 15 feet from Micah Tyler while he performed. Unfortunately, our two year old fell asleep and SLEPT during his performance. Oh to just go with the flow of life as a third born!
Overall, both of these music festivals were such family friendly events that every member of our family from our 2 year old to grandparent age enjoyed them the same amount. Besides the music, there were many opportunities to hear about God, eat good food, and participate in fun activities. Prices were fairly cheap or FREE for the festivals which included all of the activities.
From the opinion of my eight-year-old, he described RiseFest as “the bouncy houses being fun and he loved the games with prizes”. LifeLight was fun because “there were more games and even go-karts to do”. “The music at both spots were great and his opinion was that he enjoyed LifeLight most”.
Things to know about both festivals are they are rain or shine. So, bring rain gear/umbrellas and be weather aware. It did rain for some of RiseFest last year and honestly, having the rain fall as the music was blaring and people were worshiping was such an amazing experience! On the other hand, make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for everyone as it does get bright with the sun and you can get burned fairly easily. Make sure you bring chairs for everyone to sit on or a blanket to make sure everyone is comfy. Last, if you have active kids, bring a small ball, deck of cards, or something little for kids to do during off time in the open space. Outside food is not allowed at RiseFest, but you can eat at your car, which is not a far walk. At LifeLight, people did order pizzas from across the street or bring in McDonald’s which was also very close to the site.
If you check out RiseFest, make sure to read this blog about all the great places to visit near Orange City, Iowa. We found many fun spots and can’t wait to explore more in coming years! Sioux Falls also, has lots to do and you can find some itineraries of activities to do here! Most activities were good for all age groups too!
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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