Heart of Biddeford’s 11th annual River Jam returns on Saturday, Aug. 16, from noon to 9:30 p.m., bringing a celebration of music and community to downtown Biddeford.

This year, the free event will take place on the Pearl Street veranda, and will feature a wide variety of live music and performances, family-friendly activities, food trucks open all day, and vendors.

River Jam is a huge community event, Heart of Biddeford Assistant Director Abby Leibowitz said, and is one of the organization’s biggest.

“It’s a fun, all-day community event celebrating life by the Saco River,” Leibowitz said.

Throughout the day, patrons can visit community booths, enjoy activities, and grab delicious food from food trucks hosted by local businesses like BK’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Cousins Maine Lobster, Empanada Club, Mr. Tuna, and more.

Later in the day, adults can stroll to the Beer and Wine Garden for libations from local breweries, including Banded Brewing, Batson River, Brickyard Hollow, Lucky Pigeon, and wine from Nibblesford Cheese Shop.

“Banded Brewing and Lucky Pigeon brew their beer in Biddeford, which is really cool,” Leibowitz said.

River Jam will also host a makers market from noon to 4 p.m., where patrons can browse handcrafted products from local artisans.

But the main draw of River Jam is, of course, the live music. Performances will start on the Main Stage at noon with a set from Kouchera, a group focusing on soul and blues.

At 1 p.m., children can enjoy an interactive performance from KindKids Music, and at 2 p.m., students from the Maine Academy of Modern Music will take the stage.

Performers King Kyote, Pete Kilpatrick Band, and Phillip-Michael Scales will take the stage in the late afternoon, followed by high-energy rock and roll group Rigometrics at 6:45 p.m.

“We’ve had Rigometrics at River Jam in the past, and they always pull a big crowd,” Leibowitz said.

Headliner Joe Samba will close out the night alongside a performance from fire dancers, a new addition to this year’s festival.

Born in Massachusetts, Samba blends reggae grooves with gritty rock energy and heartfelt lyrics.

“It’s very chill music that will be fun to jam out to at the end of the night,” Leibowitz said.

As one of Heart of Biddeford’s most valued traditions, River Jam draws over 3,000 people each year, Leibowitz said. It’s simply a great way to get the community together.

“Getting so many people in the community together is great,” Leibowitz said. “Bringing everybody together, listening to music, and seeing all the happy faces enjoying the beautiful weather is what it’s all about.”