Sandy residents can hop on a bike, grab a paddle or join a bird walk along the Jordan River Parkway next month, all for free.

The Get to the River Festival runs throughout September 2026 with dozens of outdoor events spanning the 50-mile parkway that winds through 16 cities, including Sandy, according to the Jordan River Commission. The commission and the Jordan River Foundation organize the month-long lineup with dozens of local community partners.

Every event is free.

Recurring weekly activities include Pedal the Parkway bike rides, Walk and Talk hikes on Wednesday evenings, Paddle the Jordan River trips on Fridays and Bird Walks with Tracy Aviary on Saturday mornings. Each rotates to different trailheads and access points along the corridor.

Wasatch Adaptive Sports will offer bike lessons and rides on adaptive equipment at various parkway locations throughout the month.

Highlighted single-day events include:

• Sept. 10 — Bikes and Birds, a short ride with Tracy Aviary guiding bird observations near Big Bend Nature Park & Preserve in West Jordan
• Sept. 12 — Live music, yard games and ice cream at Winchester Park in Murray
• Sept. 14 — Family night in Riverton with food, education booths and a short bike trail ride
• Sept. 19 — Free fishing for kids 12 and under plus a free round of mini golf at Mulligans in South Jordan
• Sept. 25 — SB Dance Company's Curbside Theater, an evening of riverside dance and music at Tracy Aviary's Nature Center at Pia Okwai in South Salt Lake

West Jordan is also hosting a month-long scavenger hunt along the trail, and participatory art activities run throughout September, with some competitively judged events offering prizes.

This year's festival spotlights the "Love Your Watershed" campaign. The Jordan River Commission, the Watershed Council and stormwater coalitions across Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties are encouraging residents to reduce pollutants by cleaning up litter, leaves and sediment near their homes and businesses. Stormwater systems along the corridor carry those materials directly into creeks and the river with little filtration, according to the commission's Aug. 20 statement.

The festival also encourages service activities tied to the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, with group cleanups around neighborhoods, schools and parks.

A kick-off event is set for Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Little Confluence Trailhead, where organizers will launch the year-long Love Your Watershed Mayors Challenge.

Some events have limited space and may require advance registration. The full calendar is at GetToTheRiver.org. Residents can also reach the Jordan River Commission at [email protected] or 801-536-4158.

Upcoming community events

• Thursday, Aug. 27 — Get to the River Festival kick-off, 10–11 a.m., Little Confluence Trailhead
• Sept. 1–30 — Get to the River Festival, free events along the Jordan River Parkway; full calendar at GetToTheRiver.org