The 23rd annual Riverside Festival of the Arts returns Saturday and Sunday to downtown Easton for two days of visual and performance art, live music, food, and more.

Here are five reasons why visiting the city’s scenic waterfront should be on your weekend to-do list:

THE ART

The word “art” is in the name of the festival for good reason. About 40 vendors are slated to be on hand, with works in paint, photography, ceramics, mixed media, glassblowing, fabric art, jewelry, wood spinning, leatherwork, and up-cycled art. Visitors will will also be able to peruse the Juried Gallery, which will feature 15 pieces of artwork.

The popular Plein Air art competition is also back. Interested in participating? Registration will be open from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Painting will take place both days and end at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Winners will be announced 4 p.m. Sunday.

THE MUSIC

A robust and eclectic lineup of live music is also on tap. Highlights include rock trio Doyle and the Dudes (be sure not to miss their souped-up take on the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want it That Way”), Latin rhythm outfit Rio Bossa, reggae group Small Axe, singer-songwriters Jordan White and Cubbage, jam-soul band The Moondogs, and Easton’s own Roi and the Secret People.

Here is the full schedule:

SATURDAY

10-10:45 a.m.: Joey O (Scott Park)
10-10:45 a.m.: Doug Kaitz (Riverside Park)
11-11:45 a.m.: Doyle and the Dudes (Scott Park)
11-11:45 a.m.: Jordan White (Riverside Park)
Noon-12:45 p.m.: The Moondogs (Scott Park)
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Helsey Duster (Riverside Park)
1-1:45 p.m.: Scott Marshall Band (Scott Park)
1-5 p.m.: Open mic with Helsey Duster (Riverside Park)
2-2:45 p.m.: Cubbage (Scott Park)
3-3:45 p.m.: John Cannavo Band (Scott Park)
4-5 p.m.: Lou Franco Project (Scott Park)

SUNDAY

10-10:45 a.m.: Rio Bossa (Scott Park)
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: School of Rock (Riverside Park)
11-11:45 a.m.: Mind & Soul (Scott Park)
Noon-12:45 p.m.: The Dr. Dick Show (Scott Park)
1-1:45 p.m.: Small Axe (Scott Park)
2-2:45 p.m.: Billy Bauer Band (Scott Park)
3-3:45 p.m.: Roi and the Secret People (Scott Park)
4-5 p.m.: Dear Anna (Scott Park)

THE FOOD

In addition to visual and audio stimulation, fill your stomach with a variety of festival fare. Birthright Brewing Company, Ferraras Family Concessions, Tierra del Fuego, and Kona Ice will be on site both days. Adding to the mix on Sunday will be Aman’s Indian Cuisine and Dave’s Hot Dogs.

THE LOCATION

What better to view to take in a plethora of art and music that where the Delaware and Lehigh rivers converge? Riverside and Scott parks are terrific family-friendly destinations making for even more enjoyable festival experience.

THE ACTIVITIES

While there is plenty for mom and dad to do at the festival, the interactive tent area offers kids the chance to express their own creativity through chalk art, painting, colored pencil design and/or hooping.

For more information, visit eastonriversidefest.org.