RiseFest 2026 kicks off today in Sheldon, Iowa, bringing together thousands of believers for one of the Midwest's largest Christian music festivals.
The two-day event, running June 12-13 at the RiseFest Festival Grounds, features a lineup spanning worship, hip-hop, and country-influenced Christian music. Friday's bill includes Josiah Queen, Ben Fuller, and Terrian, while Saturday's headliners include GRAMMY-nominated worship artist Phil Wickham, along with Hulvey, Katy Nichole, Allison Eide, and Warren Peay.
Beyond the music, RiseFest features seminars, a prayer tent, kids and youth zones, and speakers including founder Rob Roozeboom and evangelist Trinity Queen, who is married to Josiah Queen.
What sets RiseFest apart is its mission. Organizers are hoping to draw more than 25,000 attendees this year - not simply to set a record, but to launch a larger movement of reaching 2.5 million people with the hope of Jesus. The festival, now in its third decade, was founded by Roozeboom after he encountered what he describes as the transforming grace of Jesus following a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy as a child.
For families, kids 10 and under get free admission, and the grounds include a Kids Zone, Tween Area, and Youth Area with activities throughout the weekend.
Whether attending in person or following along online, RiseFest 2026 offers a reminder that for two days in northwest Iowa, ordinary ground becomes a place to worship, connect, and be encouraged in faith.
