If there’s something that Longmonters love, it’s an entertaining, free weekend community event.

Just ask Sam Calhoon, the government-issued director of fun (aka the recreation program coordinator) for the City of Longmont.

“Longmont is a great community because any time you put on a public event, people will flock to it,” Calhoon said. “They really love these gatherings, to be with their friends and neighbors. It’s this enthusiasm for community connection that makes Longmont stand out — people truly love coming together to celebrate.”

And if there’s something that Longmonters love even more than a good free weekend community event, it’s a good free weekend community event that features a heavy-hitting lineup of live music, fun family-friendly activities and tasty treats.

Experience all of that and more at Sunday’s second annual Rhythm at Roosevelt, which takes place from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Roosevelt Park,700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont.

Formerly known as Rhythm on the River, this beloved annual festival took place for 25 years, every July at Roger’s Grove along the St. Vrain Greenway. The party made a significant shift last year, moving to a new date in September and setting up across town at Roosevelt Park, located closer to downtown Longmont. This revision has been a game-changer for the festival, offering attendees a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures at a more central location. According to Calhoon, last year’s debut at Roosevelt Park was a huge success.

“Last year’s inaugural event in Roosevelt Park was a hit — everyone loved it, they loved the time of year, they loved the location, so we’re anticipating some returning attendees,” Calhoon said. “And maybe some new ones? We’ve got some new attractions that I think will appeal to everyone.”

Those said attractions have been expanded this year to include a mechanical bull (yee haw!), a mobile ropes course, and — perhaps most excitingly — a photo project presented by the Children, Youth, and Families Department of Longmont.

The photo project, titled “CommUNITY in Focus,” showcases a collection of images taken by young local photographers, offering an intimate glimpse into daily life in Longmont. Several of the artists will be present at the festival to share their experiences and insights behind the lens.

“I think it’s going to be really inspiring,” Calhoon said. “I’m genuinely excited for this one — it’s a chance for the community to see Longmont through a fresh and youthful lens.”

Attendees can also enjoy some old favorites like inflatable slides, bouncy castles, axe throwing and even a roller rink.

At the center of the festival, of course, are the rhythms. Music lovers will be treated to nonstop live performances from a variety of acts, kicking off with the instrumental rock sounds of The Beloved Invaders, followed by the rooty-tooty Scott Von & The Portable Groove, outsized vocalist Erica Brown and reggae unit The Alcapones, before headliners Banshee Tree take the stage at 8 p.m.

Of course, no festival is complete without delectable snacks and effervescent libations, and Rhythm at Roosevelt will be overflowing with both. Guests can grab bites from local vendors like Passport Food Truck and Rising Tiger, or cool off with a nitro ice cream cone from Polar Bros. For adults, several local breweries, including 300 Suns Brewing, Wibby Brewing, and Bootstrap Brewing, will be serving up craft brews throughout the event.

Calhoon noted that the festival serves as a farewell to summer and an opportunity for the Longmont community to come together one last time before the season changes.

“Longmont has always been a place where people love to gather, and Rhythm on the River has been part of that tradition for years,” he said. “Now, with the move to September, Rhythm at Roosevelt feels like a perfect way to say goodbye to summer and wave hello to fall.”