GRANITE FALLS — Art, community, and good barbecue — there’s a lot to celebrate at Squid Fest in Granite Falls. A variety of events are planned to kick off near the community’s Riverwalk on Saturday.

This year, the schedule includes plenty of family-friendly events and entertainment, said Squid Fest organizing committee member Mary Gillespie.

“We’ve kind of gone toward having more events during the day,” Gillespie said. The fun leads up to the Granite Falls American Legion’s Ribfest Saturday evening.

Squid Fest gets its name from a friendly “river squid” who reportedly started appearing in Granite Falls four years ago. Organizers said the story of Todd the squid emphasizes the festival’s themes of community and being a welcoming neighbor.

Saturday’s events include a 5K run/walk, a disc golf tournament, and entertainment by Dr. R.E. Cycle. At least 20 different vendors will be at the Riverwalk in Granite Falls, along with a variety of local food vendors and food trucks. There will also plenty of hands-on art activities, Gillespie said.

“The main attraction is Todd’s Garage,” Gillespie said. All this summer, members of the public have been working together with artist Christopher Lutter-Gardella to create an immersive art experience in the lower level of the K.K. Berge building in downtown Granite Falls.

“It’s been an ongoing project, and different people have stepped in,” Gillespie said. In his work, Lutter-Gardella incorporates a lot of motion and puppetry, which will help bring the art installation to life, she said.

Music is another part of Squid Fest. There will be live music by local performers, and a performance by the Squid City Slingers on Saturday afternoon. Visitors interested in sampling some BBQ ribs should also check out Ribfest outside the American Legion. In addition to the food, there will be music by DJ Dave into the evening.

Schedule of events

10 a.m.: 5K run/walk

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Vendors, food trucks and local food options

Noon: Dr. R.E. Cycle show at Lende Plaza

Noon: Steve Virnig Memorial Disc Golf Tournament in Rice Park

1 p.m.: Mini parade from street to Lende Lane area

1-4 p.m.: Kids’ art activities and Todd’s Garage

1:15 p.m.: Mike Gill on the Riverwalk

2:20 p.m.: Benjamin and Thom on the Riverwalk

3 p.m.: Kayla Daniels on the Riverwalk

4-6 p.m.: Music by Squid City Slingers behind Bluenose Gopher

4-10 p.m.: Ribfest at American Legion

6-10 p.m.: Music by DJ Dave outdoors at the American Legion