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4th Annual Sunshine Fest at River Siren Brewing Co.
Friday, June 20 – Saturday, June 21, 2025
River Siren Brewing Co. | Stillwater, MN
Sunshine Fest is back and bigger than ever! Now a two-day festival, this free, outdoor community event is hosted by River Siren Brewing Co. in partnership with Sunshine Baby Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for families impacted by organ donation.
Live Music Lineup
Friday, June 20: GB Leighton (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Saturday, June 21:
Whiskey Burn (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Boogie Wonderland (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Enjoy a weekend of incredible live music, craft beer, delicious food, and community spirit—all while supporting an important cause. Last year, we welcomed 2,700 attendees and raised over $17,000 through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and personal donations. This year, with an expanded event, we’re aiming even higher!
What to Expect
Live Music: Top regional acts performing both nights
Craft Beer & Drinks: Exclusive River Siren Brewing Co. selections, including the release of our Sunshine Baby Witbier
Local Vendors & Food Trucks: A variety of delicious food, shopping, and activities! Family-friendly and fun for all ages
Merchandise: Limited-edition Sunshine Fest apparel and souvenirs
Community & Giving: All proceeds support Sunshine Baby Foundation's mission
Sunshine Baby Witbier Release
A special highlight of the festival is the release of our Sunshine Baby Witbier, an easy-drinking wheat ale brewed with orange and lemon peels for a refreshing citrus twist. Proceeds from every pint sold go directly to the Sunshine Baby Foundation to support families impacted by organ donation.
Support the Cause
Your support makes this event possible! Sunshine Fest is completely free to attend, but donations, sponsorships, and merchandise sales help us continue our mission.
Become a Sponsor
Are you a business or individual looking to make an impact? Sponsorships provide valuable visibility while directly contributing to a meaningful cause. Donate below to become part of the cause!
Donate
Not looking to sponsor? All donations count in helping those navigating organ and tissue donation.
Join Us!
Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family for a weekend of fun, music, and giving back. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
For more information, contact Brian Carlson at brian.carlson@riversirenbrewing.com.
Van Carlson during his five days with his family at home.
Van’s Story
Van Brian Carlson is a ray of sunshine. He was born 12 years ago on June 21, 2012, and, to the surprise of everyone, lived beautiful five days. At 22 weeks’ gestation, he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal birth defect called anencephaly, meaning large parts of his brain and skull had not developed.
Knowing he would likely not survive the remainder of pregnancy or birth, his parents, Brian, and Harmony, decided to use whatever time they could to make memories. They opted to explore organ and tissue donation as a way of honoring their son and giving another infant a chance for life.
Although donation in babies with anencephaly was very rare at the time, LifeSource graciously worked with the Carlson family, Stillwater Lakeview Hospital, and Van’s care team to implement plans for donation provided he lived long enough to be able to donate.
On June 21, Van took his first breath and, miraculously, kept breathing on his own for five days. Brian and Harmony decided to take him home under the care of Perinatal Hospice who assisted in making his remaining time peaceful, giving his two older brothers and grandparents a chance to know and love him in the comfort of his own home.
He passed away in the arms of his parents and was welcomed back by Lakeview Hospital providers and the LifeSource team who compassionately worked to make his donation possible.
The Carlson’s are deeply grateful to those who supported their family and gave their son the opportunity to live and give life. Van continues to be a bright light and a ray of sunshine who touched the lives of many.
