One of the truly unique features of Cape Girardeau's annual Riverfest celebration is the opportunity to enjoy the diverse dining and entertainment opportunities offered by downtown establishments.

From Mexican to Cajun, seafood to barbecue, Cape Girardeau's downtown area has something for every palate. And many of the restaurants offer lounges with weekly entertainment.

Riverfest is no exception. Food and drink specials as well as live entertainment will abound Friday and Saturday.

Port Cape Girardeau, 19 N. Water, will feature a food and beverage special for the weekend, and on Saturday Carter & Connelly, an up-beat bluegrass band, will perform at the Water Street Lounge, said owner Dennis "Doc" Cain.

"They'll be playing Saturday afternoon and some in the evening," he said. "Then they'll play their main set from 9-1 Saturday night.

"Typically, we're full all day, with people in and out all day. We're looking forward to a great event again this year."

For blues music there are multiple choices. At Griffin's Cafe and Spirits, 118 Themis, owner Wayne Griffin said the house band, the Blues All-Stars, will play June 12 and 13 from 9-1.

Around the corner at Broussards, general manager Dionne Hoffmeister said Mark and Chris Moore will play blues Friday from 9-1, and Bruce Zimmerman and the Downtown Blues Band will perform from 9-1 Saturday night.

"Our food special for Riverfest will be a dozen oysters on the half shell for $5," said Hoffmeister. "We hope to have a good crowd."

Jeremiah's Restaurant and Lounge, 127 N. Water, will have its nightly food specials during Riverfest and will feature live entertainment.

"We're going to have the band Juice out of Carbondale," said assistant manager Cyndee Holder. "They play rhythm and blues, starting at about 7:30 or 8 (p.m.)."

Tom Harte, president of My Daddy's Cheesecake, which recently moved downtown to 111 N. Main, said he's anticipating a big weekend. The business offers not only cheesecake but a variety of sparkling waters and gourmet coffee.

"We're going to be offering our Mississippi Mud cheesecake for $1.50 a slice during Riverfest," said Harte. "It's a solid chunk of chocolate cheesecake with fudge topping.

"That will be our principal special, but, of course, we'll have lots of other things offered," he said.