Upcoming events.
A comprehensive list of whitewater races, events, and river festivals for the year. Send us a note if you have one to add, or an update for one already listed.
We hope to see you on the river!
Green Race 2024
Event Summary: Between the 170+ racers battling it out and 2,000 spectators hiking into the gorge-The Green River Narrows Race is the largest extreme kayak race in the world. This iconic kayak race has drawn spectators and racers from around the world, humbled Olympic medalists, and been featured on major networks such as CNN. From innovating new boat designs to bringing together one of the largest kayaking communities-this is the super bowl of kayaking.
It truly is “The Greatest Show in all of Sports”!
River: Green River
Location: Asheville, NC
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: https://greenrace.us/
RushSouth Chattahoochee 2024
Event Summary: October 12, 2024
After hosting the largest festival in a generation last year, Uptown is ready for Year 2 of the RushSouth Festival. The event combines nature and music like no place in the world. Our river shimmers as you see blue herons and zipliners fly overhead. Your bare feet can dance on a lawn within a historic cityscape. You sip on craft brews, seltzers and spirits. You’re listening to music deeply rooted in the land your feet dance upon – the deep south. Rock, country, soul, and funk.
You are a part of something special. Something smaller. Something unique. You are celebrating the nature, the music, and the raw beauty of the landscape we love. Welcome to the banks of the Chattahoochee River – Columbus, Georgia. Experience the river by day, and RushSouth Fest by night.
MUSIC: Experience one stage and two national music acts curated by a knowledgeable and trusted staff. The perfect end to a perfect day.
PLAY: Start by checking out artisains at Market Days. Watch or enjoy a rafting trip. Cast a line to see if the fish are biting. Take a stroll or ride a bike along the Riverwalk. Watch kids play on our expanded playground. Seek a thrill by ziplining from Georgia to Alabama and back again. Take a self-guided tour of our fabulous public art. Volunteer for a riverwalk clean-up.
FOOD & BEV: Taste food vendors from around the region while sipping craft beers, wine & spirits.
River: Chattahoochee River
Location: Columbus GA
Social Media: N/A
Website: https://www.rushsouthfest.com/
Feather River Festival 2024
Event Summary:
Release Schedule was announced, dates are confirmed for 2024! Friday, September 27th - Sunday, September 29th. American Whitewater is proud to bring back the storied traditions of the annual Feather River Festival! This festival and fundraiser mark the annual celebration of American Whitewater’s stewardship work on the North Fork Feather River. At its core, it’s a celebration of AW’s successful efforts to restore ecological and recreational flows to the North Fork Feather River watershed and reconnect the community to this special place. The festival is put on through efforts of American Whitewater, Chico Paddleheads and volunteers from the paddling community.
This 3-day festival in late September brings together boaters who run every type of whitewater craft down three distinct sections of river: the fun Class III rapids of Roger’s Flat Section, the exciting Class IV on the Lobin Section, and finally the challenging Class V Tobin Section. The roadside access makes the festival an exciting event for aspiring boaters to paddle alongside some truly world class athletes.
River: North Fork Feather River
Location: Tobin, CA
Social Media: Facebook
Website: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Events/view/?
Gauley Fest 2024
Event Summary: The Gauley River.... just the mention of it causes a whitewater paddler to go into a dream like trance- This event is downriver race on this legendary section of river. Beginning near the base of Summersville Dam, the race ends nine miles downstream. Paddlers must negotiate the ‘Big Five’ on the Upper Gauley and the finish line is at a 12 foot drop called Sweet’s Falls. Over the years, this race has grown in notoriety and participation. The post-race awards party has become a popular event in itself. At the dinner, racers enjoy a buffet dinner, live music, prizes and a great party! SO- C’mon paddle the Gauley like you mean it!
Classes: Wildwater, Wavehopper/Speeder, Slalom, Play Boat, Open Boat, Shredder, River Boards, Stand ups, Duckie & 6 Person Raft Teams! Raft Teams please pre-register!
River: Gauley River
Location: Summersville, WV
Socials: Facebook
Website: animaluppergauleyrace.com
Bailey Fest 2024
Event Summary: It's time for BaileyFest 2023! Since it's Labor Day weekend, we got the land for 3 NIGHTS. No DOGS. Thanks to Denver water, we are expecting to have a bump in flows. We should have roughly 375cfs on Friday and Monday and 415cfs on Saturday and Sunday. While this event servers paddlers looking to run Bailey, there will be groups running Foxton and Deckers. Colorado Whitewater will be running cruises this weekend too, so everyone is welcome, regardless of what class of whitewater you prefer!
River: North Fork South Platte
Location: Bailey, CO
Social Media: Facebook
Maine Whitewater Championship 2024
Event Summary: Featuring whitewater races on two of Maine's premiere rivers: The Penobscot and Kennebec
River: Penobscot
Location: Millinocket, Maine
Social Media: Facebook
Website: mainewhitewaterchamps.com
West Forks RiverFest 2024
Event Summary: West Forks Riverfest is dedicated to offering a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event for the entire family. Discover local food vendors, crafts, informative speakers, live music, raffles, giveaways, and much more. In the spirit of giving back, a portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities, including the Dead River Outdoor Club/Guide Olympics. Join us in establishing a summer tradition that celebrates the Forks area for years to come.
River: Dead River
Location: West Forks, Maine
Social Media: Instagram
Website: https://www.westforksriverfest.com/
Maine Whitewater Championship 2024
Event Summary: Featuring whitewater races on two of Maine's premiere rivers: The Penobscot and Kennebec
River: Kennebec
Location: Millinocket, Maine
Social Media: Facebook
Website: mainewhitewaterchamps.com
American Whitewater Deerfield Fest 2024
Event Summary: Join American Whitewater at Deerfield Festival Weekend on a weekend early in August at Berkshire East in Charlemont, MA to Celebrate Our Wild Rivers. Enjoy a weekend of paddling on the Deerfield River and then join us at Deerfield Fest for live music, paddlesports vendors, and a silent auction to benefit American Whitewater's river conservation and recreation access work throughout the northeast.
River: Deerfield River
Location: Charlemont, MA
Social Media: N/A
Website: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Events/view/?
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival 2024
Event Summary: Festival Fun in the Heart of Colorado. The 14th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season on the Arkansas River. Enjoy summer flows in a fantastic whitewater setting in historic Cañon City, Colorado. Held in the refurbished and family-friendly Centennial Park, the Whitewater Festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled (and whitewater-fueled) events. It's the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed! Proceeds of this event benefit the Cañon City community. All are welcome to register for events or to watch the fun unfold!
River: Arkansas River
Location: Canon City, CO
Social Media: Facebook
Ridgeway RiverFest 2024
Event Summary: Ridgway River Festival (RiverFest) is a family-friendly celebration of the Uncompahgre River and our community with all-age river races, live music, local food and drink, kids’ activities, watershed educational and cultural programs. The highlight of the day is the infamous “Junk of the Unc” race in which boaters maneuver their craft, constructed from scrap materials not intended for river travel, through whitewater rapids and others’ junk, trying to keep it all intact for the 0.5 mile finish line.
RiverFest is produced by the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, a Ouray County nonprofit watershed group dedicated to helping protect the economic, natural, and scenic values of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed.
River: Uncompaghre River
Location: Ridgeway, CO
Social Media: Facebook
Website: https://ridgwayriverfest.org/
Gunnison River Festival 2024
Event Summary: The Gunnison River Festival is held annually by the Nonprofit Gunnison River Festival and governed by a community board. We will be celebrating our rivers throughout the summer of 2024 with local events. The scope of the festival is the celebration of the headwaters of the Gunnison Watershed that flow into the Gunnison River. Many partners have participated creating an evolving environment and influencing the Festival.
The main event is a downriver race on the Taylor River starting at 5:30pm on Friday the 21st. Boats can begin staging at 4:30pm. The race will kick off with men & women’s kayaks as a mass start at Todd’s Slot. Rafts (including any 2+ person duckies) will have two-minute intervals between starts. Race Finish is the take-out at South Bank.
The Festival will continue through the day on Saturday as well. Be sure to check out their website, linked below, for more information and registration. Updates will be posted on social media as well.
River: Taylor River
Location: Gunnison, CO
FIBark 2024
Event Summary: 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow runoff, Salida has hosted FIBArk, "First in Boating on the Arkansas."
River: Arkansas River
Location: Salida, CO
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: https://www.fibark.com/
Oh-Be-Joyful (OBJ) Race 2024
Event Summary: The 2024 Oh-Be-Joyful Race is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th! Mark your calendars. OBJ is a steep creek kayak race. Number of racers is limited. Keep an eye out on their social media pages for updates.
River: Oh-Be-Joyful Creek
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: N/A
Reno River Festival 2024
Event Summary: A river ride at 3,000+cfs! This winter was epic, and the Truckee is raging, so we’ve partnered with Fizzy Beez and IRIE Rafting Company to give you a ride.
River: Truckee River
Location: Reno, NV
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: https://renoriverfestival.com/
GoPro Mountain Games 2024
Event Summary: The GoPro Mountain Games are the country's most celebrated festival of adventure sports, art and music and they return to Vail, CO June 6-9, 2024
River: Eagle River
Location: Vail, CO
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: https://mountaingames.com/
PouFest - Poudre River Festival 2024
Event Summary: Stevens down race is a 12 mile class III-IV+ timed race. Men's long and short boat class (long boat class over 10'), Women's long and short boat class. R4, one division men's/women's inflatable (any multi-chamber boat with a max of 4 people).
PouFest: Stevens down race results, live music, food & drinks, swag giveaway, camping/parking (tent camping only sorry no space for RVs), campfire and good times!
All proceeds go to Running River Benefits
River: Cache la Poudre River
Location: Bellvue, CO
Social Media: Facebook
Website: https://poufest.com/
Dolores River Festival 2024
Event Summary: This year the Dolores River Festival grounds will extend to the river's edge, as it grows bigger and better with all day events in Joe Rowell Park. This community and family-oriented event features numerous vendors, events in and along our beautiful river, great food and drink, and best of all, superb music by national and local acts all afternoon and into the evening.
The Festival is hosted by Greater Dolores Action, a not-for-profit local organization that generates a sustainable funding source for implementing scientific, restoration, and stewardship projects for the Dolores River. The Festival draws attention to the Dolores, the challenges it faces and the importance of preserving it. Greater Dolores Action earmarks all sponsorship donations for festival funding and for river-enhancing activities such as garbage and debris removal, habitat creation and education – keeping your generous donation in the community. Your support of the Dolores River Festival shows your commitment to the preservation of one of the West’s great and scenic rivers.
River: Dolores River
Location: Dolores, CO
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: https://www.doloresriverfest.org/
Animas River Days 2024
Event Summary: Animas River Days includes these sporting events: stand-up paddling, river surfing, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, downriver races, and the local's favorite costumed river parade. Presented by 4 Corners River Sports.
River: Animas River
Location: Durango, CO
Social Media: N/A
Website: https://www.animasriverdays.com/
TBD Yampa River Festival 2024
Event Summary: Date and Times for 2024 are still TBD.
Since 1980, the Yampa River Festival has been the Friends of the Yampa’s signature event to raise awareness about the wild Yampa River. As predictable as the snow melting every spring, this annual River Fest is held the weekend after Memorial Day, typically on the same weekend as the Steamboat Marathon. Over the years, the festival has evolved to include a variety of recreational events in and around the river as well as parties, fundraisers and speaking functions. The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is a true hometown celebration of our friend, the Yampa River. It is with great thanks to all the passionate and dedicated river enthusiasts, partners, and supporters that this event continues to be the gem that it is today, for the 42nd year.
River: Yampa River
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Social Media: Facebook
Website: https://friendsoftheyampa.com/yampa-river-festival/
Big Water Blowout River Festival 2024
Event Summary: Join us in Riggins, Idaho for rafting on the Salmon River, Dutch oven cooking, live music, and all around good times!
River: Salmon River
Location: Riggins, ID
Social Media: Facebook
Website: N/A
International Rafting Federation - World Championship 2024
Event Summary: This is the annual gathering of each nation’s top raft racing teams hosted by the International Rafting Federation. Teams will compete in all four disciplines, including, Downriver, Sprint, Head-to-Head, and Slalom. The competition is scheduled for May 28th - June 2nd, 2024 near Banja Luka in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Europe. The events will be on the Vrbas River there with the downriver race covering 14km. After a brief haitus due to Covid and other issues, we’re psyched that the annual championship is back.
River: Vrbas River
Location: Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe
Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Website: International Rafting Federation
Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2024
Event Summary: The Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be celebrating its 49th year! We welcome you to join us for this historic, local event as either a competitor or spectator this Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Bigfork.
Bigfork, Montana is located on the north end of Flathead Lake, where the Swan River spills into Bigfork Bay. The last mile of the Swan River, known as the "Wild Mile", is a class IV section of whitewater. This beautiful and challenging whitewater venue has a scenic nature trail paralleling the north side, giving spectators front row seats for some of the best whitewater action in the area.
The Wild Mile also flows through downtown Bigfork, which offers an eclectic variety of restaurants, shops and galleries. For more information and updates about the festival, keep checking back on our Facebook and Instagram.
River: Swan River
Location: Bigfork, MT
Lochsa Madness 2024
Event Summary: Many make the annual pilgrimage to Idaho in the spring. There lies some of the greatest whitewater in the western states. Lochsa Madness is a gathering of river runners held every Memorial Day Weekend. Come experience the Lochsa River and all it has to offer. The Idaho Whitewater Association will present another weekends worth of carnage at Wilderness Gateway.
River: Lochsa River
Location: Syringa, ID
Social Media: Facebook
Website: N/A
CKS Paddle Fest 2024
Event Summary: All types of river action every Memorial Day Weekend:
Pine Creek Race will consist of two individual runs through the rapid. Contestants will be required to navigate up to 5 slalom gates during their run; these gates will be placed to steer racers away from potential dangers in the rapid. Winners will be determined by the fastest run down the course, best of two runs.
Great deals on river gear, you can buy new, or used at the gear swap, at CKS River Supply!
We love surfing in Colorado. Let's have some fun in these light hearted river surfing comps for women, men, and kids and showcase some of Colorado’s really fun waves.
Top it all off with some high energy kayak rodeo competitions at the Buena Vista River Park!
River: Arkansas River
Location: Buena Vista, CO
Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival - 2024
Event Summary: This year the festival will be hosting the USRA National Rafting Championship, which is the qualifier for the 2025 IRF World Rafting Championship!
The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival was started in 1984 by the Northwest Rafter’s Association. It’s a weekend of fun and exciting whitewater activities. 2024 will mark the 38th anniversary of this great tribal gathering. This year’s festival will be held the weekend of May 18th-19th, 2024.
The festival became an independent Non-Profit organization in 2013. This organization is dedicated to continuing the festival into the future and strives to embrace the entire Whitewater community.
The Mission of the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is to:
Promote river education
Safety
Competition
Camaraderie
River stewardship
Beyond these noble missions the UCWWF looks to gather boaters together for a rip roaring good time doing what we all love to do. This is the goal of the annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival – to provide you with a place to learn, to challenge, to bond and simply spend a GREAT weekend with your fellow boaters. Please volunteer for the festival!
River: Clackamas River
Location: Estacada, OR
Social Media: Facebook
Website: https://upperclackamasfestival.org/
USRA National Rafting Championship 2024
Event Summary: This year the Upper Clackamas River Festival will be hosting the USRA National Rafting Championship, which is the qualifier for the 2025 IRF World Rafting Championship!
2024 will be all R4 races (4-person raft team) in Sprint, Head-to-Head, Slalom, and Downriver in all age and gender categories as defined by International Rafting Federation competition rules.
The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival was started in 1984 by the Northwest Rafter’s Association. It’s a weekend of fun and exciting whitewater activities. 2024 will mark the 38th anniversary of this great tribal gathering. This year’s festival will be held the weekend of May 18th-19th, 2024.
Welcome out to watch the action, or volunteer for the festival!
River: Clackamas River
Location: Estacada, OR
Social Media: Facebook
Website: http://www.usaraftassociation.com/events/2024-usra-nationals/, https://upperclackamasfestival.org/