2025 River Festivals
Whitewater festivals are basically summer camp for river people—except with bigger rapids, better stories, and way more questionable footwear. Whether you're here to race, boogie, or just cheer from the shore with a cold beverage in hand, these festivals are the best way to celebrate the rivers we love. So grab your gear (or your best “I totally belong here” outfit) and check out the top Whitewater festivals happening in 2025!
Upper Wind Festival
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Washington State
Description: The Upper Wind Festival is one of the first whitewater festivals of the year, kicking off in March. Held near Hood River, it attracts a mix of racers and spectators—including the Whitewater Guidebook team. You’ll often spot Zach out there, usually dominating the cat boat race.
More Information: Upper Wind Whitewater Festival
Kayaker Mass Start at the Wind River Festival
Cheat River Festival
Dates: May 2–3, 2025
Location: Albright, West Virginia
Description: Cheat Fest is an awesome celebration of the Cheat River, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers, and river supporters for a weekend packed with fun and conservation. It all kicks off with the famous Cheat River “Massacre-ence,” one of the largest mass start downriver races in the country. The race covers 10.6 miles of Class III-IV rapids, setting the stage for an action-packed weekend.
Most folks camp on-site, making it a totally immersive festival experience. With live music, local food, an art market, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Cheat Fest is all about good times and supporting Friends of the Cheat’s river protection work.
More Information: Cheat Fest Website
Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival
Dates: May 17–18, 2025
Location: Clackamas River, Oregon
Description: The Clackamas Whitewater festival, founded in 1984 by the Northwest Rafter’s Association, is a weekend packed with fun, adventure, and exciting whitewater activities. In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 39th anniversary!
Clack Fest offers something for everyone — from thrilling races to lively campfire camaraderie. Paddlers can compete in a variety of events for kayakers, paddle rafts, oar frame rafts, catarafts, inflatable kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and packrafts.
New for 2025 is Whitewater Polo, a unique event where 2-person teams in single-person crafts race to move a ball from Fish Creek to Carter Bridge, aiming to land it in a trash can to win — with a required pass every 30 seconds.
But Clack Fest isn’t just about the races. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get on the water, see old friends, meet new paddle partners, and check out cutting-edge gear from top outdoor companies. Off the river, enjoy live music, rescue clinics, and camping right at the event site.
More Information: Clack Fest Official Website
Inflatable Kayakers competing in Carter Falls during the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival
Bigfork Whitewater Festival
Dates: May 23–25, 2025
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Description: Marking its 50th anniversary, the Bigfork Whitewater Festival is set on the "Wild Mile" of the Swan River, a challenging Class IV section. The event attracts competitors and spectators eager to experience thrilling races and vibrant community festivities.
More Information: BIGFORK WHITE WATER FESTIVAL WEBSITE
Lochsa Madness
Dates: May 23rd-26th, 2025
Location: Lochsa River, ID
Description: It felt wrong not to include Lochsa Madness, even though it’s not an official river festival or organized event. Each Memorial Day weekend, boaters from all over converge along the Highway 12 corridor to camp and run laps on the legendary Lochsa River. If you’d rather stay dry, bring a camp chair and watch the action from the roadside at Lochsa Falls — it’s pure entertainment. Just be prepared — there’s no nearby town or cell service, and campsites can’t be reserved, so if you’re trying to coordinate with friends arriving at different times, many people use the bulletin board at put-in to leave messages.
More Information: Information on GoRafting.com
Rafters in Lochsa Falls
FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas)
Dates: June 12–15, 2025
Location: Salida, Colorado
Description: As the nation’s oldest whitewater festival, FIBArk is a can’t-miss celebration of river culture, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. This iconic event brings together paddlers, spectators, and festival-goers for a weekend packed with excitement.
On the water, competitors take on thrilling downriver races, freestyle events, and slalom competitions. But it’s not all about serious competition—the Hooligan Race is a crowd favorite, where creative (and questionably seaworthy) homemade crafts take to the river in a hilarious, anything-goes spectacle.
Beyond the river, the festival offers live music, a lively parade, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities, making it a fun event for everyone. One of the weekend’s highlights is the Raft Rodeo, where paddlers put their creativity and balance to the test - "Prizes will be awarded for nothing but silly moves."
More Information: FIBArk Official Website
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
Dates: July 18–19, 2025
Location: Cañon City, Colorado
Description:The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is all about fun, community, and celebrating life on the river. Held each summer in Cañon City, Colorado, this laid-back weekend is packed with action — from kayak and raft races to stand-up paddleboard sprints and some truly unique events, like the legendary Weenie Dog Race. Seriously, watching those tiny legs sprint for glory is not to be missed!
The festival grounds sit right at the town playwave, making it super easy to catch all the whitewater action up close. When you’re not cheering on paddlers (or pups), you can enjoy live music, great food, a cold drink from the beer garden, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re there to compete, spectate, or just hang out, the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is the perfect summer vibe.
More Information: Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Official Website
Gauley Fest
Dates: Typically 3rd weekend in September - 2025 Date Coming Soon
Location: Summersville, WV
Description:When big water starts drying up across the U.S., boaters head to West Virginia for Gauley Season — and the biggest celebration of all is Gauley Fest. Hosted by American Whitewater every September, this rowdy weekend marks the most crowded, high-energy time on the river. It’s a chance to paddle the iconic Gauley by day and party with fellow river lovers by night.
The festival is packed with live music, tasty food, gear vendors, and a massive raffle, all in support of river conservation. Whether you’re running the rapids or just soaking in the scene, Gauley Fest is the ultimate way to celebrate the river community and wrap up the season in style.
More Information: AW Gauley Fest
Feather River Festival
Dates: September 26–28, 2025
Location: Northern California
Description: Every September, paddlers gather on the North Fork of the Feather River for a weekend of whitewater, camping, and good times. Hosted by American Whitewater, the Feather River Festival is all about community, epic river runs, and friendly competition. With three sections to choose from—a Class III run, a Class IV stretch, and a burly Class V option—there’s something for paddlers of all skill levels. Plus, with scheduled releases, it’s the perfect chance to hit world-class rapids while supporting river conservation.
Beyond the river, the festival features a film festival, live music, and a silent auction, adding to the weekend’s festivities. All current American Whitewater members receive free admission to the Film Festival on Friday and the Feather Fest Party on Saturday, so make sure to renew your membership if you haven't already!
More Information: Feather Fest Official Website
Please note that event details are subject to change. It's advisable to check the official websites for the most current information.
