Whitewater Festivals & Events in Colorado 2026
Colorado Whitewater helps promote and is a supporter of many whitewater festivals and events throughout Colorado. Come compete in one of the events, cheer on the competitors, listen to live music, shop unique gifts, enjoy local food and drinks, and much more!
April 2, 2026, 4-10pm EST
RMCC Joint Club Paddle
April 4, 2026
South Platte- Evans, CO
May 5 - June 2, 2026 - 5pm Tuesdays
Vail Village, CO
AWC Mother's Day Race
May 8-10, 2026 - Race on the 9th
Pilar, NM
CKS Paddlefest
May 21-25, 2026 - Memorial Day Weekend
Downtown Buena Vista, CO
Town of Minturn Downriver Dash
May 30, 2026
Minturn, CO
Animas River Days
May 30-31, 2026
Santa Rita Park- Durango, CO
GoPro Mountain Games
June 4-7, 2026
Downtown Vail, Colorado
Gunnison River Festival
June 2026, check website for details!
Crested Butte/Gunnison, CO
FIBArk
June 18-21, 2026
"America's Oldest and Boldest Whitewater Festival"
USA Canoe Kayak designated Southwest Regional Team Qualifier
Riverside Park in Salida, CO
Yampa River Festival
June 4-7, 2026
Steamboat Springs, CO
Oh Be Joyful Race
June tbd, 2026
Crested Butte, CO
Dolores River Festival
June tbd, 2026
Joe Rowell Park in Dolores, CO
Ridgway RiverFest
June tbd, 2026
Rollans Park in Ridgway, CO
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
July tbd, 2026
Arkansas Riverwalk in Cañon City, CO
Poudre River Fest
Aug tbd, 2026
Fort Collins, CO
GoreFest
August tbd, 2026
Rancho del Rio on the Colorado River near Bond, CO
Bailey Fest
Sept 4-7, 2026
Bailey, CO