Yampa River Fest 2026

  • Date Fri 29th May 2026
  • Time 6:00PM MDT
  • Location Steamboat Springs, Colorado
  • Price Free
  • Races 13 races

Event summary

Get ready to celebrate the beauty of the Yampa River at the 46th Annual Yampa River Fest on Friday, May 29, 2026! This vibrant hometown festival, hosted by the dedicated Friends of the Yampa, is a heartfelt tribute to the stunning natural wonder that flows through our community. Taking place in a picturesque location, the festival promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a shared love for the river.

Join fellow river enthusiasts for a day of fun and festivities, while keeping an eye on the water levels to ensure everyone's safety. The main event will take place on Saturday, May 30, featuring a variety of activities that celebrate the spirit of the Yampa. With passionate supporters and engaging events, the Yampa River Fest is not just an event; it’s a cherished gathering that highlights the importance of our rivers and the joy they bring to our lives. Don’t miss out on this wonderful celebration!

Organiser's Description

The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is a true hometown celebration of our friend the Yampa River. This year, our 46th annual, we are carefully watching the water levels to host a safe and fun event that celebrates the Yampa!

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. While following all the latest safety guidelines, we hope that our river friends will join us to celebrate this years Yampa River Festival between May 28-31, 2026. The main event is on Saturday, May 30.

Races

  • Raft Rodeo - Charlie's Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (2:00PM MDT)

    Free

    Held at the Charlies Hole after the Raft Race. This is an exhibition event. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Crazy River Dog

    Sat 30th May 2026 (4:00PM MDT)

    Free

    Watch dogs leap into the water and swim back to their human. Owners register at FOTY booth and arrive 1/2 hour prior to event. Event takes place in the eddy by D Hole. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Kayak Race - Mt. Werner Water

    Fri 29th May 2026 (6:00PM MDT)

    Free

    Held in spirit of our friend and previous board member, Adam Mayo. Race starts at Mt. Werner Water. Arrive at 5pm, hard start at 6pm. Prizes will be $300 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third place. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Pack Raft Race - Charlie's Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (10:30AM MDT)

    Free

    This timed event starts and ends at Charlies Hole. All athletes start at the same time and inflate their crafts, then sprint to the A-Hole, enter the river and paddle back down to C Hole. Event starts at 10:30 am. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Open Class Downriver Kayak Race - Fetcher Park

    Sat 30th May 2026 (10:00AM MDT)

    Free

    Prearrange your own shuttle. Race starts promptly at 10 am at Fetcher Pond. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Fly Fishing Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park

    Sat 30th May 2026 (10:00AM MDT)

    Free

    Anglers try their hand at casting and hitting targets near the spectator area at Charlies Hole. Participants must run their own shuttle. Hard start at 11 am, get there at 10:30 am. This event is limited to 10 teams. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • SUP Downriver Race - Fetcher Park

    Sat 30th May 2026 (12:00PM MDT)

    Free

    SUP downriver race from Fetcher to Charlies Hole. Race starts promptly at noon. Arrange your own shuttle. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Drew Hyde Raft Race - Fetcher Park

    Sat 30th May 2026 (1:00PM MDT)

    Free

    The Raft Race is held in honor of our friend, Drew Hyde. This is a timed sprint from Fetcher Park to the Charlies Hole. Any sized raft can enter with as many people as you want in the raft. No oar frames! Arrange your shuttle beforehand and plan to be at Fetcher Park by 12:15. Register at Fetcher Park. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • SUP Cross - Charlies Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (1:00PM MDT)

    Free

    A course is set up at and around Charlies Hole for paddleboarders to complete. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Kayak Cross (Heats of 3) - Charlies Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (3:30PM MDT)

    Free

    Kayakers show their stuff in Charlies Hole. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Tube Rodeo - Charlies Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (4:30PM MDT)

    Free

    Anyone can enter. Must wear a PFD to participate. Whoever gets the best ride wins the Golden Tube. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Kayak Rodeo - Charlies Hole

    Sat 30th May 2026 (5:30PM MDT)

    Free

    Kayakers show their stuff in Charlies Hole. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Kayak Slalom - Rich Weiss Park

    Sun 31st May 2026 (10:00AM MDT)

    Free

    A course is set up at Dr. Rich Weiss Park for kayakers to compete and close out the Yampa River Festival on Sunday. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.

Reviews

Doing this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.

Location

1289 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, 80487, CO, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com

May 29, 2026

Free