Yampa River Festival 2026

  • Date Sat 30th May 2026
  • Time 10:00AM MDT
  • Location Steamboat Springs, Colorado
  • Price $15.00
  • Races 12 races

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Event summary

Get ready for the 46th annual Yampa River Festival, taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the picturesque Steamboat Springs, Routt! This beloved hometown celebration is dedicated to honoring the beautiful Yampa River and its vital role in the community. River enthusiasts and supporters come together for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for our natural resources.

The festival promises a variety of activities and entertainment that highlight the spirit of the Yampa, ensuring a fun and safe experience for everyone. As the main event unfolds on May 30, festival-goers can expect an unforgettable atmosphere that showcases the beauty and importance of our rivers. Mark your calendars and join in the festivities as we celebrate this treasured gem of the Yampa River!

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

  • Kayak Rodeo - Charlies Hole

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

    $15.00

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

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

    $15.00

    Prearrange your own shuttle. Race starts promptly at 10 am at Rich Weiss Park. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • SUP Surf - Charlies Hole

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

    $15.00

    Grab your board and enjoy the wave at the River Fest SUP Surf Session. This is a non-competitive event open to all skill levels. Focused on fun, flow, and freestyle.
  • Kayak Slalom - Rich Weiss Park

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

    $15.00

    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.
  • Drew Hyde Raft Race - Rich Weiss Park

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

    $15.00

    The Raft Race is held in honor of our friend, Drew Hyde. This is a timed sprint from Rich Weiss 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.
  • Raft Rodeo - Charlie's Hole

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

    $15.00

    Held at the Charlies Hole after the Raft Race. This is an exhibition event. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Pack Raft Race - Charlie's Hole

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

    $15.00

    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.
  • SUP Cross - Charlies Hole

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

    $15.00

    A course is set up at and around Charlies Hole for paddleboarders to complete. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • SUP Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park

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

    $15.00

    SUP downriver race from Rich Weiss Park to Charlies Hole. Race starts promptly at noon. Arrange your own shuttle. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
  • Fly Fishing Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park

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

    $15.00

    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.
  • Tube Rodeo - Charlies Hole

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

    $15.00

    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.
  • Crazy River Dog - D-Hole

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

    $15.00

    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.

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Location

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

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