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Bigfork Whitewater Festival
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 page and Instagram. or our website https://www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
2024 Schedule of Events
Thursday, May 23rd
Open Camping for competitors. Please check in with Camp host and respect all camping rules.
Friday, May 24th
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Boater-X: Viewing from the Swan River Nature Trail. Registration online, capped at first 16 participants.
4:00 p.m. Flower Float, put in at South Shore Access off Hwy 209. Huge thanks to Forage & Floral for donating flowers!
6:00 p.m. Weekend Boater Orientation, located at Riverbend Stage in Sliter Memorial Park.
After the boater orientation, head to Max’s Market for their 5th anniversary bash! There will be live music from the Charley Echo Band starting at 7:00pm. Plus, $3 drinks, free entry, and food specials for kayakers!
Competition Schedule:
VIEWING FOR ALL KAYAK & RAFT RACES ALONG SWAN RIVER NATURE TRAIL
Saturday, May 25th
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Registration/Check In: – Kayaks, SUP Race, Rafts – Downtown in front of Lake Baked
10:00 a.m. Lower Slalom Race: Powerhouse/ Sliter’s Park
11:00 a.m. SUP Races Begin: Bigfork Bay Public Dock
Tentative: Beginner @ 11:00 / Intermediate @ 11:30 / Advanced @ 12:00
11:00 a.m. Downriver Raft Time Trial: Top 8 teams advance
12:30 p.m. – Mandatory Safety Meeting @ put in (South Shore Access off Hwy 209)
1:00 p.m. Expert Slalom
Sunday, May 26th
8:00 – 9:00 am Registration
9:00 am 1st heat Raft Head-to-Head
10:30 am Down River Race
12:00 pm 2nd heat Raft Head-to-Head
12:30 pm Giant Slalom
3:00 pm Final Rafting Heats
6:00 pm Awards ceremony at The Garden Bar at the conclusion of all racing!