The Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be celebrating its 51st 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.

2026 Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 21st

Open Camping for competitors. Please check in with Camp host and respect all camping rules.

Friday, May 22nd

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.

6:00 p.m. Weekend Boater Orientation

Competition Schedule:

VIEWING FOR ALL KAYAK & RAFT RACES ALONG SWAN RIVER NATURE TRAIL

Saturday, May 23rd

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

9:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Saturday Night Dance Party at The Riverview Bar

Sunday, May 24th

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. 1st heat Raft Head-to-Head

10:30 a.m. Down River Race

12:00 p.m. 2nd heat Raft Head-to-Head

12:30 p.m. Giant Slalom

3:00 p.m. Final Rafting Heats

6:00 p.m. Awards ceremony at The Garden Bar at the conclusion of all racing!