Bigfork Whitewater Festival
The 51st Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival returns May 23–24, 2026, bringing a full weekend of whitewater racing, community events, live music, and river culture back to downtown Bigfork. Hosted on the iconic “Wild Mile” section of the Swan River, the Festival remains one of the longest-running whitewater events in the western United States and an annual kickoff to summer in the Flathead Valley.
Each Memorial Day weekend, professional and amateur paddlers from across the region gather in Bigfork to compete in kayak, raft, and stand-up paddleboard events on the Wild Mile — a scenic and challenging Class IV stretch of whitewater that flows directly through downtown Bigfork. Spectators can enjoy front-row viewing access from the Swan River Nature Trail, downtown bridge crossings, and multiple viewing areas throughout town.
Festival events include Boater-X racing, slalom competitions, downriver races, raft head-to-head heats, SUP races in Bigfork Bay, the community Flower Float, vendor areas, food, live music, and the Saturday night dance party.
The Bigfork Whitewater Festival directly benefits Montana Kayak Academy, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing whitewater kayaking instruction, river safety education, and river stewardship opportunities for youth and adults throughout the Flathead Valley and beyond.
“The Festival has always been more than just a race,” said Montana Kayak Academy Executive Director David Meyers. “It’s a celebration of river culture, community, outdoor recreation, and the incredible history of paddling in Bigfork. We’re proud to continue growing an event that supports youth programming and helps connect more people to our rivers.”
The Festival is free for spectators and welcomes athletes, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and community members of all ages.
More information, registration details, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, and the full event schedule can be found at Bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
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!