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Since 1980, the Yampa River Festival has been the Friends of the Yampa’s signature event to raise awareness about the wild Yampa River.  As predictable as the snow melting every spring, this annual River Fest is held the weekend after Memorial Day, typically on the same weekend as the Steamboat Marathon.  Over the years, the festival has evolved to include a variety of recreational events in and around the river as well as parties, fundraisers and speaking functions.

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With a gem as priceless as the Yampa River flowing through our back yard, it is important to show our respect. The annual Yampa River Festival, held each spring, is the premier opportunity to show our community respect for the river while enjoying spring flows.

The Yampa River flows through 270 miles of northwest Colorado before joining the Green River in Dinosaur National Park. With only a few small reservoirs in its upper stretches, the Yampa River flows mostly unimpeded. The wild nature of the Yampa River is unique among the Colorado River system that is otherwise controlled, managed and tapped to its limit.

Annually boaters and anglers descend on the Yampa River each spring to achieve greatness in their respective sports. Whether you kayak, raft, tube, canoe, SUP, packraft or float another craft, the Yampa River Festival has something for everyone. And if you aren’t inclined to jump on the water yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to spectate, have a cold beer, some great food and show your respect for the Yampa River at this year’s Yampa River Festival.