Yampa River Festival
May 28-31, 2026
The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is a true hometown celebration of the Yampa River. 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.
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, River Fest is held on 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.
Volunteer for River Fest!
River Fest Photo Gallery
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
Event Sponsors
Supporting Partner
River Fest Event Descriptions
Gear Swap at Backdoor Sports
Come down to Backdoor Sports on Yampa street to swap gear for gear.
Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Race
Pack Raft Race
This timed event starts and ends at Charlie’s 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.
Downriver Fly Fishing Competition
Anglers try their hand at casting and hitting targets near the spectator area at Charlie’s 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.
Open Class Downriver Kayak Race
Prearrange your own shuttle. Race starts promptly at 10 am at Rich Weiss Park.
SUP Downriver Race
SUP downriver race from Rich Weiss Park to Charlie’s Hole. Race starts promptly at noon. Arrange your own shuttle or use Bustache shuttle. Quick-release ankle leashes only.
Drew Hyde Raft Race
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!
Raft Rodeo Exhibition
Held at the Charlie’s Hole after the Raft Race. This is an exhibition event.
SUP Cross
A course is set up at and around Charlie’s Hole for paddleboarders to complete. Quick-release ankle leashes only.
Kayak Slalom
A course is set up at Rich Weiss Park for kayakers to compete and close out the Yampa River Festival on Sunday.
Crazy River Dog
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 Charlie’s Hole.
Tube Rodeo
Anyone can enter. Must wear a PFD to participate. Whoever gets the “best ride” wins the Golden Tube.
Kayak Rodeo
Kayakers show their stuff in Charlie’s Hole.
Have a question for us?
Get in touch! We’re here to answer any Yampa River Festival related questions.