Bigfork Whitewater Festival
Schedule
Fri, 22 May, 2026 at 12:00 pm to Sun, 24 May, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
451 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, MT, United States, Montana 59911 | Bigfork, MT
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The 51st Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be happening this Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, 2026, in downtown Bigfork.Cash prizes for men and women’s kayak divisions for overall in slalom, down river, and giant slalom racing. Beginner to intermediate division slalom race. Head-to-head rafting and the paddleboard race in Bigfork Bay is returning for it's eighth year!
This is the longest running event in Bigfork and is one that the entire Flathead Valley looks forward to each year. Participants come from around the world to race. Spectators are also a huge part of this festival and come to enjoy the races and other events held in town.
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. It is the perfect whitewater venue with 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.
While you are in town for all the whitewater action, make sure to check out the vendors, food trucks, and live music spread throughout town! Food truck will be located downtown in front of Lake Baked/the Riverview Bar and there will be a vendor area at the start of the Swan River Nature Trail!
For event information, check out our website at www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
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Where is it happening?
451 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, MT, United States, Montana 59911Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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