Goodbye Bridge Wine Barrel Races

The first wine barrel races under the Healdsburg railroad bridge were nearly 80 years ago. Join us as we revive the tradition one last time!
About this Event

Goodbye Bridge Wine Barrel Race
BYOB – Bring Your Own Barrel!

Join us for one last celebration before Healdsburg's historic railroad bridge is replaced!

Whether you're ready to race or just want to cheer on the competitors, everyone is welcome. Enter an individual or team wine barrel race, enjoy the excitement from the riverbank, and don't miss your chance to take a memorable photo on our stationary wine barrels with the bridge in the background—before this iconic landmark disappears.

Racers are encouraged to BYOB—Bring Your Own Barrel! Don't have one? A limited number of barrels may be available at the event.

🏆 Race & Barrel Awards

There are plenty of ways to win!

Prizes will be awarded for:

🛢️ Fastest Individual Barrel Racer
👥 Fastest Team Barrel Race
🎨 Most Creative Barrel
🌟 Most Beautiful Barrel
🎭 Best Team Theme (costumes and decorated barrels encouraged!)
❤️ People's Choice Barrel, selected by spectator vote

Whether you're racing to win, dressing up with friends, or creating the most unforgettable barrel on the river, there's an award waiting for every kind of competitor. So gather your crew, decorate your barrel, and get ready for a day of friendly competition and unforgettable memories!

📋 Race Rules

• Barrels must be traditional wooden wine barrels—no plastic or alternative materials allowed
• No motors or mechanical propulsion of any kind are permitted
• Team competitions are limited to a maximum of 6 people and 6 barrels per team
• All participants must follow event safety guidelines and instructions from race officials

This family-friendly event celebrates Healdsburg's long tradition of river recreation while raising awareness of the public's shared responsibility to protect clean water and preserve safe, accessible river recreation throughout the bridge replacement project.

No racing experience is required—just bring your sense of adventure, your team, and your barrel! Spectators are encouraged to come out, support the racers, and enjoy a fun day on the Russian River.

Come celebrate our river, our history, and one last look at a bridge that has been part of Healdsburg's landscape for generations.

BYOB. Make memories. Say goodbye to the bridge.