The 51st Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be happening this Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24 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.

For 2026 Events, Race Descriptions & Signups / Registrations – Click HERE

2026 Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 21
Open Camping for competitors. Please check in with Camp host and respect all camping rules.

Friday, May 22

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / Boater-X: Viewing from the Swan River Nature Trail. Registration online, capped at first 16 participants.

4:00 pm / Flower Float, put in at South Shore Access off Hwy 209.

6:00 pm / Weekend Boater Orientation

Competition Schedule:

VIEWING FOR ALL KAYAK & RAFT RACES ALONG SWAN RIVER NATURE TRAIL

Saturday, May 23

8:30 am – 10:00 am / Registration/Check In: – Kayaks, SUP Race, Rafts – Downtown in front of Lake Baked

10:00 am / Lower Slalom Race: Powerhouse/ Sliter’s Park

11:00 am / SUP Races Begin: Bigfork Bay Public Dock
Tentative: Beginner @ 11:00 am / Intermediate @ 11:30 am / Advanced @ 12:00 pm Noon

11:00 am / Downriver Raft Time Trial: Top 8 teams advance

12:30 pm / Mandatory Safety Meeting @ put in (South Shore Access off Hwy 209)

1:00 pm / Expert Slalom

9:30 pm – 1:00 am / Saturday Night Dance Party at The Riverview Bar

Sunday, May 24

8:00 am – 9:00 am / Registration

9:00 am / 1st heat Raft Head-to-Head

10:30 am / Down River Race

12:00 pm Noon / 2nd heat Raft Head-to-Head

12:30 pm / Giant Slalom

3:00 pm / Final Rafting Heats

6:00 pm / Awards ceremony at The Garden Bar at the conclusion of all racing!

MUSIC on the TRAIL
Schedule of Musicians performing live music along the Swan River Nature Trail during the Bigfork Whitewater Festival:

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