Yampa River Festival
About the Event
The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is a true hometown celebration of our friend the Yampa River. This year, our 46th annual, we are carefully watching the water levels to host a safe and fun event that celebrates the Yampa!
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. While following all the latest safety guidelines, we hope that our river friends will join us to celebrate this year’s Yampa River Festival between May 28-31, 2026. The main event is on Saturday, May 30.
The Yampa River Festival brings an exciting Kayak Rodeo - Charlie’s Hole, Open Class Downriver Kayak Race - Rich Weiss Park, SUP Surf - Charlie’s Hole, Drew Hyde Raft Race - Rich Weiss Park, Raft Rodeo - Charlie's Hole, Pack Raft Race - Charlie's Hole, SUP Cross - Charlie’s Hole, SUP Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park, Fly Fishing Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park, Tube Rodeo - Charlie’s Hole, Crazy River Dog - D-Hole, Kayak Slalom - Rich Weiss Park to Steamboat Springs, Colorado on May 30, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!
Races Offered
Paddle sports
Kayak Rodeo - Charlie’s Hole
Kayakers show their stuff in Charlie’s Hole. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Open Class Downriver Kayak Race - Rich Weiss Park
Prearrange your own shuttle. Race starts promptly at 10 am at Rich Weiss Park. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
SUP Surf - Charlie’s Hole
Grab your board and enjoy the wave at the River Fest SUP Surf Session. This is a non-competitive event open to all skill levels. Focused on fun, flow, and freestyle.
Drew Hyde Raft Race - Rich Weiss Park
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! Arrange your shuttle beforehand and plan to be at Fetcher Park by 12:15. Register at Fetcher Park. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Raft Rodeo - Charlie's Hole
Held at the Charlie’s Hole after the Raft Race. This is an exhibition event. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Pack Raft Race - Charlie's Hole
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. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
SUP Cross - Charlie’s Hole
A course is set up at and around Charlie’s Hole for paddleboarders to complete. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
SUP Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park
SUP downriver race from Rich Weiss Park to Charlie’s Hole. Race starts promptly at noon. Arrange your own shuttle. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Fly Fishing Downriver Race - Rich Weiss Park
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. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Tube Rodeo - Charlie’s Hole
Anyone can enter. Must wear a PFD to participate. Whoever gets the “best ride” wins the Golden Tube. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Kayak Slalom - Rich Weiss Park
A course is set up at Dr. Rich Weiss Park for kayakers to compete and close out the Yampa River Festival on Sunday. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Swimming
Crazy River Dog - D-Hole
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 D Hole. Make sure to arrive 30 Minutes before your event starts.
Weather Overview
These values represent the 1-year monthly averages for May in Steamboat Springs.
About Steamboat Springs
Yampa River Festival takes place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States. The local timezone is America/Denver.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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Steamboat Springs Youth Track & Field Camp
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OUTLAW GRAVEL
The Steamboat Marathon
Steamboat Springs Youth Track & Field Camp