Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT

Date
May 22, 2026
Location
Bigfork, MT
Venue
291 Bridge Street
Start Time
12:00 PM
Entry Fee
$20.00 – $200.00
Events
Expert Slalom, Down River, Giant Slalom, Boater Cross, Lower/Beginner Slalom, StandUp Paddleboard Flat Water Race, Raft Downriver Time Trials/Head To Head, Expert Slalom
Includes
T-Shirt

The Bigfork Whitewater Festival takes place at 291 Bridge Street in Bigfork, Montana on May 22, 2026. This paddle sports event features a 1-mile course and typically starts at noon. Entry fees range from $20 to $200 depending on your event category. The festival draws paddlers of varying skill levels to this scenic Montana location. If you're traveling to compete, plan to arrive with enough time before the midday start to check in and prepare your equipment. The wide price range suggests multiple race categories or divisions, so verify which category fits your experience level when registering.

From the Race Organizer
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MAY 22-24, 2026 The Bigfork Whitewater Festival will be celebrating its 51st year! We welcome you to join us for this historic, local event as either a competitor or spectator this Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Bigfork. 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. This beautiful and challenging whitewater venue has 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. For more information and updates about the festival, keep checking back on our Facebook page and Instagram.

Hotels Near This Race

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Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for May 22.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bigfork, MT. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT?

Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT takes place on May 22, 2026. The race is held in Bigfork, Montana.

Where is Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT held?

Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT is held at 291 Bridge Street in Bigfork, Montana.

Where can I find hotels near Bigfork Whitewater Festival 2026 — Bigfork, MT?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bigfork. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.