FIBArk 2025 Whitewater Festival in Salida, CO
Every June, the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorado comes alive with adrenaline, music, and community during one of the most iconic whitewater festivals in the country—FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas). Mark your calendars for June 12–15, 2025, because this year’s event promises four action-packed days of paddling competitions, family fun, and live music you won’t want to miss.
Whitewater at Its Wildest
From freestyle kayaking and stand-up paddleboard races to the legendary 26-mile downriver race that started it all, FIBArk is a celebration of river culture and mountain town spirit. Competitors come from across the globe to take on the Arkansas River’s roaring currents while crowds line the banks cheering them on.
Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just soaking up the riverside energy, here’s the full 2025 event schedule:
FIBArk 2025 Schedule
- Thursday, June 12
- 6:00 PM — Hooligan Race (Whitewater Park)
- 7:00 PM — Live Music in Riverside Park
- Friday, June 13
- 10:00 AM — SUP Sprint
- 12:00 PM — Crazy River Dog Contest
- 1:00 PM — Slalom Preliminaries
- 3:00 PM — Freestyle Preliminaries
- 5:00 PM — Kids Bike Rodeo
- 6:00 PM — Live Music in Riverside Park
- Saturday, June 14
- 9:00 AM — 10K Trail Run (Spiral Drive)
- 10:00 AM — Slalom Finals
- 11:00 AM — SUP Cross
- 1:00 PM — Freestyle Finals
- 2:30 PM — Raft Rodeo
- 4:00 PM — Downriver Start (Pine Creek to Salida)
- 6:00 PM — Live Music in Riverside Park
- Sunday, June 15
- 9:00 AM — Downriver Finish Party (Salida Whitewater Park)
- 11:00 AM — SUP Surf
- 12:00 PM — Surf Jam
- 2:00 PM — Duckie Dash
- 3:30 PM — Closing Ceremony & Awards
Want to explore the full details or double-check times? See the full official schedule here.
Live Music in Riverside Park
FIBArk’s live music lineup is stacked with artists across genres—rock, funk, bluegrass, Americana, and everything in between. With a picturesque riverside stage, food trucks, and a festival beer garden, the concerts are one of the weekend’s biggest draws.
Music is free and family-friendly, with sets running well into the night. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Little Paddlers, Big Fun
FIBArk isn’t just for seasoned athletes. The FIBArk Youth Paddling Program introduces kids ages 5–18 to the fundamentals of kayaking and river safety. From learning basic paddle strokes to running whitewater with confidence, this program builds skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Plus, it’s a great way for local and visiting families to get their kids involved in the mountain lifestyle.
Don’t Miss It!
FIBArk is more than just a whitewater event—it’s a community-wide celebration that showcases the adventurous spirit of the Arkansas River Valley. Whether you’re looking to race, volunteer, party, or play, FIBArk 2025 is the place to be.
Learn more at fibark.com and make your summer in the Rockies one to remember.
Quick Details
- Event: FIBArk 2025 Whitewater Festival
- Dates: June 12–15, 2025
- Location: Salida, Colorado
- Website: https://www.fibark.com/
