memorial day weekend 2026
Save the date. May 21st - May 25th, 2026.
The standing Memorial Day weekend celebration of water, friends, family, music, and the outdoors.
BV Town Party
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a local hang on the CKS and Viking patio. Live music, eats and beats, Paddlefest and Friends of the BV River Park event information.
Live at Paddlefest: Airing of Grievances
Come throw down with Buena Vista, Colorado's premier 90's Alternative/Punk Rock cover band.
CKS Storewide Sale and Gear Swap
Come shop with the pros and gear up for your season of adventure! Storewide deals and discounts @ CKS all weekend.
JK Demo & Paddle with the Pros
Join Team JK for on water demos and support down the BV Whitewater Park.
Pine Creek Giant Slalom
A sprint kayak race through Pine Creek Rapid. This race will consist of two individual runs through the rapid. Contestants will be required to navigate up to 5 slalom gates during their run; these gates will be placed to steer racers away from potential dangers in the rapid.
Live at Paddlefest: Grant Farm
Grant Farm was established in 2010 by guitarist/vocalist Tyler "The Champ" Grant, a National Flatpicking Champion and former member of the Emmitt/Nershi Band, Adrienne Young and Little Sadie, and Abigail Washburn. The original lineup featured Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon) and Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident). Bassist/vocalist Adrian "ACE" Engfer, a veteran of West-Coast touring groups Hot Soup and Dukes of Ted, joined in 2011, just in time for the band's eponymous debut album, released in 2012 on Grant Central Records. Drummer Sean "Magic" Macaulay signed on in 2013 after touring the world with Donovan Frankenreiter, bringing a new energy and refined sound, as heard on the sophomore release Plowin' Time (2014). The final piece of the cohesive Grant Farm unit of today was the addition of keyboardist/vocalist Kevin "Money" McHugh, a popular dueling piano entertainer and session musician. Kevin's pitch-perfect singing solidified the vocal trio with Tyler and Adrian, and the meteoric evolution of Sean's songwriting, along with the other three established composers, were the elements that crystallized into a true collective where the whole exceeds the sum of the parts.
Freestyle Rodeo Competiton
Join Pro Paddlers from all over the World as they battle it out at Comp Hole for the chance to be crowned CKS Freestyle Champ and take home the money.
2026 Junior Inland Boogie Board World Championship
Grab your classmates and friends and jump into a fun, high-energy, judged competition open to riders 16 and under. Divisions will include male and female categories, with competitors scored on style, technical ability, and flow.
Expression Session / Stylie Surf Sesh
The Expression Session is all about creativity, style, and sharing the stoke. Whether you’re throwing tricks, dialing in your flow, or just getting comfortable on the wave, this is your moment to shine in front of the community.
Craft Cross - North Staircase to North Bridge
Fast, fun, and head-to-head—Craft Cross is bringing a new level of excitement to Paddle Fest.
Dog Gone River Derby
Come show off your dog's skills at the 1st Annual CKS Paddlefest River Dog event.
Numbers Race
This time-trial race takes place in the Numbers section of the Arkansas River.
Paddle to the Beach
Cruise through the infamous Milk Run (beginner/intermediate section) of our Arkansas River.
Badfish River Surf Competition
We love surfing rivers in Colorado. Let's have some fun in these light-hearted competitions and showcase some of Colorado’s enjoyable whitewater parks.
Numbers Kayak and Raft Race
This fast and splashy time-trial kayak and raft race takes place in the sporty Numbers section of the Arkansas River! Come race with the best!
Intro To Creeking with Team jackson
Want to race the Numbers like a Pro? Team Jackson will give you the tips and tricks!
Yoga for Friends of the Buena Vista River Park
Yoga with Chandler Wygant at the Studio on Railroad!
Dirty 6 Live @ the Ivy Ballroom
A dynamic and versatile electronic music DJ and producer, seamlessly blending genres to create an unforgettable sonic experience.
Surf Demo
Come give the thing a whirl! Featured floatables for you to try in the Staircase Wave.
Freestyle Kayak Rodeo Competition
High energy kayak rodeo competitions at the Buena Vista River Park!
Barre @ The Studio for Friends of the Buena Vista River Park
Barre with Laura Patterson! At the beautiful Studio on Railroad.
Buck Fever Film @ THE IVY BALLROOM
Join us for a special screening of Buck Fever in the Ivy Ballroom. This cult-classic whitewater film originally dropped in 1998 and helped shape the spirit of modern freestyle kayaking. Packed with raw energy, humor, and iconic paddling footage, this film captures the early days of a movement that still inspires river runners today.
Pine Creek Giant Slalom
A sprint kayak race through Pine Creek Rapid. Come to throw down or watch the best paddlers navigate this wild whitewater race.
Get Slicey! Clinic with Team Jackson
Feel the moves and get to know the Numbers stretch of the Arkansas River while checking out some of the most current boats in the flow!
Storewide Sale & Gear Swap
Great deals on river gear, new and used, at CKS River Supply!
Paddlefest Town Party with The River Arkansas
Buena Vista’s annual kickoff to summer party at the Buena Viking! Live music, face painting and glitter bar, food and drinks, and a huge raffle prize!
Paddlefest Raffle
Afternoon Boatin’ Club Leisure Package!
Enter to Win and help raise funds for our Friends of the Buena Vista River Park!!
