Races

Announcing the Kern River Festival Extreme Downriver Kayak and SUP Races (replaces the Brush Creek Races for 2014)!  Stand Up Paddle (SUP) racers and Kayakers will compete for points in a head-to-head downriver race (Saturday) and Boater/Boarder-Cross (Sunday) with final awards determined by their combined points in both races!

New this year, and taking advantage of Riverside Park's new sidewalks, is a Children's Sidewalk Art Contest.  Free to all children under 18 years and chalk is provided.

Back this year is the wildly popular Hooligan B.Y.O.B "Build Your Own Boat" parade--as much fun to watch as it is to race! This year the Hooligan Parade opens to boats in the Dress Up Your Boat class.  We invite boaters to costume themselves and their rafts, kayaks, IKs or SUPs!

The traditional TJ Slalom Citizen Slalom & SUP race returns; and back again for its 2nd appearance -- a whitewater Triathlon.   Both are held in Riverside Park in downtown Kernville on Sunday; there is sure to be plenty to keep you entertained as you hang-out on the banks of the mighty Kern. All events have easy access for boaters and spectators. 

Please see the Kern River Festival Map for more information.

Entertainment

Kern River Brewing Company Beer Garden &Wine Bar; and Dinner catered by James Store's Sierra Smoker; and awards Saturday immediately following the Hooligan Race. The Festival Silent Auction will be on Saturday, and Raffle on Sunday.

Everyone is invited to come to the Festival and be a part of this long-running whitewater tradition! There is no charge to view any of the events. Sponsor and vendor booths will be setup in Riverside Park throughout the event. Come check out all the latest boats, paddling and outdoor gear!

Registration

New Online Registration!  The Kern River Festival now offers online registration - save $5.00 if you Register Online before April 16th!  And there's more!  Sign your ACA waiver online too.  Avoid all the paperwork, do it all online this year!