52nd Kern River Whitewater Festival, located in Riverside Park in Kernville, California. Host: Kern Valley River Council, a California Non-Profit Organization.
April 28 & 29, 2018
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Events
The Kern River Festival begins on Friday with Event Setup at Riverside Park, Registration, and a Downriver Fun Race to Town.
The Kern River Festival Wild & Scenic Triathlon is Saturday morning. The Triathlon course has been updated to include trail run and mountain bike legs, and the whitewater leg from the SCE power house to Kernville.
The Brush Creek Extreme Race is noon Saturday -- complete with waterfalls, slides, a great granite amphitheater for spectator viewing.
The Hyside Mini-me Head-to-Head Raft Races are Saturday afternoon.
Taking advantage of Riverside Park's new sidewalks is a Children's Sidewalk Art Contest Saturday afternoon. Free to all children under 18 years and chalk is provided.
Also on Saturday at Riverside Park is the Festival Silent Auction, with a wonderful dinner provided by Sierra Gateway Market, and live music Saturday evening.
Sunday will start with a Downriver SUP/Kayak Race, followed by the TJ Slalom Citizen Slalom & SUP Race. The drawing for the Raffle will be on Sunday following the slalom race.
Base camp for all events is Riverside Park in downtown Kernville. 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 and are free to view.
Please see the Kern River Festival Map for more information.
Entertainment
Kern River Brewing Company Beer Garden & Wine Bar, a delicious BBQ Dinner, and awards Saturday immediately following the Hyside Mini-Me Races. 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
Online Registration! The Kern River Festival is offering online registration again this year. Click here to register!
Equipment Demos Saturday & Sunday in Riverside Park
Raffle TWO Grand Prizes for the raffle this year: A Jackson Whitewater kayak, the Antix Medium. Retail value $1249.00 -- AND -- a Dagger Whitewater kayak, the Phantom. Retail value $1249.00. Cost: $2.00 per ticket, 25 tickets for $40.00! The drawing for the Raffle will be on Sunday at 1:30 pm following the slalom race.
