FIBArk 2026 is back in Salida, Colorado! America’s oldest and most thrilling whitewater festival returns this June, and Rainbow Rentals has your complete guide to every race, concert, and can’t-miss moment.
Whether you’re here to paddle, spectate, or just soak up the riverside energy, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of FIBArk 2026.
Table of Contents
In this FIBArk 2026 guide, you’ll find:
- Riverside Park & Carnival Hours
- Friday, June 19th: Sprints, Slices, and Live Beats
- Saturday, June 20th: Land Races, Parades, and Hooligan Chaos
- Sunday, June 21st: Endurance Runs and Down River Classics
- Plan Your FIBArk Trip with Rainbow Rentals
To learn more about America’s first whitewater festival, check out the about FIBArk page on their official site.
Riverside Park & Carnival Hours
Skip the guesswork! Riverside Park and all event zones stay open during these general hours throughout the FIBArk 2026 weekend:
- Friday, June 19th: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, June 20th: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, June 21st: 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM
Pro tip: arrive early to secure parking and a good spot along the riverbank!</
Friday, June 19th: Sprints, Slices, and Live Beats for FIBArk 2026
Friday kicks off FIBArk 2026 with high-energy water sports and an incredible evening music lineup at the Riverside Park Stage. Staying in one of our Rainbow Rentals properties means you can roll out of bed and be at the festival in minutes.
- 11:00 AM: Kid Zone, Carnival, and Merchandise Tents open for the day.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Water Events): Catch the Head-to-Head Raft and SUP Sprints at the Whitewater Park, followed by the crowd-favorite Ducky Cross at 4:00 PM in Steamplant Plaza.
- 6:00 PM: Don’t miss the unique SUP Boxing matches right on the water.
Live Music Lineup:
- 3:15 PM: Horizon Line
- 5:30 PM: Earl Nelson and the Company
- 8:00 PM: The Other Brothers
After the shows, wander down to downtown Salida for dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Arkansas River.
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Saturday, June 20th: FIBArk 2026 Hooligan Races, Parades & More
Saturday is historically the biggest day of FIBArk 2026, blending morning land races with afternoon river madness. The energy is electric, and the crowds are the largest of the entire weekend.
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: The morning starts on land at Thonhoff Park with the 5K & 10K Road Races and the Kids Fun Race. Check out our Salida vacation rentals for tips on getting around town.
- 10:00 AM: Grab a spot on the sidewalk for the classic F Street Parade, marching straight into Riverside Park.
- 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Slalom & Surf): The Slalom Finals take over the Salida Whitewater Park, alongside the Women of Whitewater Showcase (2:15 PM) and the Boogie Board Surf Contest at the Office Wave (3:30 PM).
- 5:30 PM: The Hooligan Race. The crown jewel of FIBArk! Watch as hilarious, craft-built boats attempt to navigate the river.
Live Music Lineup:
- 3:15 PM: Sun Jr.
- 5:30 PM: Gora Gora Orkestra
- 8:00 PM: Polish Ambassador
🚣 Rainbow Rentals Insider Tip for the Hooligan Race
Get to the river bank early! The prime viewing spots fill in incredibly fast. Bring your own snacks and drinks to hold down your spot. If you don’t secure a good seat early, you are going to have a hard time seeing the chaos.
Sunday, June 21st: FIBArk 2026 Endurance Runs & Down River Finals
Sunday winds down FIBArk 2026 with tests of pure endurance and fantastic community vibes. It’s the perfect day to celebrate alongside the paddlers who have been on the river all weekend.
- 8:00 AM: The heavy hitters head to S Mountain for the rugged Trail Run. Looking for a post-race recovery spot? Check out our vacation rentals with hot tubs.
- 8:30 AM: The Down River Races. All major Down River classes, including Kayak, Raft, SUP, and OC races, kick off starting at 8:30 AM from their respective upstream launch points down to Salida.
- Morning Wellness (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Ground yourself back at Riverside Park with Rocky Mountain Rhythms Ecstatic Dance followed by Yoga in the Park.
- 1:30 PM: Bring your furry friends to watch the delightful Crazy River Dog competition at the Whitewater Park.
- 3:00 PM: Celebrate the weekend’s champions at the Down River Awards in the Steamplant Pavilion.
Live Music Lineup:
- 12:30 PM: Float like a Buffalo
- 2:45 PM: Amelia Day
Plan Your FIBArk Trip
Whether you are competing in the kayak races, running the 10K, or just dancing by the Riverside Park Stage with a cold drink, FIBArk 2026 promises to be unforgettable. Drop a comment below to let us know which event you’re most excited for!
