The Yampa River isn’t just a river, it’s part of who we are. Every year, as the water rushes strong with spring melt, Steamboat Springs comes together to celebrate what connects us all. And nothing captures that spirit quite like the Yampa River Festival.
From May 29 to June 1, we’ll gather for the 45th annual celebration of our wild, scenic, and much-loved Yampa River. Hosted by Friends of the Yampa, this festival is a tradition that runs as deep as the river itself, and for us locals, it just feels like home.
🌊 A Festival That Flows With Our Values
The Yampa River Festival has never been just about racing. It’s about community. It’s about standing on the banks with friends and strangers who feel like neighbors. It’s the laughter of kids, the smell of sunscreen and food trucks, the splash of paddles, and the pulse of live music under big open skies.
There’s something grounding about being part of this weekend. You don’t need to be a kayaker or rafter to feel it. Just show up, soak it in, and you’ll understand why this weekend holds a special place in our hearts.
🎣 What’s New for the 45th Yampa River Festival?
This year brings some fresh additions to the festival lineup:
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Fly Fishing Downriver Race:
A brand-new event for anglers ready to test their skill on the move. -
Family Zone:
A dedicated space with art activities, games, and river-themed fun for all ages.
Whether you’re racing down Fish Creek, watching from the shore, or wandering through the riverside marketplace, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful rivers in the Rockies.
💛 Why the Festival Matters
The Yampa River Festival isn’t just about celebrating the river, it’s about protecting it. Proceeds from the event support the year-round work of Friends of the Yampa, a local nonprofit working to preserve, protect, and enhance the health of the river and its watershed.
So when you show up for the festival, you’re not just having a good time, you’re helping sustain one of the most important natural treasures in Northwest Colorado.
👋 Come Say Hello
If you’re new to town, this is a great way to feel what Steamboat is really about. And if you’re a long-timer? You already know the feeling. When the river’s flowing strong, and the community’s out in full force, it really does feel like coming home.
This year Team Yazbeck will be joining the fun rafting- while filming for our newest segment of American Dream TV. Look out for us, we’ll have the whole crew out on the river! See more adventures like this in our other segments of ADTV here.
We’ll see you on the water, at the Storm Peak Brewing Company Beer Tent, or just somewhere along the Yampa, with gratitude and a deep love for this place we all share.
🛶 Want to Join the Celebration?
Get all the details, race info, and event schedule at:
👉 friendsoftheyampa.com/yampa-river-festival
Want to stay up to date on community events?
Follow along with Team Yazbeck blog and newsletter at:
teamyazbeck.vom/category/blog