American Whitewater's Biggest Public Outreach Event

All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater's river conservation and access work throughout the nation.

Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted the flows on the Gauley River, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest paddling festival in the world.

The festival is a showcase for American Whitewater and the top whitewater vendors in the boating community.

The festival will feature live entertainment, a whitewater marketplace, raffle, and a silent auction where you can pick up some awesome outdoor gear.

Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting camaraderie, live entertainment, killer boat raffles, and the infamous silent auction.

Schedule :

September 14, 2023

10:00 AM : Vendor & Volunteer Registration Opens

12:00 PM : Festival Campground Opens

12:00 AM : Quiet Hours Begin - family campsites located behind cabins near main entrance

Thursday Admission for Festival Weekend: Adult $60, 15 & Under FREE, Dog $20, Volunteer $60

September 15, 2023

6:00 AM : Gauley River Release

8:00 AM : Vendor & Volunteer Registration Opens

5:00 PM : Festival Marketplace Opens

7:00 PM : No more vehicle access to the inner festival grounds permitted for the night - visitors and campers must walk from parking area

9:00 PM - 11:30 PM : Dance Party

12:00 AM : Quiet Hours Begin - family campsites located behind cabins near main entrance

Friday Admission for Festival Weekend: Adult $50, 15 & Under FREE, Dog $20, Volunteer $50

September 16, 2023

6:00 AM :  Gauley River Release

8:00 AM :  Volunteer Registration Opens

8:00 AM :  4-H Breakfast at the Dining Hall Opens

2:00 PM :  Festival Marketplace Opens

5:00 PM :  AW Silent Auction Opens

6:00 - 7:00 PM :  Live Music

6:00 PM :  No more vehicle access to the inner festival grounds permitted for the night - visitors and campers must walk from parking area

7:15 PM :  Festival Announcements

7:30 - 8:30 PM :  Live Music

9:15 - 10:15 PM :  Live Music

10:00 PM :  AW Membership Drive Closes

10:00 PM :  Silent Auction Closes

10:15 PM :  Raffle Drawings

11:00 PM :  Live Music: Red Audio

12:00 AM :  Quiet Hours Begin - family campsites located behind cabins near main entrance

Saturday Admission for Festival Weekend: Adult $40, 15 & Under FREE, Dog $20, Volunteer $40

September 17, 2023

6:00 AM : Gauley River Release

8:00 AM : 4-H Breakfast at Dining Hall Opens

9:00 AM : Festival Breakdown and Cleanup Begin - please pitch in and fill a trash bag to help show the community we care

11:00 AM : Camping and Vehicle Parking On Site Ends

Date : September 14, 2023 - September 17, 2023

Location :

Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park

19 Memorial Park Drive

Summersville, WV 26651

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