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.
Deerfield Festival Happenings
Gauley Fest, September 17th – 20th 2026
American Whitewater’s Biggest Public Outreach Event is on the schedule for 2026!
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.
Interested in volunteering at Gauley Fest? Sign up form Coming Soon.
Interested in a Vendor Booth at Gauley Fest? Registration form available in May, 2026.
2026 Tentative Festival Schedule
(firm schedule will be released in July):
Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park, Summersville, WV
Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 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)
Friday, September 18, 2026
- 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)
Saturday, September 19, 2026
- 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
- 7:00 PM No more vehicle access to the inner festival grounds permitted for the night (visitors and campers must walk from parking area)
- 7:00 PM to 10 PM Live Music
- 10:00 PM AW Membership Drive Closes
- 10:00 PM Silent Auction Closes
- 10:15 PM Raffle Drawings
- 11:00 PM to Midnight Live Music
- 12:00 AM Quiet Hours Begin (family campsites located behind cabins near main entrance)
Sunday September 20, 2026
- 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