Gauley 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? Register for a 10′ x 10′ booth here!
Vendors can check out our Frequently Asked Questions–a wonderful resource to amplify your festival experience!
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