The Willamette River Festival is committed to honoring indigenous peoples past, present and future, and acknowledges we operate on Kalapuya Ilihi, the ancestral homeland of the Kalapuya people. Please see full acknowledgment.
2024 Willamette River Festival
August 24th 10AM-5PM | River Wood Beach (East Maurie Jacobs Park)
WHERE? This year, the Willamette River Festival will commence as a day-long celebration at the River Wood Beach, in Eugene, Oregon. Parking is available on the street in the surrounding neighborhood, in the Maurie Jacobs Park parking lot off Fir Ln. or, at Valley River Center, where folks can walk across the footbridge to the east side of Maurie Jacobs to access the Festival.
10AM | PADDLE PARADE: Cheer on your favorite watercraft “floats” as they move downriver from the Alton Baker Boat Ramp to the River House eddy at River Wood Beach. Bystanders view the parade from the Defazio Footbridge or anywhere along the greenway bike path, and watch as floats make their way downriver! Prizes and special awards for audience favorites later in the day at the Festival mainstage area.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PADDLE PARADE???
REGISTRATION IS FREE – and it’s a great way for your business or social club to show YOUR support for our Willamette River! Morning lineup and check-in will begin at 8AM, with shuttles to VRC provided by City of Eugene Recreation. First come, first in the water! Please email our Paddle Parade organizer with your completed PADDLE PARADE ENTRY FORM or for more information.
1PM – 3PM | 2024 WILLAMETTE DOWNRIVER RACE: Race it, or challenge yourself to paddle for fun! Brought to you by City of Eugene Recreation, Oregon Paddle Sports, Willamette Kayak & Canoe Club, and Willamette Riverkeeper ~ MORE DETAILS HERE.
11AM – 5 PM | FESTIVAL Mainstage Performances & Vendor Activities: The Festival will be kicking off after the Paddle Paddle with a short opening and music provided by a variety of performers throughout the day, thanks to our friends at Pedal Power for providing the “juice” to keep it all going! Other activities include water safety and watershed education, Willamette Water Trail trip planning, rafting tours, paddle demos, and a kids water wading area – ALL FREE!
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
8:30AM – Paddle Parade Registration at Alton Baker Boat Ramp (see Paddle Parade Entry Form for more details)
9AM – 11AM – Downriver Race Registration Check-in at River Wood Beach (see Downriver Race Packet for staging instructions)
10AM – Paddle Parade
11AM – Festival Opening Ceremony / Paddle Demos & Vendor Booths open
11AM, 1PM, 3PM | High Country Expeditions RAFTING TOURS: Limited seating available! Register early online HERE for Willamette River Festival Rafting Trips. Click the big BOOK $15/pp – limited onsite registration will be available for cash only.
12PM – DJ Scooter & Pedal Power Music
1PM – Downriver Race Start
2:00PM – Bootleg Rose
3:25PM – Paddle Parade & Downriver Race Awards
4PM – Connectarine
