JACKSON, Wyo. — Mark those calendars for the Third Annual Snake River Fest, happening June 4 to June 9 at JH Land Trust’s R Park and other venues in the valley. This community celebration hosted by Snake River Fund and JH Kayak Club has grown into a much-anticipated event by river enthusiasts from its beginnings in 2022.
“This is unquestionably one of the largest, most impactful river-oriented festivals in Wyoming, if not the entire Rocky Mountain region,” says Joe Smith, Events and Programs Director at Snake River Fund. “2024’s event has the same exciting educational opportunities, competitions and another strong music lineup. The Fund and our partners couldn’t be happier.”
Festivities start with an evening Kick-Off Party at the Stillwest Taproom, featuring films from the National Paddling Film Festival on Tuesday, June 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Local engagements continue with Fly Shop Night at West Bank Anglers and Rendezvous River Sports Guide Night on Wednesday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The afternoon of Thursday, June 6 will feature the Friends Float from South Park Boat Ramp to Astoria. Naturalists and river stewards will be on hand, giving participants the chance to learn more about the Snake River watershed’s history, ecology and future challenges. Bring a raft, friends and family for an amazing night on the water! Snake River Fund will be providing shuttles for this float. See www.snakeriverfest.com for updated launch times as the date approaches.
Friday night (June 7) will kick off the on-water competitions with the Wyoming Whitewater Championship on the Hoback River hosted by Jackson Hole Kayak Club. This year’s competition occurs on a four-mile reach of the lower Hoback starting at 6:30 p.m. The “Big Race on the Hoback” requires registration but is open to the public for all rafters, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. The competition is followed by the Hoback Hoedown: an evening of food, refreshments and music going deep into the evening. Camping is allowed on site.
Saturday, June 8, will be the largest engagement with Festival Village at JH Land Trust’s R Park from 2 p.m. until sundown. This event features interactive booths, youth programs, food trucks, beer tents and live music by the Balsamroots and the Deadlocks.
Snake River Fest closes on Sunday, June 9, with the Greys Boater X hosted by the Jackson Hole Kayak Club. This intense race occurs on a legendary class-IV stretch of the Greys River that includes the famed Snaggletooth Rapid.
Further details about the Snake River Fest lineup of events and race registration can be found at www.snakeriverfest or by contacting Joe Smith at joe@snakeriverfund.org.
