6 Annual Buena Vista & Salida Events to Plan Your White Water Rafting Trip Around

Buena Vista and Salida sit at the heart of Colorado’s rafting scene along the Arkansas River—and summer is when these river towns truly come alive. Pairing Arkansas River rafting through Browns Canyon with a local festival, race, or concert is one of the best ways to experience an authentic Colorado mountain weekend.

Here are six annual summer events in Buena Vista and Salida that are perfect to plan your Buena Vista rafting or Arkansas River rafting trip around.

FIBArk Whitewater Festival (June – Salida)

FIBArk—First in Boating on the Arkansas—is the longest-running whitewater festival in the country and a cornerstone of Salida’s summer calendar.

Why it’s perfect for rafting: – River races and freestyle kayaking on the Arkansas River – Live music, food vendors, and downtown street events – Peak early-season flows for big, exciting rapids

This is the ultimate Arkansas River rafting and festival weekend, especially for visitors planning a Browns Canyon rafting trip.

Salida Riverside Park Concert Series (June–August – Salida)

Throughout the summer, Riverside Park hosts free outdoor concerts right along the Arkansas River.

Why it pairs well with rafting: – Relaxed, local vibe after a day on the water – Easy walking distance from downtown Salida – Family-friendly atmosphere

Raft Browns Canyon during the day, grab dinner in town, and enjoy live music as the sun sets over the Arkansas River.

Salida Trail Races (July – Salida)

Salida’s trail races draw runners from across Colorado to tackle scenic singletrack in the Sawatch Range.

Why Arkansas River rafters love this weekend: – Trail runners often build full adventure weekends – Rafting is a great recovery or spectator-day activity – Mid-summer water levels offer fun, splashy trips

Even if you’re not racing, the energy in town is contagious.

Buena Vista Gold Rush Days (July – Buena Vista)

Gold Rush Days celebrates Buena Vista’s mining history with a classic mountain-town feel.

Why it’s ideal for Buena Vista rafting trips: – Parade, street fair, live music, and food vendors – Easy access to Browns Canyon rafting trips – Perfect for families and mixed-age groups

This is a quintessential Colorado summer weekend.

BV Pro Whitewater Festival (July – Buena Vista)

The BV Pro showcases elite paddlers competing in freestyle kayaking right in downtown Buena Vista.

Why it’s a great Browns Canyon rafting tie-in: – Celebrates whitewater culture and river sports – Walkable from rafting take-outs and downtown lodging – Inspires first-timers to get on the river

Even for spectators, this event highlights why the Arkansas River is so special.

Salida SteamPlant Summer Events (June–August – Salida)

The SteamPlant hosts rotating summer events including concerts, film nights, and community gatherings.

Why it works for rafting weekends: – Indoor and outdoor event options – Close to restaurants, breweries, and the river – Easy evening plans after a full day on the water

It’s a relaxed way to wind down while staying close to the action.

Make the Most of a Buena Vista or Salida Summer Weekend

Rafting the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon is unforgettable on its own—but pairing it with a local summer event turns your Buena Vista rafting trip into a complete Colorado experience. Whether you’re here for river festivals, live music, or community celebrations, Buena Vista and Salida offer the perfect blend of adventure and atmosphere.

Planning to visit during peak summer? Event weekends book up fast, so reserving your rafting trip early helps lock in the best times and conditions.

Best Places to Stay Near Buena Vista for Arkansas River Rafting

When planning an Arkansas River rafting trip, where you stay can make a big difference in your overall experience. Buena Vista sits at the heart of some of Colorado’s most popular rafting sections, and there are excellent lodging options nearby for every travel style — from adventure-focused basecamps to relaxing hot springs resorts.

Here are four owner-recommended places to stay near Buena Vista that pair perfectly with rafting trips on the Arkansas River.

Colorado Basecamps

Colorado Basecamps is a favorite for adventure-minded travelers looking for a modern, comfortable place to recharge between river days. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, Basecamps offers thoughtfully designed lodging with easy access to Buena Vista, Browns Canyon, and the Arkansas River corridor.

Why rafters love it:

• Clean, modern accommodations
• Easy access to rafting trips and trail systems
• Ideal for couples, families, and small groups

Colorado Basecamps is a great option if you want comfort and convenience while staying close to the action.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

For those who want to pair whitewater excitement with serious relaxation, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is hard to beat. Located just a short drive from Buena Vista, this iconic Colorado resort is famous for its natural hot springs pools set against stunning mountain views.

Why it’s perfect after rafting:

• Soaking pools to ease sore muscles
• On-site dining and spa amenities
• Great for couples, families, and longer stays

After a day navigating Arkansas River rapids, few things feel better than unwinding in the hot springs.

BV Overlook Campground & Lodging

If you’re looking for a more outdoor-oriented stay with great views, BV Overlook Campground and Lodging offers a mix of camping and lodging options overlooking the Arkansas River valley.

Highlights for rafters:

• Convenient access to Buena Vista and rafting sections
• Options for tents, RVs, and cabins
• Scenic setting with mountain and valley views

This is a great choice for travelers who want to stay close to nature without straying too far from town.

The Lakeside Motel

For a classic, no-frills stay right in Buena Vista, The Lakeside Motel is a locally loved option. Its central location makes it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and outfitters while keeping drive times to rafting trips short.

Why guests choose it:

• Affordable and convenient
• Walkable location near downtown Buena Vista
• Simple, comfortable place to rest after rafting

It’s an ideal option for visitors who want to spend more time on the river and less time worrying about logistics.

Plan Your Stay & Arkansas River Rafting Adventure

From modern basecamps and relaxing hot springs to scenic campgrounds and classic motels, Buena Vista offers lodging options to match every rafting trip style. Choosing the right place to stay helps turn a rafting day into a complete Colorado mountain experience.

Pair your accommodations with an unforgettable trip on the Arkansas River, and you’ll see why so many visitors return to Buena Vista year after year.

Book your rafting trip, plan your stay, and get ready for an incredible Arkansas River adventure.