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.