Gauley Fest

Gauley Fest, September 17th – 20th 2026

American Whitewater’s Biggest Public Outreach Event is on the schedule for 2026!

Purchase your tickets online here. Kids 15 and under get in free. 

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.

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 with DJ Daniel

• 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 8 PM Live Music–Local band: The Jackrabbits

• 8:30 PM to Midnight: Live Music–Headliner: The Late Shifters 

• 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

Pricing

Thursday Night Admission – $65 (includes camping/admission/entertainment for Thursday/Fri/Sat nights)

Friday Night Admission – $55 (includes camping/admission/entertainment for Fri/Sat nights)

Saturday Night Admission – $45 ((includes camping/admission/entertainment for Sat night)

Dogs – $20 flat fee

Kids 15 and under – Free