Gauley Fest (September 14-16, 2012) Summersville, WV

American Whitewater's Biggest Fundraiser!

All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater's river conservation and access works throughout the nation. Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted the flows on the Gauley River, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest paddling festival in the world.

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.

Note: Gauley Fest will always be held on the third weekend of September

The Gauley Fest vendor marketplace is second to none for reaching the whitewater boating and outdoor community in the US. Every year literally thousands of attendees come from nearly every state in the U.S. to Gauley Fest to view product demonstrations, interact with manufacturer representatives, and make purchases. Purchasing a vendor space at Gauley Fest offers a terrific opportunity to vendors who wish to reach a broad demographic and generate substantial sales for their business.

Complete info on our Vendor Information page.

In the name of safety, the following parking limits are in place -

• Friday 8 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area
• Saturday 2 pm: No more vehicle access to the inner festival area

After this time all vehicles will have to park outside the inner festival area and walk 50-100 yards in. This park and walk-in system is the exact same that you would see at any other festival of Gauley Fest’s size and is a safety necessity.

Full Parking Information

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: $25
• Friday and Saturday: $20
• Saturday only: $15

Note: these are the exact same prices for attendance and camping that were previously in place, unchanged for over a decade (really!). However, what is no longer available are cheaper, non-camping, entrance-only passes.

Full Entrance Fee Information

American Whitewater needs your help! Besides AW's 10 staff members, Gauley Fest requires over 300 volunteers to make it work! Sign up now to volunteer via our volunteer registration form, thanks!

Learn more about volunteering

See our Festival Schedule or Musical Acts page for full details.

Camping is available on the festival grounds Thursday (not before), Friday, and Saturday nights. There is no additional fee for camping as it is included in your entrance fee. Dogs are discouraged in the campground, however entrance is available for dogs at a rate of $10 per dog (no kiddin!). There is zero tolerance for dogs that exhibit dangerous and aggressive behavior at Gauley Fest. These dogs will be impounded immediately at the owner's expense.

All dogs must be on a leash at all times, and you must clean up after your dog. We are on a kid's play area! No reservations are taken on camping; first come, first serve. Gauley Festival Camping Rules

Festival Site: check out our directions page

Shuttle: Download a Gauley River shuttle pdf and bring it with you