Deerfield Fest - June 30, 2012 - Charlemont, MA

American Whitewater and F.L.O.W. started the Deerfield River Festival in 1994 to celebrate the successful dam relicensing process that took place on the Deerfield River 1993.

The event focuses on bringing people to the area to enjoy a weekend of outdoor activities while showcasing whitewater paddlesports and raising funds and membership for American Whitewater. The main festival activities take place on Saturday afternoon/evening and provide entertainment for both paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts young and old.

The festival site will be bustling with activity including a whitewater marketplace, live entertainment, beer, and a silent auction with awesome outdoor gear. The Deerfield River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater, and is one of our premiere events.

All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater’s conservation and access work throughout the Northeast. Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting competitions, live entertainment, and the infamous silent auction.

Deerfield Fest is held at the Town of Charlemont’s Fairgrounds located at 8 Park St. Charlemont, MA.

Google Maps link to the Fairgrounds

Deerfield Fest is the largest whitewater event in the entire Northeast. Being a vendor at Deerfield Fest is a great way to connect with paddlers from all over New England and to support American Whitewater's river stewardship work. To become a vendor, see our Vendor Registration Page for full details.

Are you a frequent attendee of Deerfield Fest, local raft guide, or paddler? Chances are you've been to Deerfield Fest lots of times without even realizing how much work goes into putting it on. Every year we're short on volunteers, we need your help! Volunteers are needed to help prepare, setup, staff, and takedown the festival. Volunteers are asked for just two hours, still allowing plenty of time for that river run or late night fun.

Learn more about volunteering

Watch local raft guides (or people who wish they were!) compete to see which team will be crowned this year's raft guiding royalty at 7PM at the festival site. Note: the Raft Guide Olympics are NOT held by American Whitewater, but by the local rafting companies.

Unfortunately due to state and local health code regulations camping is not permitted at the festival site. There are many campgrounds in the area, please call early for reservations as most campgrounds will book up early.

Deerfield area campgrounds and lodging

American Whitewater's raffles and silent auction are a highlight of many attending the Deerfield River Festival. Each year festival attendees get great deals on boats, paddles, gear, camping gear, and much more.

As of 2011, dogs are now allowed at Deerfield Fest! In the past, Deerfield Fest organizers were informed that dogs were not allowed on the town's fairgrounds (where the fest is held). As of 2011, we were informed that the dog ban was a mistake and that there was no ban on the record books. However, there are a few simple, mandatory dog rules:

• Dogs to remain on a 6ft leash or less at all times
• Owners must clean up after their dogs
• Agressive dogs will be ejected
• Loose dogs will be immediately impounded (really!)

In short, exercise good dog owner behavior and don't ruin it for everyone else! See you and your pups there!

See Deerfield Fest's Festival Schedule for complete details of the event.