Jackson, Wyoming, is gearing up for the much-anticipated Snake River Fest 2026, an event that brings together the community to celebrate the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Snake River watershed. Organized by the Snake River Fund in partnership with the JH Kayak Club, the festival will take place from June 5 to June 7, offering a variety of activities for river enthusiasts and families alike.
The Snake River Fest was established to honor the federally designated Wild & Scenic streams of northwest Wyoming and to raise awareness about the challenges facing the watershed. These challenges include potential access limitations, water quality issues, increasing streamside development, inadequate flow management, and the implications of climate change. The festival also recognizes the efforts of nonprofits, agencies, businesses, and community members dedicated to preserving the ecological health and public access to these waters.
Festival Highlights
The festivities kick off on June 5 with the Snake River Fest Block Party & Stewardship Social at Phil Baux Park. Sponsored by Dave Hansen Whitewater, this event offers attendees the chance to connect with the river-loving community while enjoying live music by the Jackson Six, food trucks, beer tents, raffle prizes, interactive booths, and local vendors.
On June 6, families can participate in Kids Fishing Day at R-Park, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. This family-friendly event focuses on learning and fun, providing a great opportunity for children to engage with nature.
The same day, the Big Race on the Hoback will take place at the historic Gilcrease Cabin. This competition features youth divisions and categories for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and rafts. Participants can enjoy a non-competitive float with free shuttles for course inspection. The evening concludes with an award ceremony and afterparty, complete with live music and raffles.
The festival wraps up on June 7 with the Greys River Boater-X, an expert-only kayak race down the challenging Class IV whitewater section of the Greys River. Rafters can also enjoy the Snake River Canyon with a free shuttle service running between West Table and Sheep Gulch Boat Ramps throughout the day.
Snake River Fest is a celebration for everyone who loves the rivers, from paddlers and anglers to families enjoying the serene beauty of streams and lakes. Proceeds from the event support year-round programming both on and off the water. For more information, visit www.snakeriverfest.com or contact Naomi Orchard, events and programs coordinator for the Snake River Fund, at [email protected].
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
