Gauley Fest

About Us

Gauley Fest is one of the largest whitewater festivals in the world, held each September in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia to celebrate the annual release of the Gauley River. The event brings together thousands of paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, and river conservation supporters for a weekend of world-class whitewater kayaking and rafting on one of the most challenging rivers in North America. Alongside the on-river action, attendees enjoy live music, vendors, camping, and community events, all centered around river stewardship and the protection of the Gauley and New River systems.