Animas River Days
May 28-31, 2026
Santa Rita Park, Durango
Santa Rita Park, Durango
Free shuttle between Transit Station, Santa Rita Park, and Cundiff Park (4CRS Takeout) every 20 minutes.
No public parking at Santa Rita Park. No dogs, cats, or "pet racoons" allowed.
No public parking at Santa Rita Park. No dogs, cats, or "pet racoons" allowed.
MAY 15 to 31
Animas River Days Online Auction
Bid on an assortment of river gear, whitewater boats, and items from local Durango businesses.
Animas River Days Online Auction
Bid on an assortment of river gear, whitewater boats, and items from local Durango businesses.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
5:00 - 8:00 PM Kick Off Party @ 2nd Deli & Spirits - Kick off ARD with friends, cold beers, and door prizes.
5:00 - 8:00 PM Kick Off Party @ 2nd Deli & Spirits - Kick off ARD with friends, cold beers, and door prizes.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
FREE INSTRUCTION with Jackson Kayak Fun Tour
FREE INSTRUCTION with Jackson Kayak Fun Tour
- 2:00 - 3:00 PM Kids Clinic @ 4CRS Riversports
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM Ladies Joy Lap @ Santa Rita Park
- 5:00 - 6:30 PM Freestyle Clinic @ Santa Rita Park
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before each race.
Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before each race.
- All Day - New Event! Smelter Slam Ball (FREE to enter, check in at athlete registration for assigned time and teams)
- 8:00 - 10:00 AM Canoe & Kayak Slalom
- 9:00 AM Vendors Open
- 10:00 -10:45 AM Downriver SUP Race
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Raft Slalom
- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Beer & Cocktail Garden Open
- 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM Awards for Kayak & Canoe Slalom, Downriver SUP & Raft Slalom
- 1:15 - 2:45 PM BoaterX
- 3:00 - 4:30 PM SUP/SURF Competition
- 4:00 - 4:30 PM Inflatable "Pool Toy" Rodeo
- 4:30 - 6:30 PM River Parade Viewing Party at Santa Rita Park
- 4:45 - 5:00 PM Awards for BoaterX and SUP/SURF Comp
- 9:00 PM Late Night Party at El Rancho Tavern
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before each race.
Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before each race.
- 9:00 - 10:00 AM, Downriver Kayak/Canoe Race
- 10:00 - 10:30 AM, New Event! Big Balls Race ($5 entry fee)
- 11:00 - 11:30 AM, New Event! Hot Dog Relay (FREE to enter, register day of at athlete registration)
- 11:00 - 12:00 PM, Animas Fly Casting Contest
- 11:00 - 4:00 PM, Beer & Cocktail Garden Open
- 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Freestyle Kayaking
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM, Wrap‑Up Party, Live Music by Safety Meeting
- 3:00 PM Awards for Downriver SUP, Fly Casting Contest & Freestyle Kayaking
- Midnight - Online Auction Ends
