All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater's river conservation and access work 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.

Schedule:

6:00 a.m: Gauley River Release
8:00 a.m: Volunteer Registration Opens
8:00 a.m: 4-H Breakfast at the Dining Hall Opens
2:00 p.m: Festival Marketplace Opens
5:00 p.m: AW Silent Auction Opens
7:00 p.m: No more vehicle access to the inner festival grounds permitted for the night (visitors and campers must walk from parking area)
7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Live Music
10:00 p.m: AW Membership Drive Closes
10:00 p.m: Silent Auction Closes
10:15 p.m: Raffle Drawings
11:00 p.m: to Midnight Live Music
12:00 a.m: Quiet Hours Begin (family campsites located behind cabins near main entrance)