The 51st Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival is a historic, high-energy Memorial Day weekend event in Bigfork, Montana, bringing together paddlers, spectators, and the local community for a celebration of whitewater culture. Centered on the iconic “Wild Mile” of the Swan River—a scenic and challenging Class IV stretch running through downtown—this three-day festival features thrilling kayak, rafting, and paddleboard races, along with live music, community events, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere. As one of the longest-running whitewater festivals in the country, it draws competitors from around the world while raising funds to support Montana Kayak Academy programming.