updated 01/02/2026
2026 is the Year of Community Events!
ATTENTION ALL RIVER RATS! We are so excited to announce that in 2026 we are hosting and sponsoring more community events than ever! Get ready to ride this wave of FUN, EXCITEMENT, AND CONNECTION.
2026 Events
January 15, 2026-GPU Permit Party
Paddle on over to Woodbine Food Hall to join us for a river-lovin permit event. Enjoy dinner, raffles, river trivia and more while learning how to boost your chances at a river permit this year!
February 19-21, 2026- Banff Film Festival
The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings together stunning films about climbing, skiing, PADDLING, and wild places. Don’t miss this inspiring event!
April 10-11, 2026- Western Fly-Fishing Expo
Join us at the Fly-Fishing Expo in Sandy for a weekend of casting demos, fly tying workshops, expert seminars, and the latest gear from top brands. Perfect for anglers of all levels!
Location: Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy, UT
Paddling Film Festival
Join us at a World Tour theatre screening in Salt Lake City, UT, where Utah Whitewater Gear has curated the film selection specifically for our whitewater community. This year, we are hosting it at Brewvies Cinema Pub, a 21+ venue, so leave the kids at home and enjoy a night with us as we get stoked for the upcoming rafting season! We are anticipating selling out, so grab those tickets early!
April 23, 2026- paddling Film Festival Night 1
Salt Lake City (Brewvies) Showing (21+)
Date: April 23 & 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Location:
Brewvies Cinema Pub
677 S 200 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
April 24, 2026-Paddling Film Festival Night 2 Family Night
Murray Showing – Family Night
Date: April 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Murray Theater
4961 State St, Murray, UT 84107
This showing is family-friendly and open to all ages.
Both Nights Pass (Brewvies + Murray)
Product Type: Event Ticket Bundle
Price: $30 Online
At Door: Not available as a bundle
Pickup Method: In-store pickup only (no physical tickets)
Includes admission to BOTH screenings:
- Brewvies Cinema Pub (21+) – April 23, 2026
- Murray Theater (Family Night) – April 24, 2026
ADMISSION
Every ticket includes:
- A free 1-year Paddle Magazine subscription
- Entry to win awesome whitewater gear and prizes
Online: $20
(Select in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees)
At the Door: $25
May 1, 2026-Gear Swap Evaluation Day
Looking to sell your gear at our gear swap on May 2? We will be accepting rafts, kayaks, canoes and more on May 1st! Get a free raffle ticket for entering approved gear into the swap! Please make sure to check the link above to verify that we are picking up what you're putting down.
Time:9am-3pm
Location: Lot Behind Utah Whitewater Gear
May 2, 2026-Utah Whitewater Market
Join our whitewater gear swap event. Featuring high-quality used gear, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and WILD RAFFLE PRIZES!! We are raffling off a full gear raft and giving away tons of prizes! Make sure to click the link above to learn all about this epic event.
Time:10am-3pm
Location: Utah Whitewater Gear
Cost: FREE
June 3rd-4th, 2026-Packraft Film Festival Nights 1&2
People are using packrafts to explore & access our amazing planet in so many ways. The International Packraft Film Festival highlights the adventure stories & films showing the sport’s vast potential in nature exploration & the passion behind it.
Time:
Location: Fisher Brewing Company
Both Nights Pass at Fisher Brewing
Product Type: Event Ticket Bundle
Price: $30 Online
At Door: Not available as a bundle
Pickup Method: In-store pickup only (no physical tickets)
Includes admission to BOTH screenings:
- Fisher Brewing Company (21+) – June 3rd-4th, 2026
ADMISSION
Every ticket includes:
- Entry to win awesome whitewater gear and prizes
Online: $20
(Select in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees)
At the Door: $25
June 27th,2026 -Jackson Fun Tour in Salt Lake City, UT
Enjoy FREE Jackson Kayak demos and/or paddle with world-renown kayaker and Jackson Kayak athlete, Mason Hargrove on the Weber River.
Important Info:
-This event is for intermediate to advanced whitewater kayakers.
-Demos are first-come, first-served and are limited.
-We recommend bringing your own kayak and gear — even if you plan to demo!
-Swap boats between laps and get a real feel for the Jackson lineup.
Time: All day
Location: Weber Crossing Campground
Cost: FREE
July 15th-19th -American Packrafting Association Roundup
Cost: For ticket price click here
