Build-Your-Own-Boat competition at U.S. Whitewater Center Oct 10

U.S. National Whitewater Center hosts Build Your Own Boat on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m.

It’s free to attend the festival, but there are charges for the boat competition. Parking is $13.

In the Build Your Own Boat competition, you’ll try to navigate the whitewater channel in a boat that you built yourself.

It’s free (and fun!) to watch the competition, and to cheer on your favorite boats as they navigate the channel.

The competition will take place from 12 to 4 p.m., followed by live music from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Build Your Own Boat Competition

The following materials are prohibited:

Manufactured watercrafts such as rafts, kayaks, river boards, canoes, paddle boards, jet skis or other crafts
All metal objects, including but not limited to nails, screws, staples, sheet metal
Large sections of tarp or plastic that can engulf a swimmer
Pyrotechnics, pneumatics, or other mechanically propelled devices
Costumes that impede the function of the helmet or personal floatation device
Masks or facial coverings that obstruct vision or breathing
Costumes that when saturated impede a swimmer’s movement or mobility
Use of an apparatus to attach, secure, or bind a paddler to a craft.

Check out a big list of fall festivals in Charlotte, or take a look at a few upcoming festivals here:

When

October 10, 2026 @ 12:00 pm-5:30 pm

Cost

FREE

What

Build Your Own Boat (free to watch; $12 for parking)

Where

U.S. National Whitewater Center

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5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 704-391-3900