Build-Your-Own-Boat competition at U.S. Whitewater Center Oct 15

U.S. National Whitewater Center celebrates autumn with Build Your Own Boat on Saturday, October 15th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m.

We’ll update soon if there are more components to the festival. In some past years there was cider sampling.

Fall is looking great around Charlotte, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of fall festivals, a big list of Halloween parties, Trick or Treat events, and our list of pumpkin patches, haunted trails and corn mazes!

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

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’re navigated the channel.

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Build Your Own Boat Competition

Register for $40. Registration is capped at 60 boats. There will be a boat drop-off/float test on October 14th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the River Center.

Event Capacity: 60 boats
Participant Age Requirement: 16 years or older
All boats must be human powered.
All boat materials must float.
Maximum Dimensions: 10′ wide x 10′ long x 5′ tall.
Rope sections may not be longer than 18 inches and must be tied securely against the structure.
No enclosures or compartments are permitted.
Boat Weight Limit: 150 lbs. maximum.

The following materials are prohibited:

Metal objects.
Sharp objects.
Straps or devices that hold participants to the craft.
Manufactured craft designed for whitewater (rafts, kayaks, duckies, river boards, SUP, etc.).
Wood (plywood, boards etc.) over 1/4″ thick.

There is a $6 parking charge.

Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.

However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.

Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.

More Festivals

Check out this list of the biggest spring festivals in Charlotte, or look ahead to summer festivals in Charlotte! (or just keep reading for a list of upcoming festivals.)