American Whitewater’s Deerfield River Festival 2022

After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled that American Whitewater's Deerfield River Festival is back. The paddling community will come together August 6-7, 2022 for a weekend full of celebration, outdoor activities, and community connections. Saturday evening activities, including food, live music, and vendors, will take place at Berkshire East. This event is a fundraiser for American Whitewater.

Deerfield Festival Weekend will include these exciting events:

Deerfield Fest, Saturday, August 6
For more than 25 years, American Whitewater has hosted the Deerfield Fest to celebrate the successful dam relicensing process that provides 32 annual whitewater releases on the Dryway and 106 annual whitewater releases on Fife Brook. The main festival activities take place on Saturday evening from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and provide entertainment for both paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts young and old.

The Deerfield River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater. All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater's conservation and access work throughout the Northeast including the dam relicensings on the Deerfield and nearby Connecticut River.

Zoar Outdoor Demos & Clinics, Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7
Zoar Outdoor will have the newest boats to demo as well as whitewater clinics for paddlers on the Deerfield River. Stop by Zoar to try out the latest whitewater kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. Zoar Outdoor also offers clinics with skilled instructors on Fife Brook and the Dryway.

Other activities during the Festival Weekend will include Josh Wright Dryway Boater-X Beater-X Race and flatwater touring on the Sherman Reservoir.

Location
The Deerfield Fest location will be shifted to Berkshire East this year to celebrate and showcase the many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Charlemont area, including mountain biking, ziplining, and skiing. Food and beverage will be provided by Berkshire East at Crazy Horse. There will be music, paddlesports vendors, and a silent auction to benefit AW.

Volunteering
American Whitewater needs your help! Volunteers are a key part of the success of Deerfield Fest. This is one of the easiest ways to help American Whitewater's river stewardship work, by helping them put on this critical fundraiser. Volunteers should contact Brad Walker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a time to help out.

Camping
There are a variety of camping options in the area including sites at Berkshire East, Zoar Outdoor, Foolhardy Hill, Country Aire, Mohawk State Park, and elsewhere. Sign up early to reserve a spot.

Raffles and Silent Auction
American Whitewater's raffles and silent auction are a highlight of many attending the Deerfield River Festival. Each year festival attendees get great deals on boats, paddles, gear, camping gear, and much more.

Rain Date: There is no rain date for Deerfield Fest. Although the festival is held entirely outside, we put on the festival rain or shine.