Lehigh RiverFest (Cancelled for the 2020 Season, Please See Below)
Hello, River Friends.
Sadly, We have decided to cancel Lehigh RiverFest 2020. We were holding out hope that the COVID-19 pandemic might reach a point of stability that would allow us to proceed, but, unfortunately, that is not the case. The Army Corps of Engineers is proceeding with their normal operating schedule for whitewater releases this summer. Assuming that plan continues as scheduled – and the reservoir has the capacity – we would still expect to see the same elevated water levels on August 29 & 30 (i.e., what would have been the 2020 RiverFest weekend). As such, Whitewater Challengers will be open on what on that weekend, but the company will not be hosting any special events or activities at our campground. Whereas Whitewater Challengers has put protective measures in place to maintain spacing for our everyday guests and campers, we also feel like it would be irresponsible to risk your and our safety by lifting those measures for a festival. We hope you understand and will return enthusiastically for Lehigh RiveFest 2021. We also hope to see many of you on the river this summer, saying hello from a safe distance.
Be Well. Stay Well.
David Meister
Festival Coordinator
Visit us for a dam release weekend at the Lehigh River Adventure Center in Weatherly, PA for our Lehigh RiverFest. Whitewater rafting, bike rentals and shuttles to the scenic bike trail in the Lehigh Gorge State Park, music/entertainment and more are all part of the outdoor adventures available this weekend. Check back to see all the great activities we will have scheduled.
The Lehigh RiverFest is a celebration of the Pocono Mountain region of PA. The Lehigh River offers close-to-home adventures near NY and NJ for whitewater kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or rafting.
River Festival Location:
The Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers: 288 North Stagecoach Road, Weatherly, PA 18255.
Schedule:
For a complete schedule of 2020 Lehigh RiverFest events, stay tuned to this page.
RiverFest Camping Package:
$20/person. The camping package includes two nights of camping (Friday and Saturday) plus breakfast on Saturday morning.
How to Book the RiverFest Package:
You can either book online, or you can call us to book at 1-800-443-8554. Our dedicated sales team will get you all squared away. .
Activities:
Outdoor activities are the centerpiece of the Lehigh RiverFest. In addition to the RiverFest Package, guided rafting trips (reservations required in advance), trail bike rides, and overnight tent camping are some of the other activities that we offer.
Vendors:
Interested in being a craft or food vendor? Email us today for more information. Download an application today. Please return the form with payment to Whitewater Challengers, c/o Lehigh RiverFest, PO Box 8, White Haven, PA 18661. Special rates are available for non-profit groups and organizations.
For more vendor information please call 800-443-8554 or email us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does it cost to attend Lehigh RiverFest?
General admission is free to the public. Visit the Lehigh RiverFest to check out vendors and enjoy the entertainment. Purchase a wristband for the ‘RiverFest Package’ (2 nights camping and breakfast on Saturday). The cost is $20. Other activities available include guided whitewater rafting, and bike rental/shuttle.
How do I book a Lehigh RiverFest camping package?
You can either book online, or you can call us to book at 1-800-443-8554. Our dedicated sales team will get you all squared away. .
When can I arrive on Friday?
Whenever! If there is not an attendant near the entrance, just make your way to the campground store. Our staff will direct you to the camping area and/or to purchase your RiverFest Package wristband.
I heard that this is the same weekend as the Lehigh Classic. Can I register with you?
The Lehigh Classic is an organized event which is separate from the Lehigh Riverfest. You should register in advance. Click here. There will be a check-in for the race at Rockport (3 miles away) on Saturday morning from 10:00am – noon. However, the awards ceremony will be held Saturday evening at the festival. Good Luck! You’re doing great!
What is the size of the planned water release on the weekend of the festival?
The Army Corps of Engineers has a detailed schedule for how water releases are managed. All releases are subject to available water storage at the Francis Walter Dam and can be impacted by required emergency flood mitigation actions. However, we anticipate a boosted level between 1,000 and 1700cfs. Click here to view the Flow Management Plan.
I don’t own my own boat. Can I rent one?
We do not offer rentals of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or other equipment. If you want to get on the river you can make a reservation for a guided whitewater rafting trip.
What facilities are available at Whitewater Challengers?
The Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers an on site campground with bathrooms, showers, snack bar, game room, bike rental/shuttle, sand volleyball and outdoor basketball are available onsite.
Is there a minimum age for the ‘RiverFest Package’?
There is no minimum age to attend Lehigh RiverFest, and we have attendees of all ages who enjoy the festivities year after year. With that said, there will be alcohol on the premises throughout the weekend as our usual drinking policy will be softened. Parents should be aware of this, along with the fact that there will likely be bands playing well into Saturday evening. As such, minors should be monitored accordingly.
Can I camp overnight even if I don’t want to participate in activities?
Yes! The camping fee is $9.50/person/night. You can preregister for the RiverFest Package, which includes two nights of camping and the breakfast buffet on Saturday morning, all for $20.
Is there a quiet area away from the festival for camping?
Whitewater Challengers has a 25-acre campground, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and find a quiet corner. While we will not be strictly enforcing our normal quiet hours starting at 11 pm, we will be scaling back the volume of our entertainment prior to midnight.
Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Yes, non-aggressive dogs are welcome at the festival if on a leash (6-foot leash maximum). Do not leave dogs unattended in campsites. Please be responsible and clean up after your own pet.
Is alcohol permitted at the festival?
Alcohol will be sold at the Lehigh RiverFest. Alcohol is permitted in moderation. Intoxication is not permitted on the festival grounds, and anyone who has overindulged will be required to leave (with the assistance of a sober driver). If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and be respectful of
other guests.
How do I become a vendor?
Download and submit an application or contact us. All applications are subject to approval. Send your application to Whitewater Challengers, c/o Lehigh RiverFest, PO Box 8, White Haven, PA 18661 with payment enclosed. We will return your payment in full if we do not accept your application.
Please email us or call 800-443-8554 with additional questions.