05/23/2026
https://www.boatnik.com/
Boatnik is a massive, annual family festival and boat racing event held over Memorial Day Weekend in Grants Pass, Oregon. Organized by the Grants Pass Active Club for over 60 years, it draws thousands of visitors to Riverside Park along the Rogue River.The coolest part about the event? 100% of the proceeds from the festival are donated to children and youth-based organizations throughout Josephine County.Key Highlights of the FestivalThe Boat Races: True to its name, the river is the main attraction. The weekend features intense Sprint and Drag boat racing, a unique handcrafted Junior Hydro "creek boat" exhibition built by local high school students, and culminates on Monday with the world-famous Tom Rice Memorifood.LiveWater Hydroplane Race.The Boatnik Parade: A beloved Saturday morning tradition featuring beautiful floats, local school marching bands, vintage cars, and community groups traveling right through downtown Grants Pass.Danights.Memorialval: Running from Thursday through Monday, the park transforms into a full carnival complete with rides (from family-friendly to thrill rides), games, and classic fair food.Live Entertainment & Fireworks: The event features a live concert on Friday night, a local Boatnik Brewfest showcasing regional beers and ciders, and spectacular fireworks displays over the river on both Friday and Sunday nights.Memorial Day Service: On Monday, the festival includes a solemn Memorial Day service to honor veterans, which features a military jet flyover.Admission to Riverside Park itself is entirely free, though specific activities like the carnival rides, concert, and Brewfest require purchased tickets.