Amplify: 2021 Oklahoma Regatta Festival Set for October 1-3

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 22, 2021) – After going virtual in 2020, the 2021 Oklahoma Regatta Festival will be held October 1-3 in the Boathouse District. Hosted by RIVERSPORT, the family-friendly festival features rowing, canoe/kayak and dragon boat racing, the OKC Thrive Outside Expo, outdoor adventures, OGE NightSprints and fireworks on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Spectators will see top collegiate, masters and junior rowing teams from across the country, high performance athletes training at the USRowing OKC National High Performance Center and corporate rowing, whitewater rafting and dragon boating teams going head-to-head in championship competition.

 “This is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors, enjoy some great racing and RIVERSPORT adventures, and then stay for the fireworks,” said Mike Knopp, executive director.

The family festival will feature the free OKC Thrive Outside Kayak League Championships (9-11 am) and Expo (11 am to 3 pm) on Saturday, with a focus on youth. Partners in the OKC Thrive Outside Expo include Boy Scouts, OKC Parks and Rec, Oklahoma State Parks, Scissortail Park, and REI.  Partners will share hands-on information about fishing, knot-tying, campfire cooking, kayaking and more!

RIVERSPORT will also offer rafting and adventures, great food from Big Water Grill, a beer and wine garden to enjoy during races, and vendors with official event t-shirts, rowing gear and other items for purchase. The family festival will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is free; parking is $10.

Event Schedule

RIVERSPORT Corporate Rowing and Dragon Boat League Championships happen during 500m OGE NightSprints on Friday night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

On Saturday, OKC Thrive Outside Kayak League Championships are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the Thrive Outside Expo is 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Oklahoma City University Head of the Oklahoma runs 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on followed by Paddlefest Dragon Boat racing, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The 500m OGE NightSprints are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday evening. OCU Head of the Oklahoma racing concludes Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Fireworks will begin at the conclusion of racing on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

RIVERSPORT Adventures, including RIVERSPORT Rapids for whitewater rafting and tubing, Surf OKC, Ski OKC, and the Velosolutions Pump Track, will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Parking is $10 and benefits RIVERSPORT Foundation’s nonprofit initiatives to provide more access to outdoor activities for underserved people in the community.

The Oklahoma Regatta Festival is made possible through the generous support of the Chickasaw Nation, OGE, Love’s, Chesapeake Energy, KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4, The Oklahoman, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Tyler Media, Oklahoma State University, Prosperity Bank, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, American Fidelity, Michelob Ultra, OU Medicine, Prosperity Bank, Jackie Cooper BMW, and Inasmuch Foundation.

For more information about the 2021 Oklahoma Regatta Festival, visit https://www.riversportokc.org/events/oklahoma-regatta-festival/, info@riversportokc.org or call (405) 552-4040.