Grants Pass, Oregon– The 66th annual Boatnik Festival is heading into its grand finale with a full slate of high-speed races, community celebrations, and patriotic tributes scheduled for Sunday and Memorial Day Monday, May 25–26.
Held at Riverside Park along the Rogue River, the long-standing Southern Oregon tradition continues to draw large crowds with a mix of motorsport spectacle and family-friendly entertainment.
Sunday, May 25: Exhibitions, Music, and Fireworks
Sunday’s events kick off at 10 a.m. with a sprint boat exhibition that sets the tone for a day centered around speed and showmanship. Attendees can explore the Midway, where the Davis Shows Carnival and booths will be open throughout the day, along with the Boatnik Sponsor Tent and the Refreshment Garden.
A Drag Boat Exhibition at 12:30 p.m. and a Junior Jetboat display at 2 p.m. will keep the riverfront buzzing. Historical Drift Boat exhibitions follow at 3:45 p.m., offering a nod to the heritage of the Rogue River. The second Drag Boat Exhibition of the day launches at 4 p.m.
The evening winds down with the finals of the Grants Pass Automotive Golf Shoot-Out from 5 to 7 p.m. and a country music concert by rising star Trey Lewis from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The night concludes with a fireworks show over the river, continuing Boatnik’s tradition of closing Sunday with a bang.
Monday, May 26: Memorial Observance and Hydroplane Race
Boatnik’s final day begins at 10 a.m. with hydroplane warm-ups. A solemn Memorial Day ceremony, including a jet flyover, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., honoring service members who gave their lives in defense of the country.
The crown jewel of the festival, the Tom Rice Memorial White Water Hydroplane Race, starts at 1 p.m. Named for the late local racing legend, the race sends thunderous hydroplanes speeding down the Rogue in a test of speed, skill, and nerve.
Other Monday highlights include Bingo at the Riverside Park Pavilion from 1 to 4 p.m., and the family-friendly “Monday Sundae” event hosted by Dairy Queen and Umpqua Dairy at 1:30 p.m. The carnival and midway booths will also be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for one last ride.
Festival Info
Organizers boast that Boatnik proceeds benefit youth and children’s programs in Josephine County. While most events are free to the public, select attractions require tickets. More information, including event maps and parking guidance, can be found at boatnik.com.
As the festival prepares to close another chapter, organizers and spectators alike are hoping for sunny skies and smooth water to finish Boatnik 2025 on a high note.
Source: Boatnik
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