Flathead Rivers Alliance hosts interactive river safety fair on April 26

As spring runoff approaches and river season begins, Flathead Rivers Alliance and Montana Kayak Academy are inviting the community to get river-ready at the 2026 River Safety Fair on Sunday, April 26 from 2–5 p.m. at Sacred Waters Brewing in Kalispell. 

This free, family-friendly event reimagines the traditional river safety workshop as a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. In partnership with Montana Kayak Academy, the River Safety Fair offers an interactive format where participants can explore a variety of skill-building stations led by experienced river professionals. 

Participants can move through a “choose-your-own-learning” experience featuring instructors from across the region, including: 406 Packraft, People and Carnivores, Great Northern Whitewater & Resort, Montana Kayak Academy and Flathead Raft Co. 

Additional contributors include a Wilderness First Responder instructor and The Mountain Guides. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to read river features and identify hazards, rig boats for safety, practice essential knots and rescue techniques, learn proper gear selection and cold-water layering, plan safer river trips, explore river ethics and low-impact recreation practices, fain insights into packrafting and river camping in bear country, interactive activities and community connection. 

Guests can pick up a River Safety Fair Passport, complete hands-on challenges, and earn raffle entries and swag throughout the event. Whether new to river recreation or a seasoned boater looking to refresh skills, participants will leave better prepared for a safe and enjoyable season on the water. 

Free and open to all ages. No registration required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

For full event details, visit flatheadrivers.org/events/2026-river-safety-fair