Tuck Fest Insider’s Guide

Tuck Fest runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, with live music, races, competitions, clinics, and yoga stacked throughout the weekend. We recommend reviewing the schedule and map in detail to prioritize your plan. Check back a month before the festival to find a printable version of the daily schedule and map on the Festival Map page.

Tuck Fest is free to attend. To enjoy music, spectate any race or competition, participate in clinics and land-based yoga, or peruse vendor village, the only thing you will need to pay is standard parking fees (on-site parking is $12 per day for cars and motorcycles; $25 per day for vans, RVs, and buses).

If you would like to take part in one of the dozens of races or competitions, one flat fee will grant you access to every single competition over the weekend (except for the Pro Comps – these are invite only). If you have your eye on rafting, ziplining, flatwater SUP, or any other of our activities, activity passes will be available all weekend.

If catered meals, a private bar, and private bathrooms are more your speed, contact Group Sales at (704) 391-3900 x116 to rent the Terrace for a premier view of the live music and festivities.

Arrive early. Peak traffic times are typically in the late afternoon and evening before the musical headliners; Saturday is high traffic throughout the day. Allow yourself ample time to arrive if you are planning to attend a specific event or performance. Parking can be up to a half mile walk from the main facility, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Keep in mind that as with any festival or concert of this size, there will be a significant volume of guests leaving the facility immediately following the final performance. Stick around for the encore, another beer, or to hang out with your friends to avoid peak traffic times.

We welcome the use of Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing options. There will be a designated free ridesharing drop-off point on Whitewater Center Parkway. From the drop-off point, it is a half mile walk to the main facility. If you would like to be dropped off at the main facility, standard parking fees ($12 per vehicle) will apply. Keep in mind during peak traffic hours you may need to walk to meet your ride at the designated pickup spot due to traffic.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department controls traffic on all public roads. CMPD can exercise the right to reroute or even temporarily close access at their discretion in order to alleviate extreme traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.

There are numerous options around the facility to grab a cold beverage and a full meal or quick snack.

Pump House Biergarten, Trail Center, The Market, and River’s Edge are always options for food and drink service. Take advantage of pop-up food outlets and bars all over the Center.

The Market, Trail Center, River Center, and Outfitters also offer snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and chips for a quick refuel.

View all Food and Beverage Hours of Operation on the Whitewater Center Food and Beverage Page.

Tuck Fest features over 80 outdoor industry brands across numerous disciplines. Within the Vendor Villages, Tuck Fest-ers can explore new products and demo top-of-the-line gear such as mountain bikes and whitewater kayaks.

Whitewater has raised the stakes for competitors with three marquee competitions. These athletes competed for a total of $35,000 in cash purses across the all-new Dirty Crit, Deep Water Solo, and Boatercross.

Tuck Fest would not be complete without its musical performances. View the music lineup for a variety of artists performing on the River Jam stage.

Events are open to participants of all ages (unless stated otherwise), and Tuck Fest has numerous events created specifically for the kids:

• Kids’ Yoga
• Youth Obstacle Challenge
• Family Adventure Race
• Youth Trail Race
• Youth Short-Track Mountain Bike Race
• Short-Bike World Championships

Tuck Fest is a rain or shine event. In the case of adverse weather, some events may be shifted to accommodate. In the case of precipitation, bring a rain jacket and soak it in.