21st Annual Paddling Film Festival
Co-Presented by Flathead Rivers Alliance & Montana Kayak Academy
O’Shaughnessy Center, Whitefish, MT
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM | 🎬 Films: 7:00–9:00 PM
Tickets
$15 Advance Online (online closes Noon on May 2)
$20 At the Door (starting at 5:30 PM on May 2)
Online ticket sales will close at NOON on the day of event. Tickets will be available at the door for $20.
Kick off paddling season with an evening of adventure, inspiration, and river community! Flathead Rivers Alliance and Montana Kayak Academy are proud to co-host the 21st Annual Paddling Film Festival, an international adventure film tour showcasing the world’s best paddling films of the year.
From expert whitewater runs and epic sea kayaking journeys to powerful environmental stories, SUP expeditions, and grueling kayak fishing battles—this year’s lineup celebrates paddling culture and river stewardship from around the globe.
Join us early! Doors open at 5:30 PM for:
- Refreshments and river chats in the lobby
- FRA & MKA booths with merch and program info
- Raffle ticket sales for epic prizes
- Learn about 2026 volunteer events and programs
Films begin promptly at 7:00 PM
This annual event is a fundraiser supporting the nonprofit missions of:
Flathead Rivers Alliance
Supporting and enhancing the outstanding and remarkable Three Forks of the Flathead River; ensuring access and enjoyment for all while developing the next generation of river stewards.
www.flatheadrivers.org
Montana Kayak Academy
Providing free, certified whitewater kayak instruction to youth, while instilling confidence, respect, and river stewardship.
www.montanakayakacademy.com
Tickets
$15 Advance Online
$20 At the Door (starting at 5:30 PM on May 2)
Online ticket sales will close at NOON on the day of event. Tickets will be available at the door for $20.
Proceeds directly support both organizations’ nonprofit work.
Giveaways & raffle prizes available for attendees.
Come celebrate rivers, community, and the start of paddling season!
TAP TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Food:
BEVERAGE SPONSORS:
RAFFLE & GIVEAWAY SPONSORS:
MORE COMING!!
RAFFLE PRIZE TEASER **More raffle prizes are rolling in and we’ll update on event page as they come in.
Charitable raffle proceeds will go to support Flathead Rivers Alliance and Montana Kayak Academy’s non-profit mission work around river safety and education. Thanks to all the businesses and organizations that have donated prizes for this year’s film fest raffle. Raffle will take place at end of film fest intermission.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT COURTESY:
FILM FEST PROCEEDS SUPPORT THESE NON-PROFITS MISSION WORK:
The Flathead Rivers Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to support and enhance the outstanding and remarkable three forks of the Flathead River; ensuring access and enjoyment for all while developing a new generation of river stewards. www.flatheadrivers.org
Montana Kayak Academy is a non-profit organization that provides free certified whitewater kayak instruction to youth; instilling confidence, respect and river stewardship. www.montanakayakacademy.com