Pigeon RiverFest 2026

Announcing the 3rd Annual Pigeon Riverfest: August 22nd, 10am to 6pm at the Canton Recreation Park and The Current Tavern in! Canton, NC

Come Celebrate With Us at the 2nd Annual Pigeon RiverFest!

Join us for a fun-filled day on the river as we celebrate community, recreation, and the beauty of the Pigeon River! We’ve all been working hard—now it’s time to play.

Back by popular demand is our outrageous Team Tubing Competition, plus two exciting new additions: a Stand-Up Paddleboard Race and the very first Pigeon Riverball Tournament (yep, we made it up, and it’s going to be epic). Winners will receive fabulous prizes at BearWaters Brewery following the races. Be sure to bring your float for the Float Party beside the The Current Taverns deck!

Kids will love the bumper tubes and floating trampoline, while everyone can enjoy live music, cloggers, local vendors, food trucks, and refreshing beverages.

This year also marks the grand reopening of the Pigeon River Orchard and Public Gardens, a joyful milestone in our community’s ongoing recovery and growth.

Outdoor recreation vendors and local organizations will be on hand to share how you can get involved in Pigeon River adventures and conservation efforts.

🎉 Admission is free!
Water activity participants pay team sponsor fees, and food and beverages are available à la carte.

All proceeds and donations support the Pigeon River Garden Club and other local nonprofits working to protect and restore our river and community.

Events

  • Pigeon RiverFest Outrageous Team Tubing Event

    Last years’ favorite event is returning, bigger and better this year. 

    Sponsored 4 person teams dress up in zany costumes and decorate their tubes. Contestants assemble at the Canton Recreation Park and float down to the BearWaters Brewery. Judges will assess each team for creativity. Contestants will also be timed. Prestigious prizes will be awarded for:

    • Best Costume and Tube Decor

    • Best Time

    • People’s Choice

    Tubing Team sponsors contribute $500.00 per team, which covers the cost of tube rental and RiverFest T shirts.

    REPORT TO 45 PENLAND ST, CANTON, N.C. @ 10:00-12:00 pm FOR CHECK IN &

    NUMBER ASSIGNMENTS. TUBERS WILL HAVE STAGGERED STARTS.

    Club members will be there to assign your entry number and take or check off waivers.

    Tubers will be transported starting at 10:00 am.

    Head on over to our Shop to reserve your team today!

  • Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.

  • Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.

  • Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

  • We often include optional check-ins, next steps, or community resources to help you keep the momentum going.

  • Item description

  • Item description

Itinerary

  • Workshop participants ease into the day with creative prompts and a welcome circle to get grounded and set the tone.

  • Our first session focuses on the foundations of floral design. From tool basics to flower care and simple composition tips, you’ll start building confidence and finding your creative rhythm.

  • Participants will be responsible for brining their own lunch, but we'll provide water and some additional snacks throughout the day.

  • With the basics fresh, we’ll dive into hands-on arranging. We’ll explore shape, scale, and movement while encouraging personal style through floral design.

  • To close the day, you’ll create a final piece to share with the group. We’ll reflect on your process and celebrate the creativity that unfolded.

Meet Our Sponsors

Cold Mountain Tubing

The Current Tavern

Town of Canton

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for a workshop.

Your Questions, Answered
Register
Register

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • How can I contact you?

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.