Tuck Fest at US National Whitewater Center a great weekend getaway
April 29 - May 1, 2022
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Tuck Fest is a multi-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The festival features a variety of outdoor competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle, and adventure racing. In six years, Tuck Fest has grown from 14,000 attendees in 2013 to over 48,000 attendees in 2019. The name “Tuck Fest” comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the Whitewater Center.
For guests who are interested in simply experiencing the sights and sounds of Tuck Fest, there is no ticket or registration required (standard parking fees apply). Everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music, demos and view all of the competitions free of charge. If you would like to participate in competitions, Tuck Fest race registration is a one-time flat fee that grants access to all races and competitions throughout the three day festival.
PLAN YOUR DAY
Tuck Fest runs Friday morning 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.
LIVE MUSIC
Live music takes place through the afternoons and evenings at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in the middle of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Take a look at the musical headliners at Tuck Fest this year.
TICKETS AND ADD-ONS
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 $6 per day for cars and motorcycles; $18 per day for vans, RVs, and buses).
If you would like to take part in one of the 35+ races or competitions, one flat fee will grant you access to every single competition over the weekend (except for the Deep Water Solo Competition – that is 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, private bar, and private bathrooms are more your speed, join us for Terrace Access for a premiere view of the live music and festivities.
PARKING AND ARRIVAL
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 ($6 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.
PLACES TO STAY
We can make you feel right at home with the small town feel of Belmont, just minutes from the fun and festivities of Tuck Fest at US National Whitewater Center. Our hotels are a great meeting place for your group offering complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and ample meeting space! With tons to do and see in the area, these accommodations are truly the best place to stay during Tuck Fest.
