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The Great Canoe Races of Naples

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Want some more? See you at Riverfest August 1st in downtown Bonita springs! 🚣

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A look back at Race Day 2026 🛶 The Canoe Races marks something uniquely Naples: the end of season, when the crowds thin, the locals stay, and our city gets to breathe, gather, and celebrate.The 46th Great Canoe Races of Naples brought 100+ racers, thousands of spectators, and a Saturday to remind us why this tradition has lasted for generations.Centered around the “Legends of the Gulf” theme, Baker Park became a canvas for creativity, competition, and community.Thank you to every racer, sponsor, volunteer, vendor, performer, and guest who helped shape this year’s event. There’s nothing else like it in Naples — and that’s exactly why it matters.UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!! 🛶 🤘 🎥 @directedbymijo @juststaringatghosts @rosebudzproductions 🎵 @kash_ryder by @naplescanoeraces

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2 months ago

So, where did you watch? Swipe for ideas for next year!From the bridge to boats, the docks to shady park spots, y'all found your own vantages point to catch every heat despite the heat. We saw plenty of creativity: tents, chairs, umbrellas, bikes, skateboards, and everything in between — all helping y'all stay cool.The Canoe Races is at its best when the community makes it their own. We can’t wait to see how you show up next year. by @naplescanoeraces

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2 months ago

📸 Race Day Photos are IN! 🛶The classic “Ambitious Amateurs” heat delivered determination, teamwork, questionable steering decisions, and bridge-side cheering.From first-timers to crews just hoping to stay pointed in the right direction, this race captured the spirit of the Great Canoe Races of Naples: community, creativity, and waterfront celebration.This year’s Legends of the Gulf theme brought even more personality, with pirates, mermaids and sea creatures paddling their way across the finish line.Thank you to every team that set sail, embraced the chaos, and helped make this one of the most entertaining heats of the day. by @naplescanoeraces

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2 months ago

The “Why” Behind Riverfest 🌊💙Riverfest is more than a day of races, live music, food, and fun—it’s a celebration of the place we call home.Downtown Bonita Springs was built alongside the beautiful Imperial River, and that river has always been at the heart of our community. The Bonita Springs Downtown Alliance created Riverfest to bring people back to the water, celebrate our city’s history, and showcase everything that makes Downtown Bonita Springs so special.This event also supports a cause that’s helping shape the future of our community. A portion of the proceeds from Riverfest will benefit B.E.R.T. (Bonita Estero Railroad Trail), a nonprofit dedicated to creating a connected trail system that will enhance safe recreation and preserve the natural landscape that will bring communities together.Most importantly, Riverfest is about investing in our local businesses and building a stronger downtown. Every ticket purchased, every meal enjoyed, every drink shared, and every storefront visited helps support the small businesses that make Downtown Bonita Springs unique.Our vision is simple: create an event our community can be proud of, give people a reason to spend the day downtown, and continue putting Downtown Bonita Springs on the map as a destination for incredible local events.Thank you for helping us build something special. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on Saturday, August 1st. ❤️🌴 by @naplescanoeraces

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17 days ago

🚨 RACERS WANTED! 🚨Think you’ve got what it takes to conquer the Imperial river? 🌊🏆Join us at Bonita Springs Riverfest on Saturday, August 1st and compete in one of our exciting water races:🛶 Canoe Race | 10:30–11:00 AM🏄 Paddleboard Race | 11:30 AM–12:00 PM🚣 Kayak Race | 12:00–12:30 PM⚓ Build Your Own Vessel Race | 1:30–2:00 PMWhether you’re racing for bragging rights, bringing your crew, or showing off your homemade floating masterpiece, there’s a race for everyone!🎟️ Register today before spots fill up! www.riverfestbonita.comTag your paddling partner (or your future competition) and we’ll see you on the river! 🌊💪 by @naplescanoeraces

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18 days ago

A huge thank you to The Great Canoe Races of Naples for supporting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and our mission to protect our region’s water, land, wildlife, and future! This year’s event, hosted on May 18, welcomed an estimated 3,000 attendees, 169 racers, 44 volunteers, and 58 vendors, bringing the community together for a day of fun and friendly competition. Thanks to the event’s success, $6,000 was donated to support our conservation work. We were also proud to have Conservancy staff members Mark Trejo and Sam Gomez compete in the races and bring home a first-place finish in the Amateur Kayak category! Visitors also stopped by our booth to learn more about our work and the exciting future of the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this incredible community tradition. 🚣🌿 by @naplescanoeraces

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23 days ago

LAST CALL: EARLY BIRD TICKET SALES END TOMORROW! If you plan on joining the races with us on August 1st, secure your ticket by tomorrow to get $10 off🚣Get your ticket today at www.riverfestbonita.com (link in bio)#riverfest #bonitasprings #riverfestbonita #lastcall by @naplescanoeraces

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a month ago

Think you have what it takes to be a RiverFest Champion?Race for glory in our Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard, or Build Your Own Vessel competition at Bonita Springs RiverFest on August 1st! 🌊🚣‍♂️Register by Friday and save $10 on your race entry! Claim your spot now at www.riverfestbonita.com#bonitasprings #swflevents #imperialriver #bonitaspringsriverfest #riverfest by @naplescanoeraces

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a month ago

CALLING ALL SPONSORS!!! Bonita Springs RiverFest is looking for sponsors to help make our biggest day on the river a success! From canoe and kayak races to duck races, live music, local vendors, food, drinks, and family-friendly fun, RiverFest is bringing the community together for an unforgettable day.Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, including:🚣 Canoe Race Sponsor🦆 Duck Race Sponsor🌴 Florida Man Sponsor🎶 Live Music Sponsor🤝 Community Sponsor🌊 River SponsorPlus, proceeds will help support B.E.R.T. and their efforts in our community.Ready to get involved? Visit RiverFestBonita.com to learn more and become a sponsor today!#BonitaSpringsRiverFest #BonitaSprings #SupportLocal #SWFLEvents #riveraces by @naplescanoeraces

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a month ago

RiverFest is taking over Downtown Bonita Springs on Saturday, August 1 from 10 AM–4 PM! 🌊☀️Spend the day cheering on racers in our kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and Build Your Own Vessel races, enjoying food and drinks from your favorite downtown restaurants and bars, shopping local vendors, and taking part in all the fun.🎶 Live music from Maddie Jolly and Driftstone Duo🐊 Mechanical Alligator🦆 Duck Races & 50/50 Raffle🛍️ Local Vendors🍔 Food & Drinks from Downtown Bonita Businesses🚣 River Races & MoreBest of all, a portion of event proceeds will benefit the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT), helping support the future of connectivity and outdoor recreation in our community.Bring your friends, bring the family, and come celebrate our community along the Imperial River!Sign up to race or learn more at riverfestbonita.com#RiverFestBonita #DowntownBonitaSprings #BonitaSpringsEvents #SWFLEvents #SupportLocal ImperialRiver by @naplescanoeraces

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a month ago

This year’s theme asked a simple question: what do the legends of Southwest Florida look like to you?The answer showed up everywhere: in costumes on the water, hand-built vessels, decorated boats, and racers fully embracing pirates, sea creatures, coastal folklore, and everything in between. Even the stage spaces carried the same spirit of storytelling and imagination.What we saw wasn’t just a race — it was Naples bringing its own version of Gulf Coast Legends to life. by @naplescanoeraces

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2 months ago

As the Canoe Races have evolved, we're proud to feature Naples businesses and community partners all in one place.From small local makers to established Greater Naples businesses, it gave guests a chance to explore and connect between heats. Thank you again our vendors for being part of the 2026 Great Canoe Races and helping make the full Race Day experience possible. by @naplescanoeraces

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2 months ago