Kayaking events in Arizona in 2026 feature a mix of competitive fishing tournaments, scenic
tours, and specialized night paddles, including the Havasu Heat race, Neon Nights at Saguaro Lake, and
multiple Bass Junkyz tournament dates. Key 2026 events are held at Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, and the
Salt River.
Key 2026 Kayak Events And Tournaments
Bass Junkyz 2026 Kayak Tour: Multiple dates including April 18 (Apache), May 2 (Roosevelt), and May
30 (Bartlet
Neon Nights Kayaking (June 1 – Aug 31): Guided evening tours at Saguaro Lake with LED-lighted
kayaks.
Arizona Adaptive Water Sports: Ride & Row at Watson Lake (Sept 23) and Marble Canyon kayaking (Sept
30).
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour (May 2): Guided paddling, often organized for military
personnel.
Recurring And Seasonal Activities
Chasing Waterfalls Tours: Recurring weekly (Mon-Thu) at Canyon Lake, available in early 2026.
Emerald Cave Tours: Regular guided tours from Willow Beach into the Colorado River’s Emerald Cave.
Salt River Tubing & Kayaking: Seasonal scenic paddling in the Tonto National Forest.
For more specific, up-to-date information, it is recommended to check local Arizona kayak clubs
and event platforms like Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide .
Kayak Events In Arizona 2026
Arizona offers a variety of kayaking events in 2026, ranging from competitive races and fishing
tournaments to unique community paddles like “Glow Kayaking.”
Major Festivals And Competitions
.
Castle Creek Triathlon (Kayak/SUP Division):
o Date(s) & Time(s): September 29, 2026 (Registration/Confirmation date).
o Event Location: Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
o Type: Multi-sport Race.
o Description: Includes a specific Sprint Kayak/SUP division featuring a 1,500m paddle, 22km
bike, and 5km run.
Tempe Tourism +5
Recreational and Community Events
Glow Kayak at Tempe Town Lake:
o Date(s) & Time(s): Friday, April 10, 2026 and Friday, May 15, 2026; 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
o Event Location: Tempe Town Lake Marina.
o Type: Community Night Paddle.
o Description: A moonlit paddle where participants use provided glow-in-the-dark accessories to
navigate the lake.
Kids Kayaking Day & Yavapai Adaptive Recreation Expo:
o Date(s) & Time(s): Tuesday, September 22, 2026; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
o Event Location: Arizona Adaptive Watersports.
o Type: Adaptive Community Event.
o Description: An inclusive event focused on bringing kayaking to youth and individuals with
different abilities.
Kayak Fishing Tournaments
The Arizona Kayak Bass Anglers (AKBA) have scheduled several competitive stops for their
2026 season:
April 4, 2026: AOY Series #4 at Lake Pleasant.
May 2–3, 2026: AOY Series #3 / WCC Q#3 at Lake Havasu.
October 10, 2026: Top Water Open at Roosevelt Lake.
Ongoing Guided Tours And Adventures
For those seeking organized group experiences rather than one-day festivals, several outfitters
offer specialized 2026 seasonal tours:
Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell
Combined kayak and hike tours are available daily, often featuring the famous Water Antelope
Canyon.
Black Canyon & Emerald Cave
Multiple daily guided tours launch from Willow Beach, including sunset glow tours where
kayaks are illuminated with lights.
Verde River
“Water to Wine” tours in Cottonwood combine a river paddle with local wine tasting.