UPDATE: This event has been canceled, due to unsafe conditions.
The Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. Please note that it’s a morning event this year. It’s free to compete and free to watch. This is a rescheduled date.
This is your chance to test your boat-making skills in a race on the Neuse River! Spots are limited, so sign up now.
The race starts at the Boat Ramp on the Town Commons, at 295 Front Street Smithfield, and ends at the Hwy 70 Bridge.
Check out a huge list of summer festivals in the Triangle!
Awards Categories
- Fastest (youth and adult divisions)
- Overall best decorated
- Overall Titanic award (most memorable sinking)
The only materials allowed for the boat is cardboard, duct tape, and glue. And the boat can’t be entirely wrapped in duct tape. The paddles must be made of cardboard as well. Please read the complete rules.
Schedule of River Rat Regatta
- 8 a.m.: Boat registration
- 9:30 a.m.: Boat judging
- 9:45 a.m.: Captains meeting
- 10 a.m.: Regatta begins
- 11:45 a.m.: Awards at the boat ramp
- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.: DJ
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Festivals
Check out a list of fall festivals in the Triangle, or take a look at a few upcoming festivals:
