23RD ANNUAL INDIAN CREEK FESTIVAL
Friday, September 18, 2026 • 6 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 7 am - 4 pm
+ THE 2026 CARDBOARD KAYAK RACES REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
+ THE 2026 CARDBOARD KAYAK RACES REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Caldwell’s story didn’t always include our beloved Indian Creek. In fact, these waters were flowing for decades beneath layers of road and buildings. The city’s initial Indian Creek Festival began in 2003 as a celebration of when the creek’s first section was uncovered. What was once a small gathering in a parking lot has now become a two-day festival that spans blocks in our beautifully revived downtown.
This is one of our favorite events of the year, so we packed the weekend with family-friendly activities. Some highlights include a Fireman’s breakfast, oldies car show, first responder tug-of-war, and the crowd favorite: Cardboard Kayak Race. Come see what these folks can do with some old boxes, duct tape, a little paint and a lot of innovation!
6 -- 9 pm | National Drive Electric Month Car Show
6 -- 9 pm | Live Music from Asphalt Buffet
FRIDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7 – 10 am | Fireman’s Breakfast | Caldwell Fire Dept.
9 – 11:30 am | Live Music from JR and the Stingrays
9 -- 11 am | Classic Car Show
9 --11 am | Idaho Vintage Motorcycle Club Show
9 -- 1 pm | Chalk the Block
9 --1 pm | 4-H Activities
10 am – 4 pm | Vendor Market
12 – 1 pm | Tug of War
2 – 3 pm | Cardboard Kayak Race
3 -- 5 pm | Live Music from Redlight Challenge
CARDBOARD
KAYAK RACES
2026 Online Registration is Now Open! Click the Link to Sign Up for the Cardboard Kayak Races!
CHALK THE
BLOCK
Chalk the Block - Showcase Your Art & Skill
Saturday, September 19th
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
CLASSIC
CAR SHOW
Lock in your spot and roll your ride into the heart of the festival in this annual favorite event.
LIVE MUSIC
ASPHALT BUFFET | Friday 6-9 PM
The Stingrays are best known for their oldies Rock ‘n Roll and Doo-Wop style emulating the great harmony bands of the sock-hop era. Their retro-nostalgic music style caters to music lovers of virtually every age group.
JR & THE STINGRAYS | Saturday 9-11:30 AM
The Stingrays are best known for their oldies Rock ‘n Roll and Doo-Wop style emulating the great harmony bands of the sock-hop era. Their retro-nostalgic music style caters to music lovers of virtually every age group.
RED LIGHT CHALLENGE | Saturday 3-5 PM
Red Light Challenge is a powerhouse pop-rock duo that’s like if Neon Trees and Coldplay had a baby at a Walk the Moon concert. It’s Sean and Kyle Luster, brothers and best friends with undeniable onstage chemistry and witty banter.
VENDOR MARKET
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Penelope’s Face Painting
Idaho Transportation Department/RBCI
Creative Lense & Stitch
The Wild Mare
Lesser Art Co
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Indian Creek Festival is a uniquely Caldwell two-day community celebration in Downtown honoring the uncovering and restoration of Indian Creek.
The festival began in 2003 as a celebration of the first section of Indian Creek being uncovered after flowing for decades beneath downtown roads and buildings. What began as a small gathering has grown into the 23rd Annual Indian Creek Festival, filling several blocks of downtown Caldwell with live music, food, artisan vendors, competitions, car shows, family activities, and community traditions.
One of the festival’s most popular traditions is the Cardboard Kayak Race, where community-built cardboard boats take to Indian Creek to see who can make it to the finish line and who ends up in the water!
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The 23rd Annual Indian Creek Festival takes place:
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Programming begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 5 PM.
The festival takes place throughout downtown Caldwell, centered around Indian Creek Plaza, Indian Creek Park, and the surrounding downtown blocks.
Indian Creek Plaza is located at 120 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell, Idaho 83605
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Yes! Indian Creek Festival is free to attend and open to the entire community.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment, exhibitions, competitions, activities, and festival attractions throughout the weekend at no charge.
Food, beverages, merchandise, reserved tables, and other optional purchases are available at an additional cost.
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The Festival takes place throughout downtown Caldwell, so plan to spend time outdoors and explore several different Festival areas.
We recommend:
Wearing comfortable walking shoes
Dressing for the September weather
Bringing sunscreen and sun protection for daytime activities
Planning extra time to explore downtown Caldwell
Checking the event schedule before arriving so you don’t miss your favorite activities
Because Friday and Saturday feature different activities, guests are encouraged to visit both days for the full Indian Creek Festival experience.
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The latest Indian Creek Festival schedule, registration information, participating vendors, entertainment, maps, and event updates can be found on this official Indian Creek Festival page above.
A festival map and additional guest information will be posted as the event approaches. For last-minute announcements or schedule changes, guests should also follow Indian Creek Plaza on social media.
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Free public parking is available throughout downtown Caldwell within walking distance of Indian Creek Plaza.
Parking options include on-street parking, designated public parking areas, and downtown lots. Both three-hour and all-day free parking options are available in the downtown area.
Because Indian Creek Festival occupies multiple downtown streets and public spaces, guests should allow additional time to park and walk to festival activities.
Please follow posted parking restrictions and temporary street closure signage during the festival.
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Indian Creek Festival offers a different lineup of activities throughout Friday evening and Saturday.
Friday, September 18
6:00–9:00 PM | National Drive Electric Month Car Show
6:00–9:00 PM | Live Music: Asphalt Buffet
Saturday, September 19
7:00–10:00 AM | Caldwell Fire Department Fireman’s Breakfast
9:00–11:30 AM | Live Music: JR & The Stingrays
9:00–11:00 AM | Classic Car Show
9:00–11:00 AM | Idaho Vintage Motorcycle Club Show
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Chalk the Block
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | 4-H Activities
10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Vendor Market
12:00–1:00 PM | Tug of War
2:00–3:00 PM | Cardboard Kayak Race
3:00–5:00 PM | Live Music: Red Light Challenge
Activities and schedules are subject to change.
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Yes. Some Festival activities require advance registration if you want to participate.
Advance registration is available for activities including:
Cardboard Kayak Races
Chalk the Block
Classic Car Show
Registration links and current participation information can be found at the top of this event page. You do not need to register simply to attend the festival or watch these events.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
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Yes! Indian Creek Festival is a family-friendly event, and leashed dogs are welcome.
The festival offers activities and entertainment for guests of all ages, including car and motorcycle shows, Chalk the Block, 4-H activities, the Vendor Market, live music, Tug of War, Cardboard Kayak Races, and more.
Dogs are welcome throughout Indian Creek Plaza and downtown Caldwell, but they must remain on a leash at all times.
For the safety and comfort of all guests, dogs are not permitted in the Indian Creek Plaza splash pads or water-play areas.
Guests with dogs are encouraged to be mindful of crowds, warm pavement, weather conditions, and other festival attendees. As always, please pick up your dog’s waste so our community stays clean and welcoming for everyone.
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Food and beverages will be available throughout Indian Creek Festival from participating food trucks and food and drink vendors.
The 2026 Festival also includes a large Vendor Market on Saturday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Guests are encouraged to explore downtown Caldwell’s restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and other locally owned businesses located within walking distance of the Festival.
Alcohol may only be consumed on Indian Creek Plaza if it was purchased from the Indian Creek Plaza Bar, which will be open throughout the Festival. Outside alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the Plaza.
TABLE RESERVATIONS
Get Comfortable and Stay for a While!
Tables are $80 and include seating for eight. Your reservation MUST be submitted 48 hours in advance. Tables are limited on a first come first serve basis. Table reservations are non-refundable.
All this activity and adventure can make one hungry!
Enjoy a meal at one of downtown Caldwell’s premier restaurants or cafés! From crafted coffee and scratch made scone to a James Beard-nominated dining experience, Caldwell offers something for everyone. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of downtown Caldwell’s amazing eateries—Caldwell has it all!
Presenting Partner
Idaho Central Credit Union
Is the premier lender and credit union serving Idaho, Washington, and Eastern Oregon
Entertainment Partner | Cardboard Kayak Races
TDS Fiber
Get ready to experience lightning fast internet with TDS Fiber!
Entertainment Partner | Modern Car Show
Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition
Advancing alternative transportation fuels in the Treasure Valley.
Entertainment Partner | Tug O’ War Competition
Champion Windows
Champion proudly offers custom-built replacement windows. From our factory to your home.
Beautiful sunrooms, siding and doors, too!
Naming Activity Partner
Idaho Power
At Idaho Power, we want to be there when our customers need us most – that’s why we work hard to power communities with safe, reliable, affordable, clean energy!
Activity Partners
