Smithfield River Rat Regatta August 8: Build and race a cardboard bat on the Neuse River
Date: Sat, Aug 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Venue: Various Locations in Raleigh, Raleigh
Price:
Category: Fitness
The Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. Rain date is August 22. This is your chance to test your boat-making skills in a race on the Neuse River! Spots are limited. Participants may pre-register at Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department (600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkway., Smithfield, NC.) If you have questions contact, 919-934-2148. You can find the rules and registration form here. The race starts at the Boat Ramp on the Town Commons, at 295 Front Street Smithfield, and ends at the Hwy 70 Bridge. This year if the event is rescheduled to the rain date, and then it rains on the rain date (or other conditions don't allow the race on the river) the event will be held at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center. Check out a huge list of summer festivals in the Triangle! Awards Categories Typically, awards are given for: Fastest (youth and adult divisions) Overall best decorated Overall Titanic award (most memorable sinking) Rules 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
