Raft Race Sails into the Sunset
Saturday, August 16, 2025
6:30–9:30 p.m.
River Parks East Bank at 18th and Riverside Drive
FREE and open to the public, all ages welcome
RSVP at www.tulsaraftrace.com to receive TWO free drink tickets for Marshall Brewing (21+ only)
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Join us for one final splash as we celebrate 10 unforgettable years of Tulsa’s Great Raft Race. This casual, come-and-go evening marks the official sunset of our beloved Labor Day long race, and we’re going out in style.
This isn’t the traditional 8-mile float; it’s a short, scenic 1-mile, bring-your-own-boat community float on the new Zink Lake, perfect for kayaks, paddleboards, and laid-back sunset vibes as we loop the river.
Want to Help?
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with event setup, merch table staffing, and float coordination. Let us know if you’d like to lend a hand by emailing
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Let’s Send It Off Right
Whether you paddled the race, volunteered behind the scenes, or cheered from the shore, this is your celebration. Raise a toast, take a float, and help us sunset one of Tulsa’s most joyful traditions.
RSVP or learn more at www.tulsaraftrace.com
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What to Expect:
-Community Float - Take part in a one-mile group float looping on Zink Lake starting around 7:30 p.m. Bring your vessel or rent one on-site through Zink Lake Rentals. Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked directly through the vendor’s website.
-Live DJ + Stage - Enjoy music and a festive atmosphere throughout the evening by OnCore Productions.
-Food Trucks: Andolini's and Kona Ice will be dishing up deliciousness for purchase.
-Marshall Brewery will be on site pouring brews (first two on us with RSVP!).
-Giveaways + Historic Merch: A limited run of historic Great Raft Race shirts will be available via Mythic Press’ online store. Pre-order your favorites and pick them up at the event. A limited quantity of extra shirts may be available for purchase on-site, with card payments only.
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Timeline of Events:
6:30 pm Festivities kick off
7:00 pm Brief remarks and recognition
7:15 pm Group photo
7:30 pm Launch from the new East Bank Dock, near the Zink Lake Rentals outpost at 18th and Riverside, for the sunset float
8:15 pm SUNSET
8:30 pm First vessels arrive back at the East Bank Dock at take-out; if you prefer to make a one-way trip, please arrange your pickup vehicle on the west side of the river.
9:30 pm Festivities end
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Things to Know:
Parking & Boat Drop Off
-Boat drop-off is available near the East Bank Dock at Zink Lake (near 18th & Riverside). After unloading, please proceed to event area.
-Event parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the large River Parks lot stretching from 16th Street to 23rd Street, just north of Diagoro Restaurant.
-Please do not use the restaurant’s lot. After drop-off, continue north on Riverside Drive to find available parking.
Where exactly is the float happening? Where do we put in and take out?
-The community float will take place on Zink Lake, following a one-mile loop that starts and ends at the new East Bank Dock near 18th Street and Riverside Drive, right next to the Zink Lake Rentals outpost. You’ll launch from the dock around 7:30 p.m., float at your own pace, and return to the same location for take-out. If you’d prefer to float one-way only, please coordinate your own pickup arrangements across the river.
Water Safety:
-Participants are responsible for their own safety and equipment during the community float. This is an informal, self-guided event; no water safety vessels or on-water support will be provided, and security will not be stationed on site. All floaters participate at their own risk and are responsible for managing their own vessels. Organizers are not liable for personal injury, lost belongings, or incidents on the water. Participants must follow the River Parks Authority and Arkansas River safety regulations, including wearing a life vest while on the water.
Also check out other Sports events in East St Louis, Food & Drink events in East St Louis.
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