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 spanning the creek (someone’s gettin’ wet!) 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!
FRIDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6 -- 9 pm | National Drive Electric Month Car Show
6 -- 9 pm | Live Music from Asphalt Buffet
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
Info and signups coming soon!
TUG-OF-WAR
RECRUIT A TEAM
GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH YOUR OPPONENTS
STAY FOR THE FINALE: POLICE VS FIRE
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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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!