Tulsa's Great Raft Race to end with final sunset celebration in 2025

Ten years since its revitalization, Tulsa’s Great Raft Race is preparing for its final splash. Organizers announced the long-running Labor Day race will sunset after its 2025 season, marking the occasion with a farewell event on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The move is being described not as a goodbye, but as a victory lap and a celebration of mission accomplished.

From a radio stunt to Oklahoma’s largest day event

Originally launched in 1973 by KRMG Radio, the Great Raft Race quickly grew. At its peak, more than 600 rafts and 100,000 spectators filled the Arkansas River corridor to watch the event. It remained a Labor Day staple until 1991, when organizers say safety and logistical issues brought it to a halt.

A 2015 revival with a mission

The race returned in 2015, thanks to Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) and a community vision to reconnect Tulsans with the Arkansas River. The event's comeback was led by TYPros leader Seth Erkenbeck.

“The dream was always bigger than a single event,” said Erkenbeck, executive director of the race. “It was about reminding Tulsa what our river could be.”

That dream came true. In the years since its return, the race helped rally public support for major projects like the Vision package and the Zink Lake restoration, reestablishing the river as a recreational anchor for the city.

Powered by partnerships and passion

The relaunch was funded by the first-ever grant from the TYPros Foundation, with backing from organizations including Public Service Company of Oklahoma, River Parks Authority and AAON. Each year, the race brought together handmade rafts, local teams, food trucks and live music to turn the river into Tulsa’s end-of-summer party.

"I believe deeply in the power of bold ideas to build community pride," said Shagah Zakerion, Tulsa Great Raft Race communications director. "The Great Raft Race was our first grant for exactly that reason, because it reconnected Tulsa to the river and each other. Being part of its journey ever since has been a true privilege."

One final float: Aug. 16 farewell event

Although the 2025 Labor Day race is canceled, the team will host one final community event: Raft Race Sails into the Sunset, taking place Saturday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at River Parks East Bank.

The casual celebration will include food trucks, music, giveaways, and one last river float. Organizers encourage anyone who ever paddled, planned, or cheered to join in.

“This all began with the goal of showing Tulsa what was possible on our river,” said co-director Mary Fencl. “The transformation we hoped for is now a reality. That’s worth celebrating with one last sail into the sunset.”

What’s next for Tulsa’s riverfront?

While the race’s long-form format is ending, organizers say new ideas are on the horizon. A whitewater event could return in future years, but for now, there will be no Raft Race or Whitewater event in 2025.

Event Info: Final Sunset Celebration

Raft Race Sails into the Sunset

📅 Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025

⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.

📍 River Parks East Bank

🔗 Details: www.tulsaraftrace.com