Palmer Lake's Best Day on the Water Returns in 2027
Paddle board races, a BBQ cook-off, dumb things that float, live music, and a local business market. Our 2026 event is a wrap and we are already working on next year. Check back here for 2027 dates and details.
COMPETE, PADDLE, FLOAT & ENJOY THE FUN
Three competitions ran at Palmer Lake on August 1st: the paddle board races, the BBQ cook-off, and dumb things that float. Rules for each are below if you want to start planning. Registration for 2027 will open here when dates are set.
Paddle Board Competition
$25 / $50Racers crossed Palmer Lake in age-based categories, from Lil' Surfers to Silver Surfers and Paddles and Pets. 2026 pricing was $25 pre-registration or $50 at the event.
See The Race RulesBBQ Cook-Off
$50Pitmasters went head to head for the best BBQ at Palmer Lake, with winners announced at 2:30pm. Same format is planned for 2027, so there is time to practice.
See The Cook-Off RulesDumb Things That Float
$50Teams built something ridiculous and found out whether it floats. Our most creative competition ran from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Start scheming for 2027.
See The Float Rules
What Is The Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle?
The Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle brings together the community for a full day of fun at Palmer Lake. Paddle board races, a BBQ cook-off, the dumb things that float competition, live music by Grizzly Gopher, a local business market, and food trucks all in one place!
Local Business Market
Browse booths from local businesses at our market running from 8:30am - 3:00pm. Discover new favorites and meet the entrepreneurs behind them.
Paddle Board Races
Compete in age-based categories: Little Surfers (10-13), Wake Makers (14-17), Paddle Pros (18+), Paddles and Paws (18+ with your pet!), and Silver Surfers (55+).
BBQ Cook-Off
Compete in the Smokin' Showdown cooking competition. Winners announced at 2:30pm with prizes for the best BBQ!
Dumb Things That Float
Build something creative, silly, or downright ridiculous and see if it floats on Palmer Lake! Our most entertaining competition from 11:30am - 12:30pm.
Live Music By Grizzly Gopher
Colorado's most ferocious party band takes the stage from 12:00pm - 3:00pm! Grizzly Gopher brings the energy and the party to Palmer Lake. Get ready for a live music experience that will keep you dancing all afternoon long.
- 12pm Band Starts
- 3 Hours of Live Music
- CO Colorado's Party Band
Palmer Lake, CO
The Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle takes over Palmer Lake every summer. This lakeside venue is made for paddle board races, the dumb things that float competition, the BBQ cook-off, and the local business market, with live music, food trucks, and community spirit right on the water. Same spot in 2027.
Get Directions
Hosted By
The Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle is proudly hosted by these amazing local businesses and community leaders.
- Red Beard's Trash Co redbeardstrash.com
- Red Feather Firearms, LLC redfeatherfirearms.com
- The Mortgage Lady Team themtglady.com
- JG Construction jgroofingllc.com
Also Sponsored By
Be a 2027 Vendor or Sponsor at Palmer Lake
Set up a booth, sponsor the day, or both. Whether you want a 10x10 vendor space at the local business market or top-tier signage across the whole event, you get real visibility in front of the entire Tri-Lakes community. These were our 2026 tiers, shown so you can plan ahead. 2027 pricing and sign-ups will be posted here.
- Booth or Cook-Off Space $150
Get a 10x10 booth space at the event with your name listed on the sponsor board, event map, and t-shirt.
Whats Included?- Name on sponsor board & event map
- 10x10 booth space
- Name on event t-shirt
- Business Market Sponsor $350
Elevated visibility with logo placement on the website, social media recognition, and a booth space at the event.
Whats Included?- Name on sponsor board & social media post
- Logo on website & event map
- 10x10 booth space & 1 event t-shirt
- Event Sponsor $1,000
Top-tier visibility with prominent logo placement everywhere, priority booth placement, and maximum event entries.
Whats Included?- Top prominent logo on all materials & signage
- Priority 10x10 booth & 5 event t-shirts
- 4 paddle board tickets + 1 cook-off entry
